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Stepping Method
With the stepping method, the rails remain horizontal and the
posts are extended to accomodate the variance in terrain. Longer end posts
should be used and can be field cut to accept rails.
Racking Method - 10° or less
With the racking method, the horizontal rails will follow the
sloping terrain. Most fence styles will rack naturally up to 10° (or 2' rise
per foot) without enlarging picket or rail holes. Refer to the natural racking
chart to determine which styles will rack naturally.
Natural Racking Chart
|
Fence Style
|
Maximum Slope / Rise
foot
|
Maximum Angle
|
|
Contemporary
|
2"
|
10°
|
|
Traditional
|
Will rack indefinitely, see note below.
|
|
Post & Rail
|
2" with 8' long
rail
|
10°
|
|
Privacy
|
Difficult to rack, stepping is recommended.
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Note: on severe slopes it is recommended that end posts be
used and field cut to achieve proper rail positioning. If more rack is
required, rail and picket holes will have to be enlarged. On severe slopes the
rails and pickets may need to be cut. Hole enlargement can be done with a file
or saber saw.
Racking Method - 10° or greater
When installing a fence on a slope that is greater than 10
degrees, it is necessary to enlarge the holes in the posts and rails. It is
also necessary to miter the rails and pickets to allow for the angle. Refer to
the maximum slope chart for various fence styles. Posts must be closer together
when measured with a level string line to attain even picket spacing at end of
fence sections.
Maximum Slope Chart
|
Fence Style
|
Maximum Slope / Rise
foot
|
Maximum Angle
|
|
Contemporary
|
6 3/4'
|
35°
|
|
Traditional
|
6 5/16'
|
32°
|
|
Post & Rail
|
6 3/4'
|
35°
|
|
Privacy
|
Difficult to rack, stepping is recommended.
|
SPECIAL NOTE: SOCKET GATES WILL
NOT RACK
Calculate Rise / Foot Angle
To determine the hole enlargement size, first calculate the slope
rise / foot or the angle of the slope. Refer to the diagram and examples.
|
|
1. Measure section length in inches.
2. Determine section rise by using line level and
measuring vertical rise (measure rise in inches).
3. Divide rise by section length to get rise per inch.
4. Multiply by 12 to determine rise per foot.
5. Once you have determined the rise per foot or angle,
refer to the hole enlargement size chart.
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EXAMPLE: 24" rise (divided) 96" length = 25 rise per
inch = 3" rise per foot.
Hole Enlargement Size Chart
|
Rise Per Foot
|
7/8 x 1 1/2"
Picket
|
7/8 x 3" Picket
|
2 x 4" Rail
|
Angle
|
|
2" or less
|
1 1/2"
|
3"
|
3 1/2"
|
10°
|
|
3"
|
1 9/16"
|
3 1/8"
|
3 5/8"
|
15°
|
|
4"
|
1 5/8"
|
3 1/4"
|
3 13/13"
|
20°
|
|
5"
|
1 11/16"
|
3 3/8"
|
3 15/16"
|
25°
|
|
6"
|
1 13/16"
|
3 1/2"
|
4 1/8"
|
30°
|
|
7"
|
1 15/16"
|
3 3/4"
|
4 3/8"
|
35°
|
Enlarge Holes
Use a saber saw to enlarge rail hole in post example: Material
removed from rail hole for slope 10° or greater.
Post Selection
For a steady sloping terrain, use end post or blank posts. Mark
posts and make holes on opposite side to allow rail alignment on both sides of
posts.
For variable sloping terrain, use line posts and enlarge rail
holes.
Hole Cutting
Determine hole size required.
Mark hole cut out on post in correct location.
Drill 4 holes in corners, same as radius required.
Cut along straight lines with a saber saw.
Clean holes with a file.
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