How to Install a Stepped Fence

Locate the starting point of the fence, at the bottom of the slope. Tap a stake into the ground at this spot. Repeat by locating the ending point of the fence line at the top of the slope, and tap another stake in the ground there. Run string between the two points to indicate the fence line.

Measure the fence panels to get the spacing of the holes. The width of the panels is how far apart the centers of the holes should be spaced.

Place a 4-foot level on the sloped ground and then raise the lower end until the bubble indicates that it's level. Measure down from the end of the level to the ground to determine how much the hill is rising every 4 feet. If your panels are wider than 4 feet, hold a dowel along with the level and extend it out to get the width of the panel. Then you can measure down from the end of the dowel to get the drop for the width of your panels. Your posts' height above ground will need to be a length equal to the height of the panel, plus a little more to equal the drop of the slope.

Take the determined above-ground height of the post and divide it by 2. Then take the divided number and multiply it by 3 to get the total length of the posts needed. This is because 1/3 of the post is below ground and 2/3 is above. Lay down all the posts and check the length. Trim off any excess with a power saw so that they are equal.

Dig the first hole at the starting point of the fence, just in front of the string. Make the hole a foot wide. The depth needs to be 1/3 the length of the posts plus 6 inches for drainage gravel.

Measure out from the center of the first hole down the fence line to a point equal to the length of the panel. Dig the second hole at this spot, keeping the center of the hole at the noted measurement. Repeat on down the fence line for additional post holes. Since you are moving up a slope, even though the post holes are being dug to the same depth, the posts will raise continuously higher on the hill. You want this to occur.

Fill all the holes with 6 inches of gravel and pack it down to keep water from accumulating around the bottom of the posts.

Set the posts in the holes and stake them with wood stakes and string so that they are vertical. Use a level to ensure they are straight, since the slope will fool the eyes.

Mix cement in the wheelbarrow, following the package directions and pour it into all the holes. Let it dry for 48 hours, then remove the stakes.

Hang the first panel, starting at the bottom of the slope. Set the panel so that the side of it going up the slope is about 1/2 inch off the ground. This will keep ground water from damaging the bottom of the panel.

Screw a 3-inch galvanized screw through the side of the panel on the lowest side of the hill and into the post. If you are concerned about wood splitting, drill a pilot hole first.

Place a level on the panel and adjust the panel up or down until it is level. Once the lower side is secure and the panel is level, drill a screw into the side of the fence on the rising slope side. There should still be a portion of the post sticking up above the top of this panel. This is for the next panel, since it will be further up the hill and need a higher portion than the one before it. Drill more screws into the sides to secure the panel. Space them every 12 to 18 inches. Repeat steps 10 through 12 between each of the fence posts to complete the fence.