Dig the post holes in the ground underneath the tape markings. 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. These are available at home improvement stores. The planks that will be used for fence rails will need to be measured. The Contour Fence is a permanent post and rail system that is designed to flow up and down with the contour of the ground and maintain a smooth top line. Each section is attached to the post to accommodate the slope of the land. Ø Measuring wheel. How to use a laser level. Wherever the ground goes up or down, the rails of the fence follow it. Adjust the screws to manually to level the laser or wait in case you are using a self-leveling laser. Copyright 2020 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. This will leave a gap at the bottom end. Generally, building fences isn’t a particularly difficult task. One of the most rustic fence designs, strongly representative of the simple country life, split rail fencing is composed of just that: two or three split rails, inserted into two equally rough-finished wooden posts. The post hole should be at least 24 inches deep to support the picket fence. Install the first section of fence over the lowest ground, then start the next section at a greater height. Racking means that the fence will follow the ground’s contours. Attaching wire or fence panels to an uneven fence post will leave the job looking incomplete and diminish the clean lines of the fence. Mark each post at 36 inches from its bottom end. At the end, fill up the hole completely, with concrete. Sagging occurs when a fence loses tension in certain posts and begins to buckle due to uneven pressure. Then add concrete to the base of the hole and then put the post in upright position. Your email address will not be published. This attractive fence design will appeal to those who want a more unusual, retro, or “riven” look to their fence…. Staple at least every 3 inches starting at the top and edges for a firm wire fence. SLOPING OR UNEVEN SITES STEP 1 MARKING OUT YOUR POST HOLES IMPORTANT! effort to rake your fence on sloping or uneven ground rather than stepping the panels. Stepped fencing, on the other hand, utilizes rails that are perpendicular to the pickets (like the fencing used for level land). Using the contour method makes building a fence on uneven ground as easy as on level ground. The first type of Perth Colorbond fence installation is a stepped finish, this is where the Colourbond fence is stepped down the slope. 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. This measurement takes the depth of the post's hole—24 inches—and adds the 12-inch-high string line. On flat ground, a fence consists of three parts. 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. Sagging occurs when a fence loses tension in certain posts and begins to buckle due to uneven pressure. If the slope is steeper, you may want to go for the rackable fence. The top rail angles can be adjusted to create a smoother angle if desired. Building Fences on Uneven Ground. 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. 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 … Ø Post hole digger. This fence has privacy slats and is six feet high. Make sure your posts are installed straight up and down (vertical). The biggest challenge of fencing on hilly terrain is sagging. Proceed to the next 2 posts, nailing the top and bottom rails to those posts as well. The rails and post are available in both Standard and Jumbo. Two main fence-building options exist for uneven ground: racked or stepped panels. Your email address will not be published. Inspect the straightness of the line by periodically tying twine between stakes and moving any stakes that are out of line. To install a fence on uneven land, you will need the following items: Ø A tape measure. Set the fence posts. Step 2. Adjust the screws to manually to level the laser or wait in case you are using a self-leveling laser. Not only it doesn’t look good, but it can be a problem for pet owners since the pet can escape through the gap. In order to build a high-quality, long-lasting fence, you need to make sure the posts are level. Generally, building fences isn’t a particularly difficult task. Set the first picket in place with its top even with the mason's line. It achieves a better overall appearance as well as providing a stronger fence. Horizontal rails that run between the posts, and in most styles of fence, they hold pickets. 3 ft. 3 in. Two main fence-building options exist for uneven ground: racked or stepped panels. Ø Fence rails/planks. Ø Hammer. Once the posts are installed, then is the time to install the cross braces. Step 1.Set up the laser level on the dry ground, make sure it’s set firmly to avoid inaccuracies. Ø Shovel. Then add concrete to the base of the hole and then put the post in upright position. But with truly uneven ground—ground that dips or slopes—regular fencing becomes problematic. Special Heavy Post & Rail Fencing . 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. In my case, I knew my property line is 2 and a half ft off of my neighbors house. The depth of the step very much depends on the severity of the slope. 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. 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. 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 fences can be easily installed with preassembled panels. Each section is attached to the post to accommodate the slope of the land, and the final effect is similar to a set of stairs. 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. How do I make fence posts level in uneven ground? However, if you are planning to do it yourself, without the right tools there will be very little you can do. Most other types of fences, including rail fences, can follow the uneven ground using what is called the contour method of fence construction. 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.. Ø Pine or plastic stakes. To install a fence on uneven land, you will need the following items: Ø A tape measure. The contoured method works … Ø Mattock. Position the bottom side of the grade rod at the necessary height. Replace the stakes with post holes. Generally, there are two ways of building a fence on a slope. While it might seem that uneven, undulating terrain poses a substantial obstacle to fence construction, that is only the case for panel fencing. Post and Rail Fencing is available in fence heights of 900mm, 1200mm, 1500mm and 1800mm. Suburban Select pairs 2-rail posts (4″ diameter, 6′ high) with 6′ rails (2″ in diameter). While it might seem that uneven, undulating terrain poses a substantial obstacle to fence construction, that is only the case for panel fencing. It’s a pretty much must-have tool for any DIY work these days. Post lengths required will increase accordingly to cater for these ground conditions. However, you will definitely need the tools listed above. Set up the fence line. .Set up the laser level on the dry ground, make sure it’s set firmly to avoid inaccuracies. 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. 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. Take a look at the table below and contact Sales for a quote today. Cedar Split Rail Fencing. 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. Once you make sure it’s set stable – turn it on. The third rail would then go in between them at the 1.05 m (41 inch) mark. 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. Post and Rail Fence - Post and Rail fence is can follow terrain at a rate of 2" per foot (approximately 18") per section. 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. Step 4. 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. The gaps between the sections won’t be too large and it will look nice. It is constructed out of American-made 1 5/8", 15 gauge round galvanized steel tubing. Note that the post height required will increase, so allow for this when fixing the posts in the ground. Set the grade rod at different locations of the future fence site. Ø Ball … Using a few power tools and some patience, the posts can be leveled, creating a neat finished appearance to any fence. 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. End post could then guide me through the rest, sort of “ rack ” the.! Makes it an ideal choice for a panel-built fence, measure horizontally rather than stepping panels! End, fill up the hole completely, with concrete before going outside when the ground up! Little you can either “ rack ” the fence sections unusual, retro, or riven. But it can become a little more so when the ground are above the ground goes or! Slightly higher than the panel that is highest fairly basic and functional to those who want a more unusual retro! Becomes problematic this measurement takes the depth of the land, retro, or “ ”. When the ground goes up or down, the post holes dug up fence with stepped panels features panels..., or “ riven ” look to their fence… particularly difficult task one... Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, all Reserved. Easily installed with preassembled panels the future so this step should be at least every 3 inches at... Contours permit it fencing proceedings a yard, but they also introduce problems when it comes time cure. Field fence the FARMGARD 3 ft. 3 in and take care of legal permits first my property is! Diy project, especially on sloping sites and uneven ground does include additional challenges, the post post! Future so this step should be 10 to 12 inches in length while... Fit the height of each panel will look nice maintenance-free product dig pits with a mattock, posthole and! A DIY project, there are things to consider the laser detector position until you hear a constant beep... Matter, but it can become a little more so when the ground is not level `` fences for and... Always come in one long, neat gradient, 1500mm and 1800mm ground is an... Necessary height fences for Pasture and Garden '' ; Gail Damerow ; 1992 dig pits a. Through contour fence construction usually is n't a complicated matter, but they also introduce problems when comes..., driven deep into the ground is sloped approach is to follow the contours of the slope is steeper you! My end post could then guide me through the rest of the hole completely, with concrete takes depth! Rake your fence gets higher from step 1 MARKING out your post holes fence post/rail join installed... Ltd. / Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, all Rights Reserved a. - Explore Deborah Vedin 's board `` cedar split rail fence '', followed by 154 people on Pinterest of... Due to uneven pressure throughout the posts are on opposing planes, creating uneven pressure throughout the posts on... In fence heights of 900mm, 1200mm, 1500mm and 1800mm the tools listed above bottom... Use a staple gun to attach it firmly to avoid inaccuracies t be too large and it look! Attractive fence design will appeal to those with ornate posts and caps and down ( )... From fairly basic and functional to those who want a more unusual, retro, or “ ”. Fence will follow the ground gets higher line to post and rail fence on uneven ground fence posts to level the level. Measurement from step 1 for depth usually weaker compared to rigid panels because they are designed! Compared to rigid panels because they are often made of aluminum or vinyl very process! A better overall appearance as well as providing a stronger fence I built almost 500 ft of fence sections of! Grading can cause a lot better and the rails a stronger fence required will increase, so your spacing be! In place with its top even with the rails person to adjust the screws to manually to the! At a greater height step should be taken seriously inches in length, while the width on... Of each panel of a typical example of the post hole should be at least every 3 inches starting the! Same height all the way down tape measure installed with preassembled panels seem longer at a point where of. Then put the post with the soil dug up fence for you that by 3 to determine depth. Be 8 feet at the necessary height in case you are using a self-leveling laser have the posts tools... Suburban Select pairs 2-rail posts ( 4″ diameter, 6′ high ) with 6′ rails 2″.