Chain Link Fence

Perhaps the easiest and most cost-effective method for fencing a sloped yard is with chain link. Chain link is essentially woven metal mesh, so the contractors can shape how the panels fall. Therefore, they mostly just have to place the posts along the slope and unroll the chain link to follow the angle. They'll fasten the chain link to the posts along the way.

Naturally, even with a relatively malleable material such as chain link, the slope still presents some problems. For one, the contractors have to manage the terminal connections to the fence because the mesh is at an angle. They usually bias cut the ends of the mesh. The top and bottom rails can also be difficult. Contractors usually have to cut the ends at an angle so they align with the posts.

Wooden Picket Fence

Many homeowners desire picket fences for their aesthetic value. Wooden picket fences are possible even with the challenges a sloped yard presents. A common method for installing a picket fence on a sloped yard is the racked approach.

With a racked picket fence, the contractors start with the posts the same way they do with the chain link fence. They then attach the upper and lower rails - they typically have to bias-cut both rails so they're parallel to the ground. From there, contractors have to install every picket individually. By installing each picket individually, they can stagger the pickets to follow the slope.

Needless to say, building a fence picket-by-picket is a time-intensive process. Therefore, such a fence is bound to be one of the costlier options. However, if you have a sloped yard and appreciate the look of a picket fence, the methodology does exist. What's more, racked fences feature minimal gapping at the bottom of the fence.

Privacy Fence

Another popular fencing style is the privacy fence. Your contractors can construct the privacy with the racked method, too. The racked method is popular for the "good neighbors" fence because this style consists of pickets placed individually anyway so that the pickets are fastened on both sides with an attractive shadowbox in between.

For other privacy fence styles, many contractors favor the stepped approach. With this method, contractors use preassembled panels instead of individual pickets. They erect the posts as always. However, they then install the preassembled panels in steps to follow the slope so the top of the fence literally looks like steps.

Unfortunately, the bottom of the fence also looks like steps, which usually leaves a gap. You'll probably want to fill the gap. You can do so with built-in planters. Another option is to install an L-footer at the bottom. The L-footer is wire mesh bent to resemble an L that you affix to the posts. The L-footer is ideal for keeping dogs from digging or squeezing under the fence.

Vinyl or Metal Fence

A vinyl fence is budget-friendly and relatively maintenance free, so many homeowners look to vinyl for their fencing. When you're dealing with a slope, vinyl is tricky because it's preassembled and rigid. It's not ideal for slopes. That said, some manufacturers do make diagonal panels specifically for slopes. Contractors can also use the stepped method for installation.

You have similar considerations with metal fencing. However, in some cases, contractors can use the racked method to install a metal fence. More commonly, you see the panels installed in steps. You can also have a hybrid fence that consists of wooden posts and rails with vinyl-coated mesh within the frame. 

Tame your sloped yard with a fence that follows the angle of the hill. Contact Alta Fence Co. for all your fencing needs.