Building a stepped fence is the alternative to racking.
Building a vinyl fence on a slope.
The posts are installed plumb and each panel steps lower or higher as the grade changes.
Installing a fence on a hill seems like a daunting project but with the proper planning you can tackle it just as easily as a fence on level land.
Refer to the maximum slope chart for various fence styles.
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.
Installing a fence on a slope.
It is also necessary to miter the rails and pickets to allow for the angle.
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.
Installing a vinyl fence on a slope requires the use of the step method.
As the name suggests stepping a fence will result in an uneven rail line that resembles stairs.
Building a fence with preassembled panels.
If your yard has steeper grades stepping your vinyl fence might be the best option for you.
When building a fence on a slope using preassembled panels the entire panel is stepped up or down so it remains level.
When building a fence on uneven terrain one option is to follow the contours of your yard.
The gap between the bottom of the pickets and the ground remains consistent throughout the entire fence creating a uniform look.
Building a fence on a slope.
The contoured method works best when the slope is slight rather than dramatic.
You have two building choices.
You can follow the natural contour of the land or you can build a stepped fence.
This allows the overall line of the fence to follow the slope in a stair step fashion.
However in order to avoid gaps.
The backer rails are parallel to the sloped ground and the pickets stay true vertical.
The fence gradually steps up the slope so that each bay section is the same length and the rails are level instead of parallel to the slope.
This guide will walk you through the process of building both types of fences.