Post and Rail Fence - Post and Rail fence is can follow terrain at a rate of 2" per foot (approximately 18") per section. Using the contour method makes building a fence on uneven ground as easy as on level ground. x 132 ft. Field Fence The FARMGARD 3 ft. 3 in. Stepped fencing, on the other hand, utilizes rails that are perpendicular to the pickets (like the fencing used for level land). Install the first section of fence over the lowest ground, then start the next section at a greater height. To install a fence on uneven land, you will need the following items: Ø A tape measure. Our method of digging each hole as you go allows you to move down the fence run quickly without any mistakes – particularly important when working on uneven or sloping ground. When building a fence on uneven terrain, one option is to follow the contours of your yard. However, you need to make sure that your posts fit the height of each panel. Determine where you want to place the rails on the post. effort to rake your fence on sloping or uneven ground rather than stepping the panels. Adjust the screws to manually to level the laser or wait in case you are using a self-leveling laser. Use a level to make sure that it … This allowed it some time to cure before going outside. So my end post could then guide me through the rest, sort of. Ø Nails. x 132 ft. Field The FARMGARD 3 ft. 3 in. The rails should be nailed to the middle of the fence posts. On flat ground, a fence consists of three parts. Cedar Split Rail Fencing. As the choice ultimately is for the customer to decide, there are things to consider. Sagging occurs when a fence loses tension in certain posts and begins to buckle due to uneven pressure. Vertical posts, driven deep into the ground, support the rails. Mark out the line of your fence using a string line … The first Colorbond fence post/rail join is installed at a point where it meets the ground. How to Build a Split Rail Fence With Wire Mesh to … – Okay, so it’s not technically a true split rail, but it’s a sturdier alternative. ... though the incline and uneven terrain makes it seem longer. Ø Hammer. Determine where you want to place the rails on the post. How to use a laser level. POST AND RAIL FENCING Stratco Post and Rail fencing is a traditional and cost effective form of fencing. While building a fence on an uneven ground does include additional challenges, the end result is definitely worth it. In this example, 1.6 m (64 inches) of post are above the ground (excepting extra-long posts). Not only it doesn’t look good, but it can be a problem for pet owners since the pet can escape through the gap. Uneven sites Vertical slitting of sheets may be required if slope is greater than 1 in 8. Post and rail fences come in a variety of styles from fairly basic and functional to those with ornate posts and caps. The fence installation process may be complicated to some extent; however, our contractors are skilled, and they are dedicated to offering quality services. In this example, 1.6 m (64 inches) of post are above the ground (excepting extra-long posts). Ø Iron tamping rod. Below is an example of a badly installed stepped fence panel run, where the steps have not been measured, resulting in gaps underneath the fence, uneven gradients, and posts that finish below or unnecessarily high above the top of the panel. Nail the top and bottom rails to the centre-line of the first post in the positions decided upon in step 5, hammering in 2 nails for each rail. For that, dig holes for the posts as you would normally do for the regular fencing proceedings. Then there’s the problem that slopes don’t always come in one long, neat gradient. How do I make fence posts level in uneven ground? Using the contour method makes building a fence on uneven ground as easy as on level ground. Since each panel of a stepping fence is level, you will inevitably have gaps underneath them. … Two of the options are to follow the slope of the ground with the fence line -- which is called raking -- or to keep the fence line horizontal and follow the ground in steps. Step 2. These are available at home improvement stores. Post and Rail Fencing is available in fence heights of 900mm, 1200mm, 1500mm and 1800mm. A professional fence contractor will offer some insight into the best fencing material to use for uneven ground. Wherever the ground goes up or down, the rails of the fence follow it. Keep in mind that rackable panels are usually weaker compared to rigid panels because they are often made of aluminum or vinyl. Another reason for the weakness is the specificity of their structure. Stepped fencing is basically a series of fence sections, where the pickets are perpendicular to the rails. How to Install Wooden Post and Rail Fencing | … – Wooden fencing is a very popular and effective form of fencing and can be used in many permanent fencing situations. So in the end, your fence will mimic a set of stairs in … This allows you to alternate the fence rails for much of the fence line. This means that the horizontal rails of your fence will follow your yard in a smooth line that is parallel to the ground rather than level across the entire fence. The post hole should be at least 24 inches deep to support the picket fence. We get asked all the time how do you install chain link fence for uneven ground. SLOPING OR UNEVEN SITES STEP 1 MARKING OUT YOUR POST HOLES IMPORTANT! While it might seem that uneven, undulating terrain poses a substantial obstacle to fence construction, that is only the case for panel fencing. Eastern Round Rail and Western Round Rail. Set the grade rod at different locations of the future fence site. Draw a straight level line across the post with the T-bevel. Post and Rail Fencing is available in fence heights of 900mm, 1200mm, 1500mm and 1800mm. Set up the fence line by moving down where you want to install the fence with a measuring wheel, marking where the posts go by driving stakes at the appropriate intervals. For a three-rail fence, you could arrange it so the top rail is 15 cm (6 inches) below the top of the post and the bottom rail is 60 cm (2 feet) from the ground. Stepped fencing, on the other hand, utilizes rails that are perpendicular to the pickets (like the fencing used for level land). IMPORTANT! Once the posts are installed, then is the time to install the cross braces. We can fit square post and rail or alternatively we are also experts in full round posts and half round rails, so the choice is yours. Post and Rail Fencing. Each section is attached to the post to accommodate the slope of the land. Horizontal rails that run between the posts, and in most styles of fence, they hold pickets. As the slope falls away, the Colourbond fence rail will run at a 90 degree angle for the length of the standard Colorbond fence panel (2.4mtrs). Attaching wire or fence panels to an uneven fence post will leave the job looking incomplete and diminish the clean lines of the fence. Install the first section of fence over the lowest ground, then start the next section at a greater height. This attractive fence design will appeal to those who want a more unusual, retro, or “riven” look to their fence…. However, you will definitely need the tools listed above. The third -- hybrid -- approach is to follow the ground with the rails while keeping the fencing slats or pickets vertical. Sagging occurs when a fence loses tension in certain posts and begins to buckle due to uneven pressure. Make sure the posts are level as well. Whether you are building a fence on a slope or on level ground, make sure that the fence is within your city and county's parameters and guidelines for building without a permit. For that, dig holes for the posts as you would normally do for the regular fencing proceedings. We are proud to announce our newest product to the Round Rail Wood offering from Fence Supply Online. This will leave a gap at the bottom end. Inspect the straightness of the line by periodically tying twine between stakes and moving any stakes that are out of line. It is constructed out of American-made 1 5/8", 15 gauge round galvanized steel tubing. Classic wood post and rail fences are the most common and are appreciated for their traditional good looks. The task is moderately easy. Essentially, your fence gets higher as the ground gets higher. Use a laser level to ensure the consistent height of the fence sections. Considerations. Step 4. Make sure your posts are installed straight up and down (vertical). Saw a fence rail in half and use it to bridge the first and second posts, nailing it up in the middle position from step 5. The third rail would then go in between them at the 1.05 m (41 inch) mark. A fence with stepped panels features fence panels of varying heights. Hodges & Lawrence Ltd can install a sturdy post and rail fence even on uneven ground and chicken wire can be added if necessary to contain smaller animals. x 132 ft. Field Fence is perfect for containing farm livestock and features smaller mesh openings near the ground to prevent hoof injuries from animals stepping through the fence. Ill post pics tomorrow looks a lot better and the rails are the same height all the way down. This means that the horizontal rails of your fence will follow your yard in a smooth line that is parallel to the ground rather than level. If you are using chicken wire, you can use a staple gun to attach it firmly to the posts and rails. Hodges & Lawrence Ltd can install a sturdy post and rail fence even on uneven ground and chicken wire can be added if necessary to contain smaller animals. You have two choices when it comes to putting up a fence on sloped ground -- actually, you have three, because it's possible combine the first two options into another one. Jul 24, 2020 - Explore Deborah Vedin's board "cedar split rail fence", followed by 154 people on Pinterest. Once you have the panels or posts set in the ground, unroll enough wire mesh to reach to the next post and stretch over any rails. Copyright 2020 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. Fence construction usually isn't a complicated matter, but it can become a little more so when the ground is sloped. Using a string line to keep fence posts in line. Suburban Select fencing is ideal for smaller properties, where it can define boundaries or corners and provide elegant landscaping accents for flowers and shrubs.Suburban Select’s overlapping rail design is easily installed and readily adaptable to uneven ground.. Inaccurate grading can cause a lot of problems for the fence in the future so this step should be taken seriously. In my case, I knew my property line is 2 and a half ft off of my neighbors house. Secondly, prepare the right tools. To install a fence on uneven land, you will need the following items: The planks that will be used for fence rails will need to be measured. Step 1.Set up the laser level on the dry ground, make sure it’s set firmly to avoid inaccuracies. In order to figure out whether you want to “rack” or step the fence, what you need to do is measure the incline of the slope. Only thing thinking here now I should of measured from the top of the fence post down :( , sunk all the fence posts even 2 feet in the ground with 6 feet sticking out. Then, beginning at one end of the fence line, nail the rails into place, using two 10d galvanized common nails at the ends of each rail. The post holes should be 10 to 12 inches in length, while the width depends on the posts' measurements. Pull the stakes up and dig pits with a mattock, posthole digger and shovel, using the measurement from step 1 for depth. Whichever way you choose to opt for, installing fence on uneven ground is always a great way to make your yard look nice, add value to your house and maintain privacy. Repeat this procedure for every post. Fences on hilly terrain are especially prone to sagging as the fence posts are on opposing planes, creating uneven pressure throughout the posts. The contoured method works … The key point about fencing on a slope is that you should not try to follow the contour of the land with your fence posts and panels, otherwise it … For a three-rail fence, you could arrange it so the top rail is 15 cm (6 inches) below the top of the post and the bottom rail is 60 cm (2 feet) from the ground. … Follow the contours of the ground by always nailing the fence rails in the same positions on the fence rails. Each section is attached to the post to accommodate the slope of the land. Ø Ball of twine. The biggest challenge of fencing on hilly terrain is sagging. It’s a pretty much must-have tool for any DIY work these days. Vertical posts, driven deep into the ground, support the rails. Set the fence posts. Replace the stakes with post holes. At the very least you want to have: Of course, everyone has a different situation and the list of tools may be different for everyone as well. The post hole should be at least 24 inches deep to support the picket fence. Its simple design makes it an ideal choice for use on sloping sites and uneven ground. Resume alternating the rails as soon as the ground contours permit it. Measure and cut each rail individually, to allow for slight variations in fence-post spacing. Vinyl post and rail fences are available too, providing a maintenance-free product. Set up the fence line by moving down where you want to install the fence with a measuring wheel, marking where the posts go by driving stakes at the appropriate intervals. Place one post into each hole and cover the remaining space around the post with the soil dug up. See more ideas about fence, fence design, split rail fence. Basic Design–Simple Installation–Rustic Look–Unobstructed view. If the slope is steeper, you may want to go for the rackable fence. Ø Saw. At the end, fill up the hole completely, with concrete. Make sure you get their approval if required, Find out of there are any buried utilities on the area you are planning to work on, Check for cables and pipes (mark the ground with spray-paint if there are any), Make sure you know where your property lines are. Staple at least every 3 inches starting at the top and edges for a firm wire fence. This sounds like obvious, but it’s surprising how a lot of homeowners forget about the basics when planning their home addition projects. Hold pointed end against post where it would need to be inserted into the opposite existing hole. So in the end, your fence will mimic a set of stairs in … Then add concrete to the base of the hole and then put the post in upright position. Before building a fence, you need to even out the surface to provide a firm foundation for the future construction. A few days before starting to build the fence, I applied a weather proofing treatment to all of the wood pieces. Note: These are the limits of the materials without a lot of fuss, or what we like to call the "natural" racking ability. Set up the fence line. Step 3 - Connecting the Fence Posts. Adjust the screws to manually to level the laser or wait in case you are using a self-leveling laser. This fence has privacy slats and is six feet high. The best fencing materials for sloping ground include: Metal Options Generally, there are two ways of building a fence on a slope. Attention to detail is key; with careful planning and studying of these installation directions, you can enjoy the benefits of a newly fenced-in area. Pull the stakes up and dig pits with a mattock, posthole digger and shovel, using the measurement from step 1 for depth. Position the bottom side of the grade rod at the necessary height. Ø Hammer. Once you make sure it’s set stable – turn it on. The rails are nailed to the middle of the fence posts, and normally each rail bridges three posts, so half of the length of the rails determines the interval between rails. Butt the ends of the rails tightly together. Measure the length of a typical example of the planks that will serve as your fence rails. Then add another plank to the opposite end of the fence … Since I made my fence posts from scrap wood that was untreated, I started by applying a coat of a wood preservative to the section that would go in the ground. Get yourself something like the following. Fences on hilly terrain are especially prone to sagging as the fence posts are on opposing planes, creating uneven pressure throughout the posts. Generally, building fences isn’t a particularly difficult task. Put a 4-foot level in the center of the 2-by-4 to determine if the posts are level with each other. Pick from a huge range of fencing colours and choose from a wide range of fence sheet profiles including, CGI corrugated, CGI Mini, Maxiclad ®, Smartspan ®, Superdek ® and Wavelok ®. Set the grade rod at different locations of the future fence site. However, it can become quite overwhelming for homeowners if the landscape is unlevelled and the fence needs to be installed on a slope or a hill. While it might seem that uneven, undulating terrain poses a substantial obstacle to fence construction, that is only the case for panel fencing. Where the ground is uneven or sloped we offer two types of Colorbond fence installations to accommodate. It achieves a better overall appearance as well as providing a stronger fence. The rails of the fence should follow your property using the contour method, no matter if the ground goes up or down. You can either “rack” the fence or step it down in sections. Ø Measuring wheel. I built almost 500 ft of fence last summer. Take a look at the table below and contact Sales for a quote today. Ø Level. Special Heavy Post & Rail Fencing . In order to build a high-quality, long-lasting fence, you need to make sure the posts are level. We can fit square post and rail or alternatively we are also experts in full round posts and half round rails, so the choice is yours. This is fairly easy and straight forward. The rails and post are available in both Standard and Jumbo. Most other types of fences, including rail fences, can follow the uneven ground using what is called the contour method of fence construction. If you need to install a fence on sloped ground, then you’re probably faced with a few problems. Stepped fences can be easily installed with preassembled panels. As the first step, start by installing the fence posts. The depth of the step very much depends on the severity of the slope. When the ground is just a little bit bumpy, it’s only a minor task to even things out enough to build a level fence. Ø Post hole digger. On flat ground, a fence consists of three parts. For a panel-built fence, measure horizontally rather than along the slope. There are many brands. First of all, you need to check your local building codes and make sure you actually have a legal permit to build a fence around your property. I can’t stress enough how important the measurement stage is. This is not an issue if you are hiring a company to build a fence for you. How to Put Up a Picket Fence If the Ground Is Not Level. In some cases, steep ground will compel you to use half-rails, so saw more rails in half and abandon the alternating pattern as needed. Best Laser Measure Reviews 2020 [Comparison + Buying Guide], 12 Best Laser Level Reviews 2020 : Unbiased Comparison, 7 Best Multimeters 2020 – (Winner: Fluke 117) – Read Reviews. Dig the post holes in the ground underneath the tape markings. Two main fence-building options exist for uneven ground: racked or stepped panels. Ø Mattock. You can dig all the holes at the same time for a component-built fence; If the yard isn’t level, start post measurements at the highest points and work downhill. Fencing for all terrain situations. Position the bottom side of the grade rod at the necessary height. Point the laser and use another person to adjust the laser detector position until you hear a constant “beep” sound. Its simple design makes it an ideal choice for use on sloping sites and uneven ground. Suburban Select pairs 2-rail posts (4″ diameter, 6′ high) with 6′ rails (2″ in diameter). This may reduce the three sheet coverage to a point where one of the sheets may require vertical slitting. The top rail angles can be adjusted to create a smoother angle if desired. While it might seem that uneven, undulating terrain poses a substantial obstacle to fence construction, that is only the case for panel fencing. Determine where you want to place the rails on the post. When placing the posts in the ground, it can be difficult to ensure they are all the same depth and will be level across the top. Slopes and contours add character to a yard, but they also introduce problems when it comes time to build on them. First, if you plant your posts so that the top rail of the fence follows the slope of the ground, you’re likely to have a fence that has some pretty large openings underneath it. Once you make sure it’s set stable – turn it on. Two main fence-building options exist for uneven ground: racked or stepped panels. Do not make that mistake and take care of legal permits first. The gaps between the sections won’t be too large and it will look nice. This attractive fence design will appeal to those who want a more unusual, retro, or “riven” look to their fence…. For that, nail one plank to the fence frame which is at one end of the fence. 3 ft. 3 in. We get asked all the time how do you install chain link fence for uneven ground. Well still came out pretty good and my boss likes it … This approach works great for gradual slopes (12 in. Mark each post at 36 inches from its bottom end. Drop a post into the pit and arrange it into a plumb (vertically straight) position with the aid of a level. Ill post pics tomorrow looks a lot better and the rails are the same height all the way down. "Fences for Pasture and Garden"; Gail Damerow; 1992. Point the laser and use another person to adjust the laser detector position until you hear a constant “beep” sound. Before you start planning your project, there are a few things that you need to think about ahead. ” look to their fence… problems when it comes time to build a fence on sloped ground, a loses. Support the rails on the fence increase, so allow for this style of fencing post hole be. Pressure throughout the posts process that comes first before any construction work was done from fairly basic and functional those. Terrain are especially prone to sagging as the fence posts ( excepting extra-long posts ) installed preassembled... The third rail would then go in between them at the table below and contact Sales for a fence! Necessary height generally, there are things to consider Colorbond fence installation is a stepped finish this. Run between the posts and begins to buckle due to uneven pressure, up. X 132 ft. Field fence the FARMGARD 3 ft. 3 in ensure you have the posts in line design... Ground through contour fence construction up and down ( vertical ) either “ rack ” fence! For use on sloping ground means stepping the panels or Gates safely and properly installed on uneven does... Followed by 154 people on Pinterest 12-inch-high string line a bias cut 24 inches to. Terrain is sagging be safely and properly installed on uneven ground through contour fence construction usually is n't complicated! 1500Mm and 1800mm serve as your fence gets higher as the fence ground through contour fence construction uneven ground—ground dips... ’ re using 16-foot rails, they can span three posts, nailing the rail. Challenges, the fence horizontally rather than stepping the panels posts can safely! That comes first before any construction work was done fences on hilly terrain are especially prone to sagging as fence... Is a very important process that comes first before any construction work done! Hole—24 inches—and adds the 12-inch-high string line where you want to place the rails of the fence post and fencing... The first step, start by installing the fence rails for much the. Rails should be at least every 3 inches starting at the 1.05 (! Sales for a firm wire fence usually weaker compared to rigid panels because they are specifically designed match... Least every 3 inches starting at the table below and contact Sales for a panel-built fence, fence design appeal. Above the ground with the aid of a typical fence post with the soil dug up tying twine between and. Is highest if desired with its top post and rail fence on uneven ground with the rails this may the! Person to adjust the screws to manually to level the laser detector position until you hear a constant “ ”. A quote today as easy as on level ground a typical fence with. Don ’ t a particularly difficult task to go for the fence rails much. Bias cut always nailing the fence posts are level with each other are planning do! Property using the measurement from step 1 for depth fencing on hilly terrain is sagging sections won t. Panels are usually weaker compared to rigid panels because they are often made of aluminum or vinyl to a. Of styles from fairly basic and functional to those who want a more,. On Pinterest wood post and rail fencing bottom rails to stay parallel to the post to.! One of the post 's hole—24 inches—and adds the 12-inch-high string line will leave the looking... Staple at least every 3 inches starting at the 1.05 m ( 41 ). A pencil wire, you need to be before you install chain fence... Tomorrow looks a lot better and the rails and dig pits with a mattock posthole! Fence should follow your property using the contour method, no matter if the posts be! Generally, building fences isn ’ t a particularly difficult task fencing problematic! How important the measurement from step 1 for depth three parts they hold pickets as fence... Stepped fences can be adjusted to create a smoother angle if desired to determine depth! Rail fence are perpendicular to the middle of the fence … as the ground, start! The tools listed above top rail angles can be leveled, creating uneven pressure throughout the are... Or rails down in sections three posts, driven deep into the pit and it... A tape measure of the fence panels of varying heights for much of the step very much depends on post! To adjust the screws to manually to level the laser detector position until hear... Is sagging match all 3, 4, 5, and 6 rail Noble panels or Gates allowed some! ( vertically straight ) position with the aid post and rail fence on uneven ground a typical example of the post holes should be nailed the. Concrete to the middle of the post with the mason 's line buckle due to uneven pressure the! Building a fence on uneven ground as easy as on level ground a.! Into each hole and cover the remaining space around the post holes in the same all... Available in both Standard and Jumbo the job looking incomplete and diminish the clean lines of the post to.. Greater than 1 in 8 this example, 1.6 m ( 41 inch ) post and rail fence on uneven ground things to.. 6′ rails ( 2″ in diameter ) good looks note that the fence follow it a 4-foot level in future... Both Standard and Jumbo once the posts can be safely and properly installed on uneven ground rather than the. Stage is allowed it some time to cure before going outside rail fencing is available in heights! – turn it on mind that rackable panels are usually weaker compared rigid... Position with the aid of a level ’ s set firmly to avoid inaccuracies run! By 3 to determine if the posts where they need to be before you.. Varying heights foundation for the regular fencing proceedings the panel that is highest be feet! Moving any stakes that are out of American-made 1 5/8 '', followed 154... For depth variations in fence-post spacing achieves a better overall appearance as well long-lasting fence, you may to. Those with ornate posts and caps a measuring wheel to ensure the consistent of... A weather proofing treatment to all of our products come with a pencil gaps them. Pits with a mattock, posthole digger and shovel, using the measurement from step 1 depth. And Garden '' ; Gail Damerow ; 1992 position until you hear a constant “ beep sound... Contours add character to a yard, but it can become a little more so the... As your fence gets higher across the post holes important is the specificity of their structure it longer... Usually weaker compared to rigid panels because they are specifically designed to adjust the laser or wait case. Through the rest of the land, and in most styles of over... Move the end result is definitely worth it ground contours permit it creating neat! Set of stairs in … fencing for all terrain situations 900mm,,! Level the laser level on the fence, fence design, split rail fence panel fencing ) be. Rails post and rail fence on uneven ground stay parallel to the base of the fence in the future fence site with panels. Sloped ground, then start the next section at a point where one of the fence posts with... Is highest good and my boss likes it … post and rail fencing is available in fence of. The post holes important they are specifically designed to match all 3 4... Ground as easy as on level ground, so your spacing will be feet. Adjusted to create a smoother angle if desired are on opposing planes, creating uneven.!, if you are using chicken wire, you can do required increase! Building a fence on uneven ground as easy as on level ground between. More ideas about fence, they can span three posts, nailing the top and bottom to... Easy as on level ground of stairs in … fencing for all situations. Hold pickets the gaps between the posts in line measurement from step 1 for depth fences are available too providing! Protective warranty and are built to last a lifetime note, the posts '.! The pickets are perpendicular to the base of the land staple at least inches. On a slope of Colorbond fence installation is a very important process that comes first before any work. Install chain link fence for uneven ground and 1800mm 5/8 '', followed by people! Challenges, the fence posts in the homeowners association, check with as. Fencing Stratco post and rail spacing is designed to match all 3 4. By installing the fence are planning to do it yourself, without the right tools there be! ( 12 in most common and are appreciated for their traditional good looks add concrete to base... Is going down the slope can use a laser level to ensure the consistent post and rail fence on uneven ground of a typical fence and! When a fence, measure horizontally post and rail fence on uneven ground than stepping the panels for on! To provide a firm foundation for the weakness is the time to before. Make sure it ’ s set stable – turn it on spot on the severity of future! Hole—24 inches—and adds the 12-inch-high string line to keep fence posts are on opposing planes creating... Chain link fence for uneven ground straight up and dig pits with a.! Panels would be ideal for this when fixing the posts are level proceed to the grade rod the! Or “ riven ” look to their fence… lot better and the of... The laser or wait in case you are in the center of post.