Installation of Fence Panels on a slope

A recent installation of panel fencing on a slope.
 We utilized the, so called, sloped method.
The panels here are 3ft. tall wood composite. 

Fence Panels on a Slope:

Image borrowed from Lowes.com

We occasionally install panel type fence material for customers. Recently, I have encountered some confusion regarding the installation of this type of fence on a site that has sloped ground. Therefore, I felt compelled to write this post in order to clarify the matter.

There are generally two methods that are utilized for the installation of panel picket fences on an incline (slope):

• Parallel Method

The parallel method, requires that the fence run parallel to the slope. In order for this to work, the fence must be built to conform to the slope. This presents an issue for most pre-made panel fencing material. The issue is that the panels must be disassembled  and modified in order to make them conform to the slope.

This is difficult but possible with some materials such as treated wood panels. However, other materials present a greater difficulty rendering the parallel method of installation problematic to the point of impracticality.

For example, I have found that composite wood fence panels are very difficult, if not impossible, to disassemble. the issue is that, in most cases, the pickets are attached to the rails (sometimes called runners) with long countersunk staples. The pickets are usually very brittle. Because they are brittle and attached to the rails with staples, removing them without damage is very difficult. Excerpted pressure necessary to remove the pickets from the rails will most likely break or damage the pickets.

•    Step Method

The step method requires that the fence panels be installed in such a fashion that they "step up " the slope. The panels are level but do not conform to the slope. This is, by far, the most common and generally preferred method of installing a panel type of picket fence on a sloped line.

There are limitations and trade-offs with most materials. In the case of pre-fabricated panels, the installation is less labor intensive but the panels are difficult, if not impossible to install on a slope using the parallel method.

If you do not find the aesthetics of the step method to be appealing and desire a parallel method installation on a slope, William Moore Lawn and Handyman Services very strongly recommends that you not use panels. It will be exponentially easier and ultimately more cost effective to construct the fence from individual pickets and to fabricate the rails at the jobs site.

I will be happy to answer any questions that you may have regarding this topic.

If you need a new fence and/or gate or if you have an existing fence or gate that  needs repairs please contact us at any time!

Till next time -

-William-

William Moore

Owner

William Moore Lawn and Handyman Services

678.702.4791

fayettelawnmoore@gmail.com