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SLOPED INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

Variable Terrain INstallation
There are two existing methods for installing a fence on variable sloping terrains - stepping or racking. If you need more help, please call us toll free at 1 (800) 213-2539.

Quick jump menu:

Stepping Method
Racking Method: less than 10°
Natural Racking Chart
Racking Method: 10° or greater
Maximum Slope Chart
Calculate Rist / Foot Angle
Hole Enlargement Size Chart
Enlarge Holes
Post Selection
Hole Cutting

Stepping Method

With the stepping method, the rails remain horizontal and the post 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 hte 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 per Foot	Maximum Angle
Contemporary	2°	10°
Traditional	Will rack indefinitely*	N / A
Post & Rail	2° with 8' long rail	10°
Privacy	6 3/4'	35°

*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 hte 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 na dpickets 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 the end of fence sections.

Maximum Slope Chart

Fence Style	Maximum Slope / Rise per Foot	Maximum Angle
Contemporary	6 3/4'	35°
Traditional	6 5/16'	32°
Post & Rail	6 3/4'	35°
Privacy	6 3/4'	35°

SPECIAL NOTE: SOCKET GATES WILL NOT RACK

Calculate Rise / Foot Angle

To deternime the hole enlargement size, first calculate the slope rise / foot or the angle of hte slope. Refer to the diabram and examples.

Measure section length in inches.
Determine section rise by using line level and measuring vertical rise (measure rise in inches).
Divide rise by section length to get rise per foot.
Multiply by 12 to determine rise per foot.
Once you have determined the rise per foot or angle, refer to the hole enlargement size chart.

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 13/16"	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.

Use a file for minor enlarging and hole cleaning.

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 requeired.
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.

general fence installation

installing your fence on a slope

installing your fence on concrete

Lifetime Vinyl Fencing : (800) 213-2539