Installing a fence on a sloped yard presents unique challenges and requires careful consideration of both the fencing method and materials. A well-designed and properly installed fence can enhance the aesthetics of your property while providing privacy, security, and containment.
Landscaping can be difficult, while drainage and general safety are problems to consider. Thankfully, fencing a sloped yard controls erosion and prevents runoff damage, but the challenge is building the right fence without breaking the bank.
So what are the best fences for sloped yards? We’ll help you with fence ideas and determine which type of fence is best for you and your lawn.
What are the Best Fencing Methods for Sloped Yards?
Fencing a sloped yard requires careful planning and selecting the right fencing method. In this section, we will explore three popular methods that are effective for accommodating varying degrees of slope: racked fence, straight fence, and stepped fence.
Racked Fence
Illustration credit: Juan Rodriguez
A racked fence follows the contour of the land and does not leave any gaps. The rails are matched to the ground's slope and follow the yard's slope, while the fence's posts and pickets are installed a little lower than before to create a smooth flow with the ground.
Racked fencing often comes in prefabricated PVC or aluminum panels. If you prefer a racked fence made of wood, steel, or iron, you must have it custom-built.
Straight Fence
Illustration credit: Juan Rodriguez
One solution is simply installing a fence like you would if the ground was flat, ignoring the slope entirely. For yards with only a subtle incline, this method works just fine. However, if you're installing on a steep slope, there will be large gaps that pets or children could squeeze under, negating the reason for a fence in the first place.
Stepped Fence
Illustration credit: Juan Rodriguez
A stepped fence goes down a hill in a series of steps, with every section of the fence accommodating the slope. Each section is higher or lower than the section adjoining it, so the fence resembles a staircase. Stepped fences have the same gap problem as straight fences, but this can be solved with raised planters, as the gaps aren't as noticeable.
What are the Best Fencing Materials for Sloped Yards?
Wood
Wood fencing styles like the privacy or picket fence can be adapted for a slope, especially if pickets are installed with space between them. If you're not concerned about privacy, then post-and-rail is particularly simple to adjust to sloping land. Pickets may need to be attached to rails individually, but even spaced pickets will offer some privacy.
Aluminum
If you want a metal fence, aluminum fences work great with sloped yards without creating gaps in the fencing. The malleable quality of aluminum means it can be adjusted to different heights, and its lightweight, flexible nature makes it easy and convenient to work with.
Chain Link
Chain-link fencing is durable and lasts about 12 to 15 years. A heavy coat of galvanization or vinyl coating can reduce the risk of rust and corrosion. Since chain link fencing hangs from rails, it can be trimmed to follow the incline of a sloping yard.
Vinyl (PVC)
You can step or slope your PVC fence, but it should only be installed using the slope method going up or down with the changes in your elevation. For all other PVC fence styles, keeping the top of your fence level generally takes more time to install. It is costly since you'll need custom-cut pickets. Still, the overall effect is more aesthetically appealing. It avoids gaps, though some manufacturers make diagonal panels specifically for slopes.
Masonry
Consider a stone or brick fence if you want a highly durable fence for your sloped yard. They are available in several colors, designs, and styles, so you can customize them to suit your property. However, it is costly, so it could be better if you're on a budget.
Bamboo
Bamboo fences are lightweight, sustainable, and available in various styles. They come in sheet rolls or prefabricated panels, so they have no issue forming in a sloped yard. Bamboo fences require care and maintenance since they rot if drenched with water unless properly sealed.
Wrought Iron
Wrought iron fences have intricate details and medium gaps that make them perfect for all properties. Wrought iron fences are best installed in sloped yards as a stepped fences.
What to Consider When You Have a Sloped Yard
Is Leveling an Option?
If the slope is moderate, grading or leveling your yard may be better. It will make installing a fence much easier by making the land level and will help with water drainage.
How Steep is the Slope?
Deciding on what style of fence will depend on the steepness of the slope. Racked fencing is installed one board at a time, so it's level with the ground but can only accommodate up to a 12-inch rise every 6 feet.
Stepped fencing is installed with individual posts, with attached fence panels that increase in height with the yard's grade so that each panel is level at the top and is better for steep slopes.
Do You Care About Function or Form?
What is the function of your fence? Do you need to avoid gaps? If you think a pet will escape, you should avoid stepped fencing.
But what if you prefer the look of racked fencing? If your slope is too steep for a racked fence, you'll need a stepped fence.
Tips for Fencing a Sloped Yard
Add a Retaining Wall
Consider adding an integrated retaining wall if your fence is along uneven terrain. A retaining wall keeps soil back if there's uneven terrain. They typically range from 1 to 3 feet tall and can be built from different materials, such as wood, concrete, or masonry.
Almost any fence type can be built on top of a retaining wall design. If you prefer to avoid the gaps left in stepped and straight fence designs, then a retaining wall might be your solution.
Install Custom-Cut Pickets
If you're willing to shell out more money for your fence, you can use custom-cut pickets to fill in the low spots and gaps on uneven ground. Each picket is cut to match the slope, so rather than having all pickets be the same length, some will be longer or shorter as needed.
FAQ About the Best Fencing for Sloped Yards
How do you plan a fence on a slope?
Drive a 2-foot stake into the ground at the top of the slope. Put a second stake at the bottom of the slope. Run a level string between the two stakes. Measure equally spaced locations for the fence posts along the line. Mark those locations with tape.
Drop a plumb bob from the tape marks on the line to transfer the marks to the ground. Mark the spot with powdered chalk. Dig holes at the marked spots and install the posts. If the posts aren't the height you want your fence to be, you can trim them.
What is the distance between fence posts?
Typical spacing is about 8 feet between each fence post. However, different slopes may call for different measurements.
Where should fence rails be placed?
Typically, the top rail is placed 7 to 8 inches from the top of the fence. The bottom rail is typically 7 to 8 inches from the ground. And the middle rail is placed even between the top and bottom rails.
When to Hire a Fencing Pro
Why spend your free time measuring fence posts when you can hire an experienced and reliable pro instead? DIY fence installation is hot, back-breaking work, and that's nothing compared to the headache you get figuring out property lines and permits!
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