How to Install Wood Fences on Slopes

Fences mark boundaries, provide privacy and define spaces -- usually in straight lines. Those straight lines, however, sometimes cross over land that slopes up or down, disrupting the fences' clean lines. With some advance planning, homeowners wanting vertical board and masonry fences can adapt their construction procedures to install attractive fences on slopes.

Things You'll Need

• Wooden stakes
• Length of tubing
• Post-hole digger or power auger
• 4-by-4 posts
• Gravel
• Concrete
• Cord or twine
• 2-by-4 railing boards
• 1-by-6 infill boards
• Nails
• Shovel or back hoe
• Bricks
• Chalk
• Mortar
• Metal Z ties
• Trowel
• 4-foot level

Instructions

Vertical Board Fences

1. Determine the extent of the slope. Push stakes into the ground at the top and bottom of the slope, along the fence line. Fill tubing with water. Place one end of tubing next to stake at the top of the slope with water level even with top of stake. Lay the tubing between stakes, ensuring it has no bends or kinks. Hold the other end of the tube next to the bottom stake. Locate and mark the water line. Measure the height of the stake at the bottom of the slope and the height of the water line at the top of the slope. Subtract the bottom measurement from the top measurement to obtain the total rise of the slope. For example, if the stake at the bottom of the slope equals 5 inches high and the water mark at the top of the slope equals 15 inches, the rise is 10 inches.

2. Stake out fence placement, including corner posts, intermediate posts and gates. Space fence posts evenly along the fence line and count the number of sections needed along slope. Divide the rise by the number of sections to determine the number of inches each section needs to rise for even framing steps. For example, if the rise equals 10 inches and 5 sections of fence will be used, each section will need to rise 2 inches for even steps.

3. Dig holes for fence posts. Measure hole depths accurately to ensure posts will rest at the correct heights. Pour 6 inches of gravel into each hole. Set posts into their holes; add concrete.

4. Nail rails to the posts. Keep the rail spacing consistent for each pair of posts, adjusting for the required rise.

5. Stretch a cord between each pair of posts. Attach infill boards to the rails, aligning their tops with the cord to ensure that they remain even above each section's top rails. Cut off the bottom of each infill board individually, ½ to 1 inch above the ground. The infill boards will vary in length.

Masonry Fences or Walls

1. Determine the slope and fence placement as for vertical board fences.

2. Build masonry intermediate posts, or piers. Dig holes for concrete footings. Make the footings at least 12 inches deep and twice as wide as each post is thick. Pour concrete into the holes. Prepare the mortar. Lay the first course of pier below ground level. Add Z ties across each course for reinforcement.

3. Dig trenches for fence footings along the fence line. Keep the trench depth consistent along the slope, again at least 12 inches deep and twice as wide as fence.

4. Use chalk to mark correct placement of bricks along footing. Bricklayers usually construct brick walls by starting at each end and working toward the center. However, for walls on a slope, begin laying the course for each section at the lowest spot on the slope. Gradually extend higher courses along the footing as required by the slope. Use a level regularly while constructing courses. Take care to complete each section at the appropriate height to preserve the correct step measurements.

Tips & Warnings

• If using a dry mortar mix, mix complete bags to maintain proper content proportions.

• Follow all local building and safety codes. Obtain any necessary permits before beginning fence construction.

• Follow safety precautions while using tools and working on construction projects. Always keep a first aid kit handy for accidents.

References

• "The Fence Bible"; Jeff Beneke; 2005