Horizontal fence adds an elegant look to the home.
But building a horizontal fence is not same as traditional fence.
So how to build a horizontal fence on a slope?
Well, the process is simple. Choose the right design, accumulate all the necessary tools, pick the right wood, and start building.
Below, we will talk details.
How to build a horizontal fence on a slope easily
The process of building horizontal fence on slope is described below.
Choosing the right design
There are usually three types of options for building a fence on a slope; straight, stair steep, or angled.
Straight fence design
A straight fence design can be built on flat or uneven terrain in a straight line. The fence will just be built in a straight line when there are small slopes or dips. So there will be gaps underneath the fence that can be filled with mud. You can also choose customized pickets for the fence to fill the uneven gaps in the terrain. This fence design is good for properties with small dips or slopes.
Stair step fence design
This design is used when the property’s terrain has large slopes with many holes. In that case, the fence construction looks like stair steps. As the terrain is uneven, you will still see uneven gap areas underneath the fence. Use pickets to attach them underneath to fill the gaps.
Racked fence design
You need to use this design on straight sloped terrain. In this design, the first picket of the fence is always put in deeper than the second picket. That’s why you don’t need to fill the underside of the slope. This type of design is good for properties with straight slopes and doesn’t have many dips.
Tools required for building the fence:
- Hand gloves
- Hammer
- Tape measurement
- Post hole digger
- Shovel
- Wirecutter
- Nailer
- Screw Diver
- Cardboard
Choosing the best wood
There is some good wood that can be used for building a fence.
Cedarwood for building a fence
This wood is very good for long-lasting service because of its rough weather protection and insect resistance. It doesn’t change its color to gray, even in rough weather. If you put a simple coat on it, it doesn’t get damaged by UV rays or moisture.
Redwood for building a fence
This is red color wood to provide extra elegance to the fence. This wood comes with perfect durability, and there is no chance of getting rotten or insects because of its high-quality structure and natural resistance. The life span of this wood is an average of 8–10 years.
Doughlas Fir wood for fence construction
The color of this wood is light brown, and you can see a few red or yellow dots on it. This wood is exceptionally popular for its extra strength, which allows it to last a long time. Also, it doesn’t get damaged or rotten because of UV rays.
Cypress wood for fence construction
Cypress wood naturally produces a resin in its body, which is called cypretine. This resin doesn’t allow insects to create holes in the fence. It also provides a natural coating on the fence, which is why it can have a longer life span.
Starting the building process
You need to follow some steps to build a fence on a slope. We are using the raked design to build this fence on a slope. The process is simple, and it is the cheapest way to build horizontal fence. To do it,
Step 1: Begin building the fence from the top
- First, install the initial post of the fence.
- Level it so that it can be secured in its place.
- Use a meter gauge to mark the location of the 2nd post.
- The distance between two posts should be at least 4 inches.
- Tug a string in that marked area.
- Level it so you can measure the distance between the 2nd post and the first post.
- Now cut 4 inches of picket from the underside of the 2nd post.
Step 2: Create sections for additional design.
- To start the sectioning process, you must follow the first four-inch pointer.
- Now attach a rail at the bottom of the mark.
- Extend it to the following post.
- Make sure to use a leveler to attach it as straight as possible.
Use this process and attach rails to all the posts to build the sections of the fence.
Step 3: Attach the slats to the post
After you have set up the sections, you have to attach the slats. To do it,
- Hold the vertical measurement equipment so that you can level the slats.
- The difference between two horizontal fence boards must be at least ¼ inches to 1 inch.
- Use a marker to mark a line with the help of that equipment.
- Place the slat on the line.
- Use screws to attach the slats.
- You can also nail them with the help of a nailer suitable for fencing.
Follow this step to attach slats to every post.
Step 4: Filling the Gaps Underneath the Fence
- Hold some horizontal cardboard.
- Place them on the underside of the fence.
- Use a marker to mark the uneven terrain areas on the cardboard.
- Now cut the cardboard.
- Attach them with the help of a nailer.
Conclusion
Usually, fences are built to increase the privacy and elegance of a house. But if your house is located on a hill or on sloped terrain, creating a fence can be hard for you. However, it is not hard if you know “how to build a horizontal fence on a slope.”
You need to consider the design of the fence according to your building area. Then manage some important tools and choose the right wood for your fence. After that, install the first post and mark a point 4 inches away from it. Install the 2nd post on that point.
You can attach rails to the building section, but make sure to build them at the same level as the ground. Then attach slats to the post and fill the gaps underneath the fence with cardboard. It is the cheapest way to build a privacy fence.