Can you install a fence on a hill? A little (or big) incline shouldn't stop you if you want to put up a fence. The installation process when your yard has a slope differs from installing a fence on level ground. Before you start the process, there are a few things you need to know to ensure you end up with a fence you love.
1. You Don't Need to Level Your Yard
Leveling your yard means moving dirt from one area to another to create a flat surface. It's usually a pretty big job, though how much effort you have to put in depends on the incline's degree and the yard's size. The job's difficulty also depends on whether you do the work manually, with a shovel, or rent earth-moving equipment.
If you've started to run in the other direction at the mention of “earth-moving equipment,” don't worry. A level yard is by no means a prerequisite for a fence. You only have to do it if you want to do it. Instead of making your yard flat, you can make the fence fit the slope of your yard.
2. You Have Two Installation Options
There are two methods for installing fences on sloped land. You can install a raked (also called racked) fence or a stepped fence. The method that's right for you depends on the degree of the incline.
A racked fence follows the curve or slope of the yard. The bottom of the fence aligns with the surface of the ground, creating a uniform look. When installing a racked fence, each picket is placed slightly lower than the one next to it. Some racked fences have an incline at the top and bottom. If you prefer, the fence can be installed so the pickets are all at the same height on the top.
Racked fences are best suited for yards with a slight incline, usually no more than 15 degrees.
If your yard slopes more than that, a stepped fence will be the better option. While racked fences are smooth and uniform, stepped fences resemble staircases. The fence rails are perpendicular to the posts, and each post is slightly lower than the one preceding it. Stepped fences are typically better suited for yards that have a steeper incline.
One thing to note about stepped fences is that they can leave significant gaps between the ground and the bottom edge of the fence, meaning pets can try to escape.
From an aesthetics perspective, whether a raked or stepped fence is right for you depends on your preferences and taste. Some people find a racked fence more attractive, while others like the appearance of a stepped fence better.
3. You Have Material Options
The material you choose for your fence also affects how it looks. Depending on your needs, vinyl and aluminum fences can both be raked or stepped. Both materials come in various styles, so you can choose a look that matches the rest of your yard. Vinyl and aluminum fences also typically have long lifespans and minimal maintenance requirements. Aluminum is rust-free and easy to clean. Vinyl fencing is also easy to clean and resists rot and mildew.
When choosing a material for your fence, one thing to consider is the amount of privacy you want. The pickets on vinyl fences are usually spaced close together, so no one can peek into your yard. Aluminum fences generally have pickets spaced further apart, offering less privacy than vinyl.
4. Fences on Hills Need Maintenance
Fences installed on hills have slightly different maintenance needs than fences installed on level ground. Notably, there's a greater chance of erosion when your yard is on a hill. As soil erodes, the fence loses support, making it more likely to collapse. Inspect your fence regularly after installation, looking for signs of soil erosion.
You'll know it when you see it, as there will usually be gaps between the bottom edge of the fence and the ground. Filling in those gaps with more dirt will help extend the life of your fence.
5. You Don't Have To DIY
Installing a fence is a big job, especially if you need to account for uneven ground or a sloping yard. Luckily, you don't have to do all the work yourself. A professional fence installation company can help you determine which type of fence material is right for you and which installation method will work best in your yard. HOA Affordable Fence Company offers professional installation, so you don't have to dig holes or measure your yard on your own.
