When you’re setting up a fence on your property, discovering that the land is uneven can throw a wrench into your plans. Especially when you want a wooden fence— some materials, like vinyl or metal, can be made to bend with the grade, but wood is more solid and cannot be bent. But while putting up wood fencing on an uneven piece of ground isn’t as simple as doing it to a level area, it can still be done, and it can look great in the end. You’ve got a few different options you can take in this situation– read on to find out more.
Install Stepped Panels
If you want your fence to be level across the top of the panels, you can achieve this look on uneven ground by using stepped panels. Stepped panels are just panels set on posts at a variety of heights, flowing with the grade of the land. For major grade differences, it may be necessary to purchase taller posts. Be sure to check and make sure that panels are available in the different heights you’ll need, because otherwise you’ll have major gaps at the bottom of your fence.
Fill in the Gaps
If you’re fencing a small area, and if the difference in grade on the property isn’t that significant, you can bring in some extra dirt and level out the land. Larger jobs will require a tractor or other large equipment, but small ones can be done with a shovel and wheelbarrow. Be sure that the new dirt is packed tight before you begin setting up a fence– in order to prevent erosion, it is a good idea to plant some grass, let it begin to grow, and then install your fence.
Ignore the Slope
You’d be surprised how good a fence can look even if the panels aren’t completely even. If your land has a lot of rolling hills, sharp grade changes, or other unusual features, it may be simpler, cheaper, and easier to just work with nature and let your fence roll with the grade. Keep in mind, though, that there may be some openings at the bottom of some panels when you go this route. If this is a problem (e.g. your fence is intended to keep animals in or out) you will need to lay some dirt down to fill in the gaps.
Don’t be discouraged by your uneven ground! You can make any style fence, especially wood, work out for you.
