Fence Installation on a slope

​On a sloped ground, a fence can still be installed. This can be challenging but it depends on the steepness of the land, materials to be used and the method to be employed. There are two ways in which fence installation on a slope can be done. They are: raking (also known as racking or parallel) or stepped approach. These two methods can be combined. When you combine the methods, it is called a hybrid approach. 

​Raking Method

​•    This is most appropriate on shallow slopes.
•    During fence installation on a slope, one can follow the land’s contour. In doing so, each picket should be staggered along the contour. 
•    The pickets are then attached separately. With this, the height of your fence will remain uniform. Horizontal rails are then fitted to the pickets and the posts. The rails should be parallel to the ground. They are fitted at an angle. 
•    The pickets should be set plumb. This will prevent one from leaving gaps beneath the fence. In addition, this prevents pets from escaping or unwanted animals passing through the gaps. 

​Step method

​•    This is the best method for step slopes’ fencing. You can use preassembled panels or start from scratch using rails. 
•    To begin with, install the posts plumb. Then as you progress upslope or downslope, the panel or post should be lower or higher. 
•    The rails or preassembled panels should be perpendicular to the pickets. 
•    Longer posts will be needed on the slope due to the extra height. Each post should be cut individually, in line with the slope at a specific spot. 
•    When completed, the fence will have a staircase look, decreasing or increasing with the grade. 

​Gaps to be Filled

​Some gaps will be found beneath the panel or at the bottom rail. You can prevent unwelcome animals from passing through the gaps under the fence. Fill in the gaps by constructing raised planters, attach horizontal boards or wire mesh to the bottom rail. 

Alternatively, instead of having huge gaps underneath the panels, you can fit gravel boards between the posts.  The slope can be dug out a bit, then the end of the panel dropped on the dug spot. The gravel board is then fitted underneath the fence, between the posts, so that the fence does not touch the ground.

As stated earlier, fence installation on a slope can be done by combining the above two methods. You can keep the posts vertical then the ground is followed by the rails. 

At Knoxville Fence Pros in Knoxville TN, we design and install top quality fences specially customized to one’s preferences and needs. 

​Conclusion

​Since the world has diverse terrain, it doesn’t mean that a hilly yard needs to be entirely leveled. There are many reasons for this including aesthetic value. Therefore, you can use the methods: raking or step approach to ensure fence installation on a slope is done adeptly depending on the gradient. The two can also be combined- the hybrid approach. Fence installation on a slope becomes easier with proper choice of material and approach.