Most homeowners take one look at their uneven terrain and immediately call a contractor, assuming the job is too complex for their skill level. 

While sloped installations do require extra thought, the right techniques can help you achieve results that rival professional work. The difference between a fence that screams “weekend warrior project” and one that looks expertly installed often comes down to knowing these five essential secrets. 

Fence Installation Plan and Preparation

Accurate measurements for fence installation become crucial when gravity is working against you. Unlike flat ground where you can eyeball distances and make quick adjustments, slopes demand precision from the start. Walk your property line with a measuring tape and stakes, marking every spot where a post will go. 

Take note of dramatic elevation changes, rocky areas, or spots where water tends to collect. These observations will save you hours of backtracking later when you discover your original plan won’t work with the terrain. Consider renting a transit or laser level for this phase. 

Choose the Right Materials

Not all fencing materials handle slopes equally well. Rigid panels that work beautifully on flat ground can create awkward gaps and angles when forced to follow uneven terrain. Picket fences excel on slopes because individual boards can adjust independently to follow the ground’s contours. 

Chain link offers similar flexibility, bending and conforming to elevation changes without creating large gaps. Horizontal board fences also work well since you can adjust each board’s height individually.

Avoid solid panels or materials that come in fixed sections unless you plan to step them, which we’ll cover shortly. 

Stepping vs. Racking

This decision shapes your fence’s entire appearance. Stepping creates a stair-step pattern where each section remains level but jumps to a different height. Racking allows the fence to follow the slope’s angle, creating a smooth diagonal line.

Step your fence when:

• The slope is too steep for racking to look natural
• You’re using pre-made panels that can’t bend
• Local codes require level fence sections

Rack your fence when:

• The slope is gradual and consistent
• You want a flowing, natural appearance
• You’re using flexible materials like pickets or chain link

Most professional-looking installations use racking for gentle slopes and stepping for steeper terrain.

Deal with Gaps

Gaps under sloped fencing can make even the most carefully planned installation look amateur. The secret lies in working with your slope rather than fighting against it.

For racked fences, extend your bottom rail or individual pickets below the standard height in areas where the ground dips. This requires measuring each gap individually and cutting materials to fit, but the result looks intentional rather than sloppy.

Stepped fences require a different solution. Install a bottom rail that follows the ground’s contour while keeping your main fence sections level. 

Securing Posts during Fence Installation 

Post stability becomes even more critical on slopes where gravity and water runoff constantly test your installation. Standard depth rules don’t apply when dealing with uneven ground and varying soil conditions.

Dig your holes deeper on the uphill side of each post. The extra depth compensates for the reduced soil pressure that slopes create. Plan for fence installation holes that are 6 inches deeper than you would dig on flat ground, and consider going even deeper in sandy or loose soil.

Use fast-setting concrete for all posts, regardless of your fence material. The immediate stability prevents posts from shifting while you work on other sections.