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How To Heighten A Vinyl Fence

If you’re looking for ways to make your vinyl fence taller, read this post. You’ll learn how to heighten a vinyl fence, what to consider, and even alternatives.

Close up of white vinyl fence, each post coming to a point on top, beads  of water on fence, sun going down

Heightening your fence can add more privacy to your yard, keep pets from jumping over, and possibly even increase the value of your home. Most people aren’t aware that you can actually extend a vinyl fence to make it taller, but there are several ways you can do just that. 

In general, a vinyl fence can be heightened by using fence extension kits, lattice, fence toppers, and fence boards. These extensions are secured in place with attachments such as U-channels, tie plates, aluminum brackets, and post extensions.

If you’re looking to make your fence taller without hiring a professional fencing company, keep reading. You’ll learn how to heighten your vinyl fence, things to consider beforehand, and more. 

2 Ft Vinyl Fence Extension

Neighborhood sidewalk, green grass on either side, solid white vinyl fence along homes yards, tall trees, sunny day

There are some pre-made vinyl fence extension kits available, with most adding one or two feet to your fence’s current height. They can be difficult to find, but there are options like this add-on lattice vinyl fence extension that’s designed to fit onto the fence posts. If you can’t find the extension that you need, you can also contact your local fencing company to see if they have extensions or can create custom ones for your fence.

Of course, there are ways you can make your own vinyl fence extensions, as we will cover below.

Vinyl Fence Toppers For Privacy

Close ip of a section of a gray vinyl fnece with a lattice topper

If you’re looking to add more privacy to your yard, you can use vinyl fence toppers. These come in a range of design styles and sizes. You can usually find vinyl fence toppers at common home improvement stores, but you may have more options if you order through your local fencing company. 

They’re usually 1-2 feet tall and are designed to “sleeve” onto your fence’s current posts, and are secured in place with a U-channel and some screws. The most common fence toppers for privacy are lattice toppers or solid panels for a cohesive look when complete.

Vinyl Fence Extension Ideas

There are many ways to extend your vinyl fence, but the ones below have been the most effective and easiest ways to make your fence taller. 

Fence Extension Kits

There are fence extension kits available that include everything you need to heighten your fence, from extension poles to brackets. They make it a very straightforward process, as long as the kit is designed for your specific kind of fence. Always double-check the sizes and make sure it will fit your fence.

Vinyl Lattice 

One of the most popular ways to make a vinyl fence taller is by attaching vinyl lattice to the top. This not only heightens your fence but adds some visual interest as well. You can even use it for vines or flowers, which will add that much more privacy.

To do this, you’ll need to attach post extensions to the fence and extend to your desired height. You will also need to make a frame to hold the lattice or use rails. Then you’ll connect your vinyl lattice to the frame in between each post.

Another way to secure the lattice is to simply screw it to the fence post using some U-channels, which come in different materials from vinyl to metal.

Fence Boards

If you don’t like the look of lattice or just want to try another method, you can DIY some fence boards to act as toppers. This is the least visually pleasing option, but if you don’t mind getting resourceful and putting in the work, it could be a good way to make your fence taller.

You can make a fence board out of anything, but for the most cohesive look, you’ll want to source some vinyl fence panels or at least a lightweight material that matches your current fence. You’ll need to cut the material to size and create a custom frame to hold the fence board in place. If it’s a lightweight material and you don’t mind the unprofessional look, you can probably get away with screwing the fence board to the fence posts and calling it a day.

However, the most durable choice, in this case, would be to extend the posts and make a frame similar to the lattice installation. 

What to Consider Before Heightening Your Vinyl Fence

There are things to consider before starting your project. You don’t want to waste time or money, so before you heighten your vinyl fence, make sure you know what you’re doing and if it’s even allowed in your area.

Laws and Permits

Some homeowners associations or zoning areas require you to get a permit before you do anything to your fence or yard. It will drag out your project longer, but it’s important to check with your local county laws around this and get any necessary permits.

Necessary Tools

Of course, it’s also important to get the right tools for the job. Before you begin your project, gather everything you need from the screws to the drills. If you don’t have the right tools and don’t plan on doing any more home projects, you can simply rent some. 

Skills and Knowledge

Vinyl fencing can be more difficult to deal with than other materials. It’s not as forgiving as wood or metal, so make sure you have the skills and knowledge to deal with vinyl before diving in too far.

Time Commitment

Any DIY project takes time, but you should always be prepared to spend more time than you originally planned for. There’s not much point in starting a project just to never finish it, so allocate time to seeing it through, especially if this is your first time working with fencing. 

The Durability of Your Current Fence

Adding to the height of your fence will also add more weight. It might not seem like a big deal, but your current fence needs to be able to handle the extra materials and things like drilling. If your fence isn’t in good condition, you will likely end up damaging it.

Alternatives to Extending Your Vinyl Fence

If you decide that you don’t want to extend your vinyl fence or can’t find the right solution, there are other ways to provide privacy to your yard. 

Trees, Bushes, and Plants

A great way to add some privacy to your yard is to plant some tall trees or topiary. Dense bushes and even big plants can have the same effect and will freshen up your yard at the same time.

Trellis 

You can also get a trellis that’s taller than your fence and put some climbing plants on it to fill it in for privacy. To keep it full all year round no matter the season, opt for artificial plants that are designed to be outside and can withstand weather and sunlight.

Privacy Screens

Privacy screens come in a very wide range of styles and sizes, so you should easily find one for your needs. If you can’t find one that’s taller than your fence, you can attach them to materials like cinder blocks to make them tall enough. Just like the other alternatives, you can also use your privacy screen to grow climbing plants or even hang large pieces of fabric on it.