If you’re looking for ways to enhance your outdoor spaces, fencing is undoubtedly one of the best ways to do it.
Fencing will not only enhance the neat, well-kept visual appeal of your property, but it is also a highly effective security feature, and an immediate deterrent to any potential intruders.
But, not all gardens have the same, perfectly even layout. Many are slightly slanted, uneven or contain a very marked, angled slope.
So, how exactly do you install a fence on a slope?
How to install concrete fence posts on a slope
When choosing what type of fence you want, if you know it’s going to be set on a slope, we highly recommend that you use concrete fence posts.
This is because concrete posts are more durable and weather-resistant, which will not warp or distort over time. Obviously, warping fence posts would cause a lot of problems, and would quickly compromise the structural integrity of the entire fence. As a result, this makes concrete an ideal choice for fences that will be set on a slope.
Here is our simple, step by step process for installing concrete fence posts on a slope. It’s very similar to how you would install a fence on level ground.
1. Start from the top of the slope
Begin by working at the top of the slope, where you want your fence to start. This will make it easier for you to calculate the height of your fence.
2. Plot out your fence posts
It’s important to measure out the plots for each of your concrete posts. Start by plotting the first fence post, and continue along the slope, using a marker or piece of wood to mark where each post should go.
To ensure a clean fence, measure straight lines along the slope between each post – do not measure directly across the ground. As the ground could be uneven as it slopes, measuring the actual ground will not be accurate. You can use a laser measuring tool, or a large spirit level.
Tip: Don’t forget your gravel boards
Gravel boards slot between the fence posts – so you need to make sure you are measuring from the inside of the concrete posts – not the outside.
3. Dig a hole for each post
Determine the positions for your posts, and then dig a hole for each post. Each hole needs to be 60cm deep, minimum. But, if your fence is going to be 1.8m high (or higher), then this should be 76cm deep, minimum.
Ensure all post holes are the same depth, no matter the slope angle.
4. Install the posts
Install your concrete posts along the line you want for your fence. Make sure each hole is the same depth, all the way along the line. Do not make adjustments based on the slope of the ground, this will only make the fence uneven.
You need to also make sure the posts themselves are upright. The slightest lean to the left or right might mean the fence panels won’t fit correctly.
Once you have put the post in the ground, back fill with cement or post mix concrete. Leave the concrete just over the ground, to help avoid rain damage. It will take around 20 minutes for the mixture to harden.
Wait until all concrete posts are installed, and the cement is set.
5. Install gravel boards
The gravel boards will help to support the post, and ensure it has enough strength and rigidity, even though it is on a hill. Do this by slotting the gravel boards into each of the posts, to ensure that they are level and secure.
This may mean installing gravel boards slightly into the ground, to ensure a clean finish and no gaps. So you may have to purchase taller gravel boards.
6. Slot in your fence panels
Fit the fence panels in between each of the fence posts, making sure that each panel has been stepped, across its entire length. The step will need to follow the same angle as the slope.
7. Close any gaps
There could be some triangular gaps under each gravel board. We would suggest adding stones to this area to close up the gaps, and create a neat finish.
The key to ensuring a neat, even finish is that you keep the fence panels level. Both stepped and raked fencing (we’ll explain these two types in more detail below) require accuracy throughout the installation process. Otherwise, the parts won’t fit alongside each other correctly.
Building on this, we highly recommend that, throughout the fence installation process, you keep checking the angles of slopes and curves of the land. Then, use these angles to determine the angles of your fence. This will not only keep your fence looking neat, but it will also ensure that it is performing at its optimum.
At Barnard Fencing, our team is made up of skilled, dependable fencing professionals. We have established a time-honoured reputation for the quality, efficiency and reliability of our service.
Our team have worked with countless homes and properties, across Nottingham and the surrounding areas, to deliver strong and durable fences with a flawless finish.
So, if you have any questions about our fencing supply and installation services, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
