Aluminum Fence Installation
Aluminum fence installation is easier than you might expect. At GreatFence.com, we specialize in rust-free, USA-made aluminum fence panels and gates designed specifically for DIY installation. Whether you’re installing a full aluminum fence barrier or simply one aluminum gate, our American-made system ensures you can get the job done with basic tools. This guide covers how to install aluminum fence posts, panels, and gates without hiring a contractor — saving time and money.
Whether you install our products yourself or hire a handyman to help, do not schedule installation until you have received and inspected your shipment(s). Large orders may be delivered in two shipments.
Before You Begin:
Successful aluminum fence installation starts with proper planning. Before you set your first post, take a few minutes to review the critical setup steps that will ensure smooth DIY installation. Many of our customers install their entire fencing system in a weekend — but it’s essential to start with accurate measurements, the right post types, and awareness of any underground utilities.
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Measure your yard or project space accurately
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Choose between line, end, corner, blank, or gate posts
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Download the Installation Manual (PDF)
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Plan gate openings and determine if surface mounting is required
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Check with your local HOA and/or your local building codes
Do not dig all your holes in advance; install posts as you build your barrier
Required Posts and Mounting Options
Every aluminum fence installation starts with choosing the correct posts. GreatFence.com offers five types of posts — line, end, corner, gate, and blank — each engineered for specific points in your layout. Whether you’re installing an aluminum fence around your yard, pool, or driveway, selecting the right post type ensures a strong, secure fit and smooth panel connections.
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Line Posts – Used between panels in a straight run
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End Posts – Terminate a run or end a fence line
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Corner Posts – Used at 90-degree corners
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Gate Posts – Heavier wall thickness to support gates
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Blank Posts – No punched holes; used for making hard angles or connecting heavy rackable fence panels, mounts sold separately (see: Aluminum Fence Accessories.
Always check your local building codes when it comes to your posts. This is not difficult. Ask your HOA or search for your city/town + building codes.
Cementing your posts in ground, most US jurisdictions require a minimum of 2 feet below surface level; 3 feet if you have a frost-line issue. Always check your local building codes. Welded Plates require your Posts to be 3 INCHES longer than the height of your fence panel or gate. Cement and/or anchors are not included with your purchase; purchase locally. If your specific application requires both types, Cemented In Ground and Welded Plate Posts, always start your installation with the products using the welded plate posts as this will “set” the template for your entire barrier. And, welded plate posts have no vertical adjustment flexibility on-site; whereas posts Cemented In Ground do.
Gates are non-trimmable — all widths are set at the factory
Gate width = opening + hinge and lock spacing
Order gate posts separately — they are not bundled with your gate purchase
Both single and double gates require 2 gate posts total
Install gates before fencing, if preferred, to anchor alignment
Standard and Truclose hinges allow you to decide the swing trajectory on-site
Use our Adjustable Heavy Duty Gate Hinges for single gates 7 feet wide and wider and double gates 14 feet wide and wider
We also offer Steel Gate Posts which are required for single gates 9 feet wide and wider and for double gates 18 feet wide and wider.
Gate Widths are not actual All Gate Widths include the spacing for the hinges and the spacing for the gate lock.
Reminder: All gates include the required spacing for your selected hinge and lock hardware.
