This blog post will tell you how to build a post and rail fence on a slope. I can’t imagine a more obvious blog post title, right? But for whatever reason, there are many people who think about building fences on hills and mountains. The fact is that an uneven terrain or steep hillside makes things much easier for us. Why? It’s because we install the posts closer together!
The post and rail fence is a trellis-style fence that works well on terrains that are on a slope. Learn how to build a post and rail fence for your garden, or to enclose an outdoor patio.
How to build a post and rail fence on a slope
Building a post and rail fence on a slope requires careful planning and construction. If the ground is uneven, you can use wooden posts for support. The rails will be slightly crooked but that is okay. It might take some time to get used to the look of it, but it will add character to your yard.
The best way to build a fence on an incline is by using concrete posts and metal T-posts. The concrete posts will keep the fence from shifting over time and the metal T-posts are easier to install than wood posts. You can also use pressure treated wooden posts if you have access to them.
You should always level your post before attaching it to the ground with concrete or cement. If you don’t, your post will not stand upright and may fall over in bad weather conditions or when someone bumps into it by accident.
You can build a post and rail fence on a slope, but you will need to use special techniques to do so. You can choose from two different methods of building a fence on a slope:
Leveling the ground between posts. This is the easiest method but it can be expensive if there is a large amount of material needed to level the ground between posts.
Building an angled fence that follows the contours of your yard. This is a more time consuming method but it will be less expensive since you won’t have to purchase as much material to level out your yard.
If you decide on leveling out your yard between posts, here are some tips for doing so:
Use wedges or other stabilizing materials under each post to ensure that they are stable once installed in the ground. If possible, drive them into solid soil or fill with concrete rather than just using wood wedges because wood wedges will fail over time and could cause your posts to shift after installation. Cement filled metal posts are also available for this purpose if you don’t want to use concrete; however, these can cost more than concrete filled metal posts
When you’re building a fence on a slope, it’s important to pay attention to the details. If you don’t, your fence could be unsafe or even collapse.
In this article, we’ll show you how to build a fence on a slope by using post and rail fencing. We’ll also discuss some common mistakes that people make when they build fences on slopes and how to avoid them.
If you want to learn more about constructing fences, check out our “How to Build a Fence” guide for everything from choosing posts to installing pickets and gates.
Building a fence on a slope can be a challenge, but it’s not impossible. The key is to build the fence so that the posts are level with each other.
First, you’ll need to install your fence posts on level ground. Use stakes and string line to make sure all of your posts are plumb (straight up and down), then dig holes for them.
Next, add concrete footings around each post. You’ll need to create a trench around each post at least 2 feet wide and as deep as the height of your fence (3 feet or less). Add concrete footing forms around each post and fill with concrete.
Step 3: Install Fence Rails
Next, install the rails for your fence — these should be attached to the bottom of your posts with lag screws and washers or carriage bolts. For extra support, use metal angle brackets attached directly to the post instead of attaching them directly to the rail itself. You might also want to use wood blocks between rails if they’re spaced far apart from each other; this will keep them from sagging over time. If you plan on adding panels (such as lattice) between sections of railings, attach these now as well
Fence rails should be level with each other and the ground. If you have a slight slope, you can use a few 2x2s to level it out.
If you want to build a fence at an angle, then you need to install posts at an angle. You can use a miter saw or a circular saw to cut your post at an angle. Once all of your posts are cut, set them in place and attach the top rail. The bottom rail will need to be cut on an angle so that it will rest against the ground properly.
If you have tall grass or weeds where you want to build your fence, then they must first be removed by hand or with a weed whacker. After this is done, use stakes and string to mark out where each post should go. Dig holes for each post deep enough so that they will be below ground level when installed properly (usually about 6 inches). Put some gravel backfill into each hole before installing the post