How to Build a Fence on a Slope
There are two common ways to install a fence on a slope: stepped and racked.
A stepped installation keeps each fence section level, with sections stepping up or down to follow the terrain.
A racked installation allows the fence section to follow the slope of the ground.
Neither method is inherently better. The appropriate installation method depends on factors such as fence height and section width, terrain and soil conditions, local climate, and applicable building codes. The final installation method should be determined by a qualified installer based on the specific jobsite conditions.
Installation Method | How It Works | Best Use |
Stepped Fence | Each fence section remains level and steps up or down with the terrain. | When level fence sections are preferred or required. |
Racked Fence | The fence section follows the slope of the ground. | When the fence system can accommodate the required angle. |
How to Install a Horizontal Composite Fence on a Slope
The Modern Yard™ Horizontal Composite Fence System can be installed on a slope using either a stepped or racked installation.
Stepped Horizontal Composite Fence Installation
Each fence section remains level, while adjacent sections step up or down to follow the terrain.
No additional slope-specific hardware is required beyond the standard Horizontal Composite Fence System components.
However, longer posts may be required to maintain adequate in-ground post depth as the fence elevation changes.
View Horizontal Composite Fence System Components
What You May Need: Longer Posts
Racked Horizontal Composite Fence Installation
With a racked installation, the fence section follows the slope of the ground.
Replace the standard 90° connectors included with the Horizontal Rail Kit with Adjustable Angle Connectors. This allows the rails to connect to the posts at the required angle.
Additional Component: Adjustable Angle Connector
How to Install a Vertical Fence on a Slope
Modern Yard™ recommends a stepped installation for both the Vertical Composite Fence System and Vertical Metal Fence System.
Vertical fence systems place greater load on the rail connectors, and Modern Yard currently does not offer an adjustable connector specifically designed for vertical fence applications.
For sloped ground, a treated wood kickboard can be cut to follow the grade, creating a level base for the vertical fence section above.
Modern Yard offers a Kickboard Adapter designed to fit 1.5-inch actual-thickness treated wood (commonly sold as nominal 2-inch lumber), allowing the kickboard to integrate directly with the fence system.
What You May Need:
Longer Posts, as required to maintain adequate in-ground depth
Kickboard Adapter
1.5" actual-thickness treated wood kickboard (nominal 2" lumber)
How to Install a Horizontal Metal Fence on a Slope
The Modern Yard™ Horizontal Metal Fence System can be installed on a slope using either a stepped or racked installation.
Stepped Horizontal Metal Fence Installation
Each fence section remains level, while successive sections step up or down to follow the terrain.
The standard Horizontal Metal Fence Hardware Kit can be used without additional slope-specific hardware.
However, longer posts may be required to maintain adequate in-ground post depth as the fence elevation changes.
What You May Need: Longer Posts
View Horizontal Metal Fence System Components
Racked Horizontal Metal Fence Installation
With a racked installation, the horizontal metal fence follows the slope of the ground.
No additional components are required. The standard Horizontal Metal Fence Hardware Kit can accommodate the sloped installation, with the metal infill panels cut at the required angle to follow the grade.
When installing the top infill panel, the standard 90° L-shaped connector needs to be adjusted to match the slope. This can be done on site using a suitable tool, such as locking pliers, to carefully bend the connector to the required angle.
Additional Components: None
Fence Slope Installation Components by System
Fence System | Installation Method | Additional Components / Requirements |
Horizontal Composite | Stepped | Longer posts may be required |
Racked | Adjustable Angle Connectors replace standard 90° connectors | |
Vertical Composite | Stepped | Longer posts; Kickboard Adapters; 2" treated wood (1.5" actual thickness) |
Horizontal Metal | Stepped | Longer posts may be required |
Racked | No additional components required | |
Vertical Metal | Stepped | Longer posts; Kickboard Adapters; 2" treated wood (1.5" actual thickness) |