Installing Your Fence On A Slope

Variable Terrain Installation

There are two existing methods for installing a fence on variable sloping terrains - stepping or racking. If you need more help, please call us toll free at 1 (800) 213-2539.

Quick jump menu:

• Stepping Method
• Racking Method: less than 10°
• Natural Racking Chart
• Racking Method: 10° or greater
• Maximum Slope Chart
• Calculate Rise / Foot Angle
• Hole Enlargement Size Chart
• Enlarge Holes
• Post Selection
• Hole Cutting

Stepping Method

With the stepping method, the rails remain horizontal and the posts are extended to accomodate the variance in terrain. Longer end posts should be used and can be field cut to accept rails.

Racking Method - 10° or less

With the racking method, the horizontal rails will follow the sloping terrain. Most fence styles will rack naturally up to 10° (or 2' rise per foot) without enlarging picket or rail holes. Refer to the natural racking chart to determine which styles will rack naturally.

Natural Racking Chart

Note: on severe slopes it is recommended tha tend posts be used and field cut to achieve proper rial positioning. If more rack is required, rail and picket oles will have to be enlarged. On severe slopes the rails and pickets may need to be cut. Hole enlargement can be done with a file or saber saw.

Racking Method - 10° or greater

When installing a fence on a slope that is greater than 10 degrees, it is necessary to enlarge the holes in the posts and rails. It is also necessary to miter the rails and pickets to allow for the angle. Refer to the maximum slope chart for various fence styles. Posts must be closer together when measured with a level string line to attain even picket spacing at end of fence sections.

Maximum Slope Chart

SPECIAL NOTE: SOCKET GATES WILL NOT RACK

Calculate Rise / Foot Angle

To determine the hole enlargement size, first calculate the slope rise / foot or hte angle of the slope. Refer to the diagram and examples.

1. Measure section length in inches. 2. Determine section rise by using line level and measuring vertical rise (measure rise in inches). 3. Divide rise by section length to get rise per inch. 4. Multiply by 12 to determine rise per foot. 5. Once you have determined the rise per foot or angle, refer to the hole enlargement size chart.

EXAMPLE: 24" rise (divided) 96" length = 25 rise per inch = 3" rise per foot.

Hole Enlargement Size Chart

Enlarge Holes

Use a saber saw to enlarge rail hole in post example: Material removed from rail hole for slope 10° or greater.

Post Selection

For a steady sloping terrain, use end post or blank posts. Mark posts and make holes on opposite side to allow rail alignment on both sides of posts.

For variable sloping terrain, use line posts and enlarge rail holes.

Hole Cutting

Determine hole size required.
Mark hole cut out on post in correct location.
Drill 4 holes in corners, same as radius required.
Cut along straight lines with a saber saw.
Clean holes with a file.