Installation Guide

Parallel Method
Step Method
Fig. 1
Check with local ordinances and
regulations before building fences in your
area. Before construction, contact your
local utility companies to mark any under-
ground cables and pipelines. In addition,
it’s a good idea to discuss plans with any
neighbors along your proposed fence line.
Fences are installed on slopes using
one of two methods (see Fig. 1).
Preassembled panels can only be
installed using the step method. The
fence gradually steps up the slope with
• Determine the number of posts, panels
and gates needed to complete the job
based on total linear footage. Take into
consideration post, panel and gate width
when determining the total number of each.
• Adjust layout to accommodate as many
full panels as possible. If you must use
part of a panel, place in the farthest rear
corner of the property. Some types of
preassembled panels can be trimmed to
fit odd-sized layouts, but other types are
difficult or impossible to cut to size.
• Locate property boundaries and drive
stakes into the ground at corners and
ends of fence line, 6" inside property
boundary.
• Stretch twine or heavy string between
stakes and pull tight to mark layout of
fence line.
• Be sure to measure your fence panels
and gates prior to locating the postholes.
Also take into consideration your chosen
method of attaching the backer rails to
posts (see Connecting Backer Rails to
Posts section). Locate post placement
in the following order along string line.
a) End/corner posts
b) Gate posts
c) Line posts
Preparation
Installing fences on sloped landscapes
Design and Layout
Digging Postholes
the rails level, rather than parallel to the
slope. With loose components, you have
the option to use the parallel method. The
rails are installed based on the degree
of the slope. Since this method requires
that the fence be constructed to conform
to the slope, it cannot be accomplished
using preassembled fence panels.
A general rule of thumb is to place 1/3
of the length of the post in the ground.
The fence will be stronger if end, corner
and gate posts are set at least 6" deeper.
Using a posthole digger or power auger,
dig the holes 10-12" wide and 6" deeper
than needed. Backfill the hole with 6”
of gravel to drain water away from the
bottom of the post (see Fig. 2). Keep the
height of your fence panels in mind when
digging your postholes.