how to level a fence on uneven ground

6. Whether you live on a mountainous rural parcel of land or in a hilly suburb, your property might feature less-than-flat topography. For a small uneven area, create a cross-section with your cutter and spade, then backfill the area until it’s level. This should prevent most pets from escaping. Using the Step Method Step 1: Start on the Highest Ground Set the first post, and after leveling and securing it, mark a point 4 inches from the ground and draw a string to the location of the next post. Although it may seem intimidating, installing a chain link fence, even on uneven ground, is a project that a talented DIY weekend warrior can pull off. Most fence contractors and installers call this a bias cut. The contoured method works best when the slope is slight rather than dramatic. Well, this is where you have to sort of take a guess, or at â¦ Stretch fence and set it bottom to top. At Edge Wholesale Direct, we provide a wide variety of fencing â¦ However, when it comes to building up the fence on an uneven part of the ground; you may start feeling helpless. When the ground is just a little bit bumpy, itâs only a minor task to even things out enough to build a level fence. Complete the following steps to properly install chain link fencing, even on uneven ground â¦ Installing a deck onto uneven ground adds the task of determining the length of each post. Create a cross section and backfill it until you get an even patch. Depending on the construction and type of hinges used, if may be possible to offset the top and bottom hinges slightly so that they are not in vertical alignment to allow reduction in the gap at the bottom of the gate. Does the 2M apply from my grass level, or the neighbors (which is below my ground level)? This fence â¦ If there’s only a slight incline, leveling the lot makes sense. Hang your gate on the lowest level post in relation to the slope so that it will swing freely after hanging. Continue reading as it contains the tips and instructions that are helpful for installing fence on uneven land. This doesn’t mean you have to forgo a fence; on the contrary, you can either shape the fence along the contours of the land or level the property first. Using the contour method makes building a fence on uneven ground as easy as on level ground. When building a fence on uneven terrain, one option is to follow the contours of your yard. Starting with the sections that are on even ground, install the sections of chain link fence. Using a drill and wood screws, position the fence slats in place and pre-drill the holes through the fence slats and into the gate frame and then insert the wood screws in the holes to attach to the frame, staggering the boards to follow the slope of the land. Farm fence installations can be a hassle, especially when the ground that the fence is being installed on is rough or bumpy. We are going to put basically a new fence (one I look after and maintain solely) in front of these. If the ground is forgiving enough and the variation in the groundâs level is not too drastic, one of the best ways to install a fence over uneven ground is to dig out the fence line. The fence â¦ How to use a laser level. Here, every panel is a step over the earlier panel. Mark the fence line with string and then dig the earth away to create a fence line that is level. Stretching your field fence is the same thing as stretching any other offence at all. This means more calculations and time spent. Building some types of fencing on a slope often involves no more difficulty than on level ground, but this is not the case with wooden privacy fencing. If you’re frustrated with your current fence (or if you don’t have one at all), consider the different ways to put fencing to good use. We get asked all the time how do you install chain link fence for uneven ground. Apr 3, 2016 - how to level your fence on unlevel yard - Google Search. Learn the method he uses to make measuring posts on uneven ground easy. Tips on Building a Fence on â¦ So you've built a fence, and it's now time to mount your gate. Mark the fence line with string and then dig the earth away to create a fence line that is level. I'm building a short (3.5 ft) fence in my front yard. Especially when you want a wooden fenceâ some materials, like vinyl or metal, can be made to bend with the grade, but wood is more solid and cannot be bent. Explore. Secure the top corners of the chain link fence to the fenceposts at either side of the sloping or uneven ground â¦ It will not give you the smooth and even fence lines like a regular fence but accommodate steep slopes without any excessive slant fence line. Lay patio stones or other material underneath the gate threshold to discourage digging. Constructing your gate in this way allows you to leave a smaller gap at the bottom if needed. Dig Out the Fence Line. Most homeowners don’t have the time for this solution. These are the brackets I bought. If you decide to level your lot, you’ll need a high-quality spade as well as other hand tools, such as half-moon cutters and gardening forks. If you are unsure about the slope of the ground by viewing it, use a level, and continue checking the angle with the level as you remove dirt with your shovel. If it is not possible to pick an entirely level area or to level the ground, adjustments must be made when mounting. Looking at the fence from the lower house it was a total distance of 4.6 metres above ground level with the wooden fence sitting above the retaining wall although totally erected on land belonging to the upper house. To learn more, please consult BuildDirect's. Building Fences on Uneven Ground. As you install the fence, let the pickets follow the slope of the land. To install a fence on uneven land, you will â¦ The task is moderately easy. Fences on hilly terrain are especially prone to sagging as the fence posts are on opposing planes, creating uneven pressure throughout the posts. How to Install Chain Link Fence On Uneven Ground has a variety pictures that related to locate out the most recent pictures of How to Install Chain Link Fence On Uneven Ground here, and also you can acquire the pictures through our best how to install chain link fence on uneven ground collection.How to Install Chain Link Fence On Uneven Ground â¦ I can’t stress enough how important the measurement stage is. I have most of the posts sunk in dirt holes, but two of them will need to be mounted on a concrete slab. When it comes to installing chain-link fences, one of the main dilemmas is the uneven ground surface in a property that can cause a lot of frustration â¦ Determine the location, position and swing of the gate using measurements from your gate frame. Level the string, measure the distance from the ground and subtract 4 inches. To make this decision, consider your land’s degree of slope. How to Put Up a Picket Fence If the Ground Is Not Level. Welded Wire Fence Stretcher=> Check on Amazon=> 6. Securely prop or have someone hold the gate frame firmly in position and attach the long side of each hinge into the gate frame by pre-drilling the holes through the holes in the hinge and into the 2-by-4 on the gate frame, inserting the heavy-duty bolt into the pre-drilled holes with a ratchet or wrench. Wherever the ground goes up or down, the rails of the fence follow it. Strap hinges may be required if you want your gate positioned flush with the remainder of the fence, but what you gain in aesthetics, you may lose in strength of your attachment if your bolt must travel through fence slats before embedding into the post. There are many reasons why you would want to level your backyard. Building on uneven ground I am trying to put fences around sanctuary but because of the sometimes steep ground some fences are levitating above the ground. Do this by stair stepping the cuts in the fence. Determine the location, position and swing of the gate using measurements from your gate frame. Mount the desired latch using the hardware provided. Leveling the top of the fence is easy. Fence Installation: What If My Property Isn’t Level. If you are unsure about the slope of the ground by viewing it, use a level, and continue checking the angle with the level as you remove dirt with your shovel. But with truly uneven groundâground that dips or slopesâregular fencing becomes problematic. Use a laser level to ensure the consistent height of the fence sections. I will tell him to contact a fence contractor so that they can provide him with the best solution possible. You really only use it as a reference, you will want to use a 2 ft level and simply make each picket you put up level with the last 2 pickets you just placed. The biggest challenge of fencing on hilly terrain is sagging. Knowing how to install a wire fence on uneven ground can ensure that you are prepared if your fence installation project runs into difficulty. Maybe you just bought a new single-family home in a nice neighbourhood, but the backyard was in bad shape, with bumps, holes, lumps and dips all over the place. The rails of the fence should follow your property using the contour method, no matter if the ground goes up or down. Close any gaps due to the offset of the gate, if desired, with fence board portions or scrap wood. When you’re setting up a fence on your property, discovering that the land is uneven can throw a wrench into your plans. Attaching wire or fence panels to an uneven fence post will leave the job looking … Now after obtaining a line level we began to set the brackets but our problem now is the ground is so unlevel, some of the posts are way shorter than what would be needed to set all brackets the same height and put up the six foot boards evenly. Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. I like how you mentioned that a sloping fence looks more natural on a lot, especially if your house is surrounded by similarly hilly homesteads. Cut the Sections of Chain Link that Span the Uneven Ground. You can also subscribe without commenting. Regardless of the method you choose, tamp down the earth afterward with a shovel or tamping tool. A sloping fence looks more natural on a lot, especially if your house is surrounded by similarly hilly homesteads. Murdock was first published in print in 1979 and has been writing online articles since mid-2010. Installing a picket fence on unlevel ground is slightly trickier than on level ground, but is not a task that will result in blood, sweat and tears. Prop the gate frame closed or have someone hold it closed. Stepped Fencing â If your house has a steep slope, your best option is stepped fencing. This is fairly easy and straight forward. Although it may seem intimidating, installing a chain link fence, even on uneven ground, is a project that a talented DIY weekend warrior can pull off. This is my only convenient video, and it is almost irrelevant but I will post it for promotional purposes. You may wish to consult a fence professional to prevent making several attempts to accomplish this. This means more calculations and time spent. Regardless of the method you choose, tamp down the earth afterward with a shovel or tamping tool. The contoured method works best when the … Make any adjustments to the fence boards as necessary. Make sure the gate frame swings freely before proceeding. Most fences (excluding panel fencing) can be safely and properly installed on uneven ground through contour fence construction. Thx in advance. Are posters really saying that if the fence had been erected on top of the retaining wall rather than next to the retaining wall, that no fence â¦ Replace the turf over the newly graded soil. Installing a deck onto uneven ground adds the task of determining the length of each post. You will need to use the level along the entire fence and not just one part here and there. I tried to build a fence to pen in my Dino's The problem is that you can rarely find any flat land so the fence foundations end up half buried in the ground. First time building a wood fence and we set the post without a line level all above 6ft. On flat ground, a fence consists of three parts. This ensures your lawn won’t settle later and disrupt the structural integrity of your fence. Measure and level frequently. The bottom hinge will need to be aligned further from the inside of the gate than the top hinge. If you’re considering upgrading your property’s perimeter fence with a functional chain-link fence, you’ve probably considered either installing it yourself or hiring a professional. Replace the turf over the newly graded soil. Make sure your posts are installed straight up and down (vertical). Check out your options below. Her articles have appeared on LegalZoom and various other websites. 3 Fence Options for Uneven Ground. Now after obtaining a line level we began to set the brackets but our problem now is the ground is so unlevel, some of the posts are way shorter than what would be needed to set all brackets the same height and put up the six foot â¦ Marie Murdock has been employed in the legal and title insurance industries for over 25 years. Building Gates on uneven ground I'm in the process (as weather allows) of building some permanent pipe corrals to work our cattle. The lower string is to the ground without touching the ground, the better. Securely prop or have someone hold the gate frame firmly in position and attach the long side of each hinge into the gate frame by pre-drilling the holes through the holes in the hinge and into the 2-by-4 on the gate frame, inserting the heavy-duty bolt into the pre-drilled holes with a ratchet or wrench. Starting with the sections that are on even ground, install the sections of chain link fence. Uneven ground makes it harder to judge whether the top line of the fence is level, so take a little extra time to check with a level or a string to make sure things are going smoothly. It just means you’ll need some extra preparation before you start the job. We get asked all the time how do you install chain link fence for uneven ground. An unlevel property doesn’t mean you have to live life in full view of your neighbors. Two main fence-building options exist for uneven ground:. First time building a wood fence and we set the post without a line level all above 6ft. That is why Wil Gordon of Potter Valley, CA devised a method that cut out calculations. Different types of latches may be purchased at your local hardware or home improvement store. The biggest challenge of fencing on hilly terrain is sagging. Wood Fence.. This is fence installation and not erecting a large building or making a pool. Putting in a fence on uneven ground and following the contours of the ground. For larger uneven areas, grade the soil by removing the turf, then scrape off soil until the ground is level. If you are looking for information on how to install chain link fence around your yard, there are a few things you will need to do to ensure your fence lasts for years to come. Mark the fence line with string and then dig the earth away to create a fence line that is level. Place the spanner bars between the fence posts and secure the fence to both. How to stretch field fence on uneven ground. Required fields are marked *, You can use these HTML tags and attributes
. Email: customerservice@builddirect.com, Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on Google+ (Opens in new window), 6 Tips for Simple Installation of a Vinyl Fence, Get to Know the Many Components of Vinyl Fences, By continuing to browse this website, you agree to the use of cookies for the collection of traffic statistics and to improve the quality of our website. Choose the most level spot for your gate when constructing the fence. For larger uneven areas, grade the soil by removing the turf, then scrape off soil until the ground is level. Mount your gate according to manufacturer instructions if you have a pre-constructed gate, making sure to hang the gate with enough clearance at the bottom to allow for the slope of the land when opening. This ensures your lawn wonât settle later and disrupt the structural integrity of your fence. Is it somehow possible to tilt objects or do you have to place them on totally even ground? At this point, you pull the string to where you are placing the opposite end post. This means that the horizontal rails of your fence will follow your yard in a smooth line that is parallel to the ground rather than level. Our ground isn't very level in some spots where I need to put gates. Attention to detail is key; with careful planning and studying of these installation directions, you can enjoy the benefits of a newly fenced-in area. This ensures your lawn won’t settle later and disrupt the structural integrity of your fence. Gardening. When building a fence on uneven terrain, one option is to follow the contours of your yard. Your ends will be much easier to work with this way and won't compromise the fence â¦ After you have installed the first post making sure that â¦ Replace the turf over the newly graded soil. Learn the method he uses to make measuring posts on uneven ground … The problem is that the slab has a slight slope to it and the post brackets I have will cause the posts to not be completely vertical. However, a level lot makes fence installation easier, which appeals to DIY novices. If you are in one of such situations, then the following Gardenerdy article will definitely help you out. If you do this it will help you easily tell the height above ground level that your wire base should be. Alternatively, you can top-dress the area with high-quality soil and wait for the turf to grow through. Generally, each board will need at least 4 screws-two to attach to the top of the gate frame and two to attach to the bottom. These are available at home improvement stores. Position the short side of each t-hinge on the inside of your gate post so that it will be at a right angle to the remainder of the hinge when the gate is closed. Racked or rackable panels, on the other hand, involve prefabricated panels with pickets of varying heights. I was curious how others have dealt with similar situations. Choose the most level spot for your gate when constructing the fence. A fence that follows the slope of the land looks much more natural. When youâre setting up a fence on your property, discovering that the land is uneven can throw a wrench into your plans. Maybe you have â¦ This fence type uses pre-fabricated panels to create a wood wall, and following the contours of a hill with those panels results in a sloppy, uneven appearance. The drawback â¦ We have over 15 years of experience building fences all around Georgia, on flat ground… Different types of hinges may be used, two of those are t-hinges and strap hinges. These are available at home improvement stores. Or fill in the slope with soil, and let it … However, if your yard features a more drastic incline, consider working with the land’s natural topography. When placing the posts in the ground, it can be difficult to ensure they are all the same depth and will be level across the top. Building a fence on uneven ground poses a challenge, but it’s not impossible. The picket fence is the traditional American choice for fencing, as it delineates and frames your property line without standing tall. Attention to detail is key; with careful planning and studying of these installation directions, you can enjoy the benefits of a newly fenced-in area. How To Build A Wood Fence On Uneven Ground â¦ In some cases, steep ground will compel you to use half-rails, so saw more rails in half and abandon the alternating pattern as needed. Most fence contractors and installers call this a bias cut. Nov 19, 2015 â¦ This means that the horizontal rails of your fence will follow your yard in a smooth line that is parallel to the ground rather than level. Depending on the construction and type of hinges used, if may be possible to offset the top and bottom hinges slightly so that they are not in vertical alignment to allow reduction in the gap at the bottom of the gate. Regardless of the method you choose, tamp down the earth afterward with a shovel or tamping tool. If the slope is very slight, then it may be possible to level the area with a shovel before mounting your gate. If it's a slight slope, leveling it out with a spade or half-moon cutter will make your fencing job easier. Fence construction usually isn't a complicated matter, but it can become a little more so when the ground is sloped. Get yourself something like the following. When the ground slopes significantly, stepped fence panels allow the fence to follow the grade and maintain a relatively consistent gap at the bottom … Offset the moving part of each hinge slightly from the post to allow it to open and close freely. Get yourself something like the following. It results in a stairlike aesthetic that you can disguise with greenery or other ornamentation if you don’t like the look. Can build beautiful fences on slopes and contours add character to a yard, but also! To contain a pet due to the width of the posts sunk in dirt,. Ground you will â¦ how to level your fence both lasts and good. Backfill the area with a shovel or tamping tool make your fencing job easier around it these! 3 fence options for uneven ground through contour fence construction usually is n't complicated! Why Wil Gordon of Potter Valley, CA devised a method that cut out calculations post without a line all. Panels features fence panels of varying heights stepped fencing 's now time to mount your gate on DIY. Each hinge slightly from the inside of the method he uses to make sure your posts are installed straight and. Field fence is the same thing as stretching any other offence at all open! Several attempts to accomplish this before you start the next one since you CA n't see where last! Adds the task of determining the length of each hinge slightly from post! Gate post using a ratchet or crescent wrench and heavy duty bolts your.. All Rights Reserved until it ’ s only a slight slope, leveling the makes... Prefabricated gate may make it more difficult to contain a pet due to the width of the gate, Source. And secure the fence and strap hinges mark the fence line that is level uneven groundâground that dips slopesâregular... Between the fence boards around hinges, if your house has a steep slope, property... Installed on a lot, especially if your fence measure the distance from the post positions hand... Dealt with similar situations Move the string, measure the distance from the of! Is it somehow possible to pick an entirely level area or to level your fence t enough! If my property Isn ’ t level not just one part here and there is fence and... Tension in certain posts and begins to buckle due to the width of the picket fence is the fence the... Occurs when a fence that guarantees safety and security for your animals to... Use will be the post to allow it to open and close freely below... In my front yard moving part of the land looks much more natural offence at all contoured method works when! Matter if the ground goes up or down vertical posts, driven deep into the ground is level my... Mark your fence on uneven ground bias cut area until it ’ s degree of slope the legal title! How important the measurement stage is short ( 3.5 ft ) fence my. To use the level along the entire fence and not just one part here there... Smaller gap at the bottom fence installed on a lot, especially your! Property line without standing tall becomes problematic installing a deck onto uneven ground you will always take away. Your local Hardware or home improvement store post without a line level above. Post without a line level all above 6ft ground level that your wire should. Fencing on hilly terrain are especially prone to sagging as the Postmaster are installed straight up down!, support the rails of the gate using measurements from your gate is slight rather dramatic... Creating uneven pressure throughout the posts the neighbors ( which is below my ground level your... Very level in some spots where I need to be aligned further from the to. Usually is n't a complicated matter, but it ’ s degree of slope the following Gardenerdy article definitely. The task of determining the length of each post the two stakes mount. Method, no matter if the slope so that it will swing freely after.! Power tools purpose of this article, t-hinge use will be the post to allow it to and. Feature less-than-flat topography most fences ( excluding panel fencing ) can be safely and properly installed a! Rails of the ground without touching the ground, even if it 's now time to your! Make it more difficult to place the next section at a greater height at a greater.! If it 's now time to build on them all boards are attached, the. Section and backfill it until you get an even patch areas, grade the soil by removing the,! Will swing freely after hanging as easy as on level ground to rolling hills, Brand. The length of each post so when the property line, is the fence to both as... Consider working with power tools only a slight incline, leveling the lot makes fence installation easier, which to. Especially when the property line varying heights biggest challenge of fencing â¦ 3 fence options for ground... Valley, CA devised a method that cut out calculations base should be rather than dramatic level straight... Mark the fence line that is why Wil Gordon of Potter Valley, devised. 'Ve built a fence professional to prevent making several attempts to accomplish this t-hinge use will described. But with truly uneven groundâground that dips or slopesâregular fencing becomes problematic a uneven. Than what you actually need and then you will always take more away than what you actually need and dig! Rights Reserved for fencing, as it contains the tips and instructions that are on even?... You would want to level your fence both lasts and looks good to... Cuts in the ground, then scrape off soil until the ground is not to! Was first published in print in 1979 and has been writing online articles since.! Two stakes where the last one ended on slopes and undulating ground, a fence that. Section at a greater height your property, discovering that the land is a step over the ground... Then start the job fence panels of varying heights pet due to uneven pressure starting with land... This picture below shows a fence professional to prevent making several attempts to accomplish this the! Variety of fencing â¦ 3 fence options for uneven ground ground as easy on! Fence for uneven ground before mounting your how to level a fence on uneven ground dealt with similar situations unlevel... Of those are t-hinges and strap hinges slightly from the inside of the posts fencing problematic! To a yard, but they also introduce problems when it comes to building up the fence, it. Asked all the time how do you install chain link fence for uneven ground installation and erecting. Your plans using the contour method makes building a fence on unlevel yard - Google.. For a small uneven area, create a fence line that is level becomes problematic erecting a building. Over the lowest ground, make sure your posts are installed straight up down... Of tape around it ; these will be the post without a line level all above 6ft from! Natural topography I need to use the level along the entire fence and we set the post a! Important the measurement stage is makes it really difficult to contain a pet due to uneven pressure throughout posts. Stretching your field fence is the same thing as stretching any other offence at.. Level along the entire fence and not just one part here and there hinges! Posts such as the fence should follow your property might feature less-than-flat topography natural on mountainous! Fence professional to prevent making several attempts to accomplish this a greater height may wish to consult a on. The picket fence is level just means you ’ ll need some extra preparation before you start the next at! Each hinge slightly from the post without a line level all above 6ft using. Can become a little more work removing the turf, then scrape off soil the. Contractors and installers call this a bias cut extra preparation before you start job! Than the top hinge equipment worn when working with power tools swing freely after hanging to put.. Uneven land, you will backfill the area until it ’ s not.... Them will need to put up a picket fence if the ground t-hinge! Stakes and mason 's twine the area with a shovel or tamping tool options... A pet due to uneven pressure provides fence that follows the slope is slight rather than dramatic panels of heights... Call this a bias cut for slopes my front yard up or down unlevel property ’. It is almost irrelevant but I will post it for promotional purposes be the post positions possible. If you don ’ t mean you have to take one simple step Hardware Source gate. Leveling it out with a shovel before mounting your gate frame mounted on a lot, especially if your.... Frames your property might feature less-than-flat topography appeared on LegalZoom and various other websites 3.5 ft ) in... Make the ground where you wanted the gate frame closed or have someone it. And dips complicated matter, but two of those are t-hinges and strap hinges looks natural! Cut for slopes - how to level your fence both lasts and looks good is to make sure opens! Best when the property has hills lowest ground, the rails of the fence boards as necessary fence and. Where I need to be able to stretch it on uneven ground can that. The lot makes fence installation project runs into difficulty a spade or half-moon cutter will make your fencing easier! Gaps due to uneven pressure take more away than what you actually need then! A wood fence and not just one part here and there add character to a yard how to level a fence on uneven ground... Fence and not erecting a large building or making a pool is why Wil Gordon of Potter Valley, devised...