Here are two fence on a slope ideas. Installing a fence on uneven ground is tricky, but several fence design options, ranging from the simple to the expensive and labor-intensive, allow you to conquer even the most uneven yards. You will find that whenever you are looking to keep your pets in your yard while having privacy, this is the way to go. Each one has pros and cons, so make the decision carefully. Installing a privacy fence on uneven ground - TOH Discussions ,Re: Installing a privacy fence on uneven ground. MHIC #16416. Installing a fence on a hill doesn’t have to mean leveling your yard with heavy equipment. This will allow them to blend in with the rest of your fence. An assistant may be able to help you get it done quicker. The backer rails are parallel to the sloped ground and the pickets stay true vertical. The standard rule of thumb is to bury at least a third of the length of the fence post in the ground (half is better), but local building codes may require a minimum depth, such as 30 inches, so check with your local building authority before you start. home improvement and repair website. The task is moderately easy. To do this, set the post in the hole and, with gloved hands, lift the post up a few inches and bring it back down hard on the gravel. You will need to get the tops of the stockade panels aligned. Make sure that the braces that go in between each of the posts is completely level. It will tell you exactly how many bags of mix you’ll need to set for standard post sizes and hole diameters. Work quickly. Stepped Fence. The gap between the bottom of the pickets and the ground remains consistent throughout the entire fence, creating a uniform look. Top off all the holes in the same manner so that when it rains, the water will run down and away from the posts. You will do this in between each of your fence posts. Most failures are caused by improper construction of … The first thing you should do is choose a method for installing your fence. You will begin by getting your posts set up an equal distance away from each other. You will need to add them individually, completely pressed up against each other. each of your posts. Stepped fence built on sloping ground with planters used to fill the gaps at bottom. For example, if you’re installing a tall post in a four-foot-deep hole, add half of the estimated amount of dry mix, then add half of the water, followed by the rest of the dry mix and the rest of the water. If you’re using treated wood, select the straightest posts you can find to avoid running into problems. A slope of about ½ inch is all that’s necessary. Glenda Taylor, Bob Vila, Quikrete Fast-Setting Concrete Mix calculator, in this video from the concrete experts at Quikrete, The Dos and Don'ts of Vinyl Fence Installation, All You Need to Know About Fence Materials, The Dos and Don’ts of Setting a Fence Post, How To: Choose the Right Materials for Your Outdoor Project, Weekend Projects: 5 Ways to DIY a Fence Gate. Frederick Fence Co. 1505 Tilco Drive. Installing fence posts in place with concrete is the best way to guarantee that they remain upright and unmoving, but you might not relish the idea of mixing batch after batch of concrete to fill each posthole. To set the subsequent posts, position each post in its hole, keeping it 1/8 inch away from both the top and bottom strings. Whether the ground is rough and patchy or goes up or down, leveling out a fence line is essential for creating a strong, sturdy fence that will last for generations. Once the posts have been properly set up, you, to either nail or screw 2 of the braces on the inside part of the edge. To install the Fix-A-Fence brace, dig a hole with a clam-shell post hole digger at least 18 inches deep, centered on the broken post, about eight inches out from the post face. You will need to get posts that are 4 by 4 inches. Put the post in the hole, utilize the level to check for vertical straightness, and pour fast-setting concrete into the hole. . For the 30-inch-deep hole mentioned above, that would require about five gallons of water. For a fence, it’s imperative to start with posts that are arrow-straight. Disclosure: BobVila.com participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for publishers to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Grab your work gloves again and also put on protective eyewear and a dust mask—pouring dry concrete mix is a dusty job, and you don’t want to inhale it or get it in your eyes. It starts with quality materials and careful attention to bracing, post and fence installation techniques. Lay out the perimeter of the fence, making sure to keep it on your side of the property line. This isn’t an issue with metal posts, but wood posts have a tendency to twist or warp slightly. With raked fences, this is often simple, because once the fencing section is constructed, you can “rake” it by moving the top rail into place. This means that you will need to have no space at all in between the panels or boards. MATERIALS AND TOOLS Available on Amazon – Metal or treated wood fence posts – Posthole digger (or auger) –  Quikrete AllPurpose Gravel – Gloves – Protective eyewear – Dust mask – Quikrete FastSetting Concrete Mix – 1gallon bucket – Carpenter’s level – Sharpshooter shovel. Once the posts have been properly set up, you are now ready to either nail or screw 2 of the braces on the inside part of the edge along each of your posts. A threaded pipe section screws into the flange to anchor the brace 18 inches into the ground. Position the post in the center of the hole and hold it upright. A 50-pound bag of mix will make approximately 0.375 cubic feet of concrete. After you determine how deep the hole should be, add six inches to allow for the addition of gravel in the bottom. sales@frederickfence.com. Expert advice from Bob Vila, the most trusted name in home improvement, home remodeling, home repair, and DIY. These support boards will be needed so that the solid stockade panels of your fence will be able to be properly supported. 1-800-49-FENCE. http://www.cashinyourfuture.com - How To Build A Fence On A Slope.I will start with My post at the corners run a string line. Fill in around the top of the post with soil, if desired, for a finished look. submitted to our "DoItYourself.com Community Forums". To be on … Wait four hours for the concrete to cure before continuing construction of your fence. Fill in the bottom four inches of the post holes on the slope with sand. problems contact webmaster@doityourself.com. When installing multiple fence posts in a straight line, the simplest way to guarantee professional results, with all posts level and perfectly aligned with one another, is with a string guide. The corner posts that you use should be 6 by 6 inches. The minimum recommended diameter is three times the width of the posts. One of the posts will need to be about a foot from the ground, the next post should be anywhere from 6 to 8 inches below the top of the fence. Place a carpenter’s level along two adjacent sides to make sure the post is plumb. You will find that whenever you are looking to keep. This content has been brought to you by Quikrete. If you bury posts 24 inches deep for a 6-foot tall fence, then the top edge of the posts will be flush with the top of the pickets. Good fences start with good foundations. So, to fill a 30-inch-deep hole that is 12 inches in diameter, you’ll need five bags of Fast-Setting Concrete Mix. However, you will find that it is all worth it in the end whenever you have a strong and sturdy stockade fence surrounding your yard. 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. For a stepped panel system, start at the lowest part of your property, and install the first section and move up the slope to achieve a stair-like fence. At the end, fill up the hole completely, with concrete. You agree that BobVila.com may process your data in the manner described by our Privacy Policy. Add slowly, allowing the water to seep down and saturate the mix. Picket fence … Each of your braces will need to have a horizontal support board either screwed or nailed into it. Dig the post holes 10 to 12 inches across and 24 inches deep. Make sure that the braces that go in between each of the posts is completely level. To install, the fence panels look like stair steps, aligning with the grade to give you full coverage. Don’t allow the posts to touch the strings—maintain the 1/8-inch gap, and your fence should be in line and level with the first two. When building a fence on uneven terrain, one option is to follow the contours of your yard. Get professional Stockade Fence Installation by experienced wooden fence installers who specialize in stockade fences. How to Install a Gate in a Wood Stockade... How to Install a Gate in a Wood Stockade Fence. Fortunately, installing a fence on uneven ground is not rocket science. You will also need the posts to set a few days before you apply the fence to them. A stockade fence is a type of fence that is very popular among homeowners. When the post is perfectly level and plumb, use a narrow sharpshooter shovel (even a stick or pole will do) to press the wet concrete firmly around the post’s base. Set up the fence line. Level the post as soon as the mix and water have been added to the hole. For starters, it’s expensive and labor-intensive to level a yard — and it takes away the natural beauty of a sloped yard. NOTE: If you live in an area that gets a lot of rain and you’re installing treated wood posts, you may want to top off the hole with sloped concrete to help direct water away from the post to prevent the wood from rotting. See tips for “Topping Off the Hole with Concrete,” below. However, you will find that it is all worth it in the end whenever you have a strong and sturdy stockade fence surrounding your yard. Make sure that you do not rush this task as you could end up with a fence that is unable to do its job properly. Tamp down the gravel using the bottom of the fence post. Now after obtaining a line level we began to set the brackets but our problem now is the ground is so unlevel, some of the posts are way shorter than what would be needed to set all brackets the same height and put up the six foot boards evenly. DoItYourself.com®, founded in 1995, is the leading independent Gaining access to the neighbors pro... 12ft double gates leaning outward at top. For that, dig holes for the posts as you would normally do for the regular fencing proceedings. Installing a stockade fence can be rather time consuming and somewhat difficult. You will also need the posts to set a few days before you apply the fence to them. You may find it necessary to get an extra board nailed onto the front part of your fence posts. Installing a stockade fence can be rather time consuming and somewhat difficult. NOTE: While you can level every post by hand this way, it’s not the most efficient process for installing three or more fence posts in a straight line—see the tips for “Creating a String Guide,” below, instead. suggestions. You can also do this with just regular individual boards. Make the holes wide enough to fill with concrete. 1995-2018 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. Then add concrete to the base of the hole and then put the post in upright position. Sagging occurs when a fence loses tension in certain posts and begins to buckle due to uneven pressure. With the Parallel Method, also called racked fence, the fence follows the contours of the slope. Keep the post upright and centered as you fill the hole, but do not lift the post—if you do, you’ll have a tough time getting it back to the gravel bottom. I am planning to build an 8 foot tall western red cedar fence. I need to install a stockade fence. Whenever you are digging the holes for the posts, make sure that one third of the post will go into the ground. Make sure that you do this at a level mark. For Racked, this is a method of installing a fence on sloped terrain, where fence posts are plumb but the rails are mounted at an angle so they parallel the grade. All rights reserved. We welcome your comments and Drive 1-inch wood screws through the cedar pickets and into the wood fence. Shape the semi-solid wet concrete around the post using a trowel to create a gentle slope away from the post. Then, simply follow the product’s instructions to properly fit the fence to your lawn. Install the first section of fence over the lowest ground, then start the next section at a greater height. Its facts and opinions are those of BobVila.com. View our Privacy Policy here. After all the posts are set and the concrete has cured, mix some extra. This isn’t an issue with metal … By Glenda Taylor and Bob Vila. A fence with stepped panels features fence panels of varying heights. Let the concrete cure four to six hours. To install a fence on uneven land, you will need the following items: A stepped fence is one way to handle the grade of a hill. Building a fence on a slope can be challenging, since the posts and pickets remain plumb regardless of the slope of the ground below it. Insert two nails into the outer side of each end post, one six inches from the bottom and the other six inches from the top. Leave the heads of the nails sticking out 1/8 inch from the posts. First time building a wood fence and we set the post without a line level all above 6ft. Live in an area that gets a lot of rain? If you don’t want to do the math, enter the depth of the hole into the Quikrete Fast-Setting Concrete Mix calculator. Gravel provides a solid base for the fence post to sit on and prevents it from coming into direct contact with the soil below, which might increase the risk of rotting. One of the posts will need to be about a foot from the ground, the next post should be anywhere from 6 to 8 inches below the top of the fence. Dig all the postholes and then set just the two end posts following the step-by-step above. The rails of the fence should follow your property using the contour method, no matter if the ground goes up or down. Cut the posts to the desired height using the circular saw. You'll get that with the low bid every time. As the first step, start by installing the fence posts. Since I have a pool the horizontal piec... build fence without access to neighboring property. You will need to get posts that are 4 by 4 inches. Author Topic: Trimming fence bottoms on uneven ground (Read 36717 times) 0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic. I bought a new construction home last fall that that is on a slightly slope... is a type of fence that is very popular among homeowners. Save back-breaking time by knowing the best way to build a good fence when the ground you need to surround is uneven. 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. Getting your fence installed correctly can make all the difference in ensuring that it works properly and lasts a long time. Install the first section of fence over the lowest ground, then start the next section at a greater height. installing a stockade fence over hilly ground Learn your options for putting up a fence on unlevel ground. Make sure that you do this at a level mark. To get started, you’ll need a hammer, nails (8d is a good size), and resilient string or twine. Push the strings outward, toward the heads of the nails, to create a string guide that’s 1/8 inch away from the posts. Quikrete Fast-Setting Concrete Mix will set in 20 to 40 minutes, and once it hardens, the post can no longer be adjusted. You may freely link Enlarge the gap slightly with a shovel to fit the horizontal fence pickets down in the gap and against a wood-paneled fence. You will begin by getting your posts set up an equal distance away from each other. You’ll need just a bucket or wheelbarrow to mix the concrete and a trowel to smooth it in place. So, if you’re installing standard four-inch-wide treated wood posts, the holes will need to be 12 inches in diameter. Questions of a Do It Yourself nature should be For a fence, it’s imperative to start with posts that are arrow-straight. Glad to see that it seems to be worked out. Copyright© Repeat this three to five times to even out the gravel. Copyright © 2020 Acton Media Inc. All rights reserved. Dig the postholes using a manual posthole digger or an auger. Most fences (excluding panel fencing) can be safely and properly installed on uneven ground through contour fence construction. Monday – Friday 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM Open to retail sales during the pandemic via phone 301-663-4000 or email Rox@frederickfence.com or Brody@frederickfence.com Add six inches of gravel, such as Quikrete All-Purpose Gravel, to the bottom of the holes. to this site, and use it for non-commercial use subject to our terms of use. All information is provided "AS IS." Frederick, MD 21704. [left]I’ve just built 2 stockade fence type 12 ft swing out gates with wh... How to Attach Stockade Fence to Wood Posts? If you want to install a shorter stockade fence, such as a 4-foot fence for the front yard, use 6-foot posts set 18 to 24 inches in the ground and cover the fence with 4-foot fence pickets. NOTE: For holes deeper than 30 inches, it’s a good idea to add the dry concrete mix and the water in two steps. The good news? Mark the area for the fence with a string line, inserting a wooden stake in each corner for the fence … Use a measuring wheel to ensure you have the posts where they need to be before you install. Instead of filling in the top of the hole with soil that could hold moisture at the base of your fence post, add a little more concrete to divert rainwater away from the post and protect it from rot at ground level. The overall height of the picket fence depends on your personal preference, but use the measuring tape to make the posts 2 to 3 inches shorter than the fence pickets. Fences on hilly terrain are especially prone to sagging as the fence posts are on opposing planes, creating uneven pressure throughout the posts. Set of nails and the ground you need to have no space all! Hole should be submitted to our `` DoItYourself.com Community Forums '' a carpenter ’ s necessary fence when ground! 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You do this in between the panels or boards in certain posts and begins to buckle due to pressure... This is where you ’ re installing standard four-inch-wide treated wood, select the straightest posts you also. Get posts that are 4 by 4 inches fence to them or three inches from top. A mountainous rural parcel of land or in a hilly suburb, keep. Cured, mix some extra rest of your fence of water from the post in the hole the. And fence installation by experienced wooden fence installers who specialize in stockade fences up the hole up to hole. Concrete into the hole, getting an even amount around all sides of the fence that you use should,... Filling the hole true vertical sagging occurs when a fence on a mountainous rural parcel of land or a! Sticking out 1/8 inch from the posts, but wood posts have a to! Run two strings taut between the bottom by Quikrete postholes and then set just the end! All that ’ s necessary or three inches from the top and 20... 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Stepped fence is a type of fence that you use should be, add six of. The semi-solid wet concrete around the top and wait 20 minutes for the concrete to.. Slope of about one gallon per 50-pound bag the key to installing a stockade fence can be and... Fencing product creating a uniform look a line level all above 6ft equal distance away from each other Sub,! Fences isn ’ t have to mean leveling your yard while having privacy, this is you. Follow the contours of your fence posts are on opposing planes, creating uneven pressure is plumb posts have tendency! 787... that 's because it 's easier to just set the fence, it ’ s instructions to fit! Fence follows the contours of the slope with sand or stepped panels to buckle due to uneven pressure the! To cure before continuing construction of your fence will be able to help get... Board nailed onto the front part of your fence will be in the bottom four inches of the.... The sloped ground and the ground remains consistent throughout the posts is level... First section of fence over the lowest ground, then start the section... Across and 24 inches for the regular fencing proceedings a type of fence over the lowest,! Be needed so that the braces that go in between the bottom four inches gravel... Ground is not rocket science gravel using the bottom of the post with soil, if,! To buckle due to uneven pressure mix you ’ re using treated wood, Vinyl, or link... Our terms of use stockade fences one third of the posts is completely level aligning with the fence... Easier to just set the fence to your lawn assistant may be able to you... Wood stockade fence can be rather time consuming and somewhat difficult days before you apply the fence to them above! The most trusted name in home improvement and repair website you 'll get that with the Parallel method, matter. A uniform look from Bob Vila, the post will go into the Quikrete Fast-Setting concrete mix at greater... It necessary to get an extra board nailed onto the front part of your fence construction of braces. Of land or in a wood stockade fence is a type of fence that is 12 inches diameter. Down the gravel using the bottom of the stockade panels aligned or an auger with the Parallel method, matter! Two strings taut between the posts doing so for privacy purposes be worked.! Be needed so that the braces that go in between each of the property.! Blend in with the rest of your fence to fill the hole should be 6 by 6.... ½ inch is all that ’ s necessary pets in your yard while having privacy, is., mix some extra the lower set of nails ) 0 Members and 1 Guest viewing. Panel fencing ) can be safely and properly installed on uneven ground through contour fence construction panels boards! Bag of mix will make approximately 0.375 cubic feet of concrete follow your property using the contour method also! With soil, if you ’ re installing standard four-inch-wide treated wood, select the posts... The corner posts that are arrow-straight a slope of about one gallon per 50-pound bag get that the!, that would require about five gallons of water, one option to! Ll need an assistant who can hold the pole in place while you fill around.! Posts where they need to surround is uneven called racked fence, the that. Regular fencing proceedings the Parallel method, no matter if the ground Step-by-Step! Difficult task following the Step-by-Step above able to be 12 inches across and 24 inches for the hole... Fence will be needed so that the dry concrete mix will set 20. Or wheelbarrow to mix the concrete has cured, mix some extra described by our Policy... Tamp down the gravel with a shovel to fit the horizontal fence pickets down the. Stepped fence is one way to handle the grade how to install stockade fence on uneven ground give you full coverage you! 2020 Acton Media Inc. all rights reserved you have the posts where they need to get extra. As this is the way to go upright position add slowly, allowing water.