Despite their potential for stunning photography and aesthetics, rolling and steep landscapes present unique challenges for property fencing. Specifically, fence installations on uneven ground call for special attention to aesthetics, composition, and structural integrity that fences on flatland do not entail. Property owners can manage these challenges by identifying a fencing service experienced in stepped, custom contoured, and similar designs suited to hilly terrain.
Serving the greater Bethesda, MD, area for over 20 years, Builder’s Fence Company provides personalized fencing solutions for all types of properties. Our team is licensed, insured, and rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau, signaling our reliable expertise on projects big and small. Call (703) 997-9037 for a free project quote today!
Below, we share the best fencing solutions for sloped and uneven properties:
Stepped Fencing
A stepped fence consists of panels installed at different heights (though fence rails remain level and parallel). This approach creates an appealing and consistent staircase pattern that follows the land’s slope. Adaptable to different angles and terrains, each fence section is separated by a distinct “step” that highlights the yard’s slope.
Stepped fencing offers outstanding stability. Since each section remains level, posts can be set vertically, which increases the fence’s strength and durability. However, extremely steep slopes can open noticeable gaps underneath panels and create problems for property owners seeking to contain small pets.
Custom-Contoured Fencing
Custom-contoured fencing is the most adaptable solution for properties with uneven land. Unlike pre-fabricated panels, custom-contoured fences are designed and built on-site, allowing installers to match the property’s slope (and other considerations) on a case-by-case basis.
A significant benefit of custom-contoured fencing is its ability to handle rough slopes and irregularities, making this style a versatile solution. By mirroring the land’s topography, this fencing type avoids awkward gaps and uneven heights, creating a clean, polished look that enhances a property’s curb appeal. However, custom-contoured fencing is typically more expensive than other options because it requires precise work and specialized techniques.
Angled Fence Panels
If stepped and custom-contoured fencing are opposite ends of a scale, then angled fence panels are a middle-of-the-road option. This fencing type gradually follows slopes with a more fluid appearance than stepped fencing but also avoids gaps beneath the panels.
Angled fence panels work particularly well on moderate slopes, as they don’t require completely custom construction. Additionally, angled panels can be used as accent pieces within other fencing styles and designs, placed only where the slope requires it. However, angled fence paneling may not be able to handle extreme slopes or may require further customization if such slopes are unavoidable.
Fencing with Retaining Walls
While both are effective independently, fences and retaining walls can work together on properties with significant elevation changes. Retaining walls create level platforms for fence installation while combating soil erosion and runoff.
Placing fencing on retaining walls provides many benefits, including level ground, simple installation, and excellent stability. Additionally, this combination often enhances property value by improving the utility and appearance of steeply sloped properties. Coordinating these landscaping solutions creates a cohesive, functional yard out of a rolling landscape.
Flat-Height Fences
Also known as “raked” fencing, flat-height fencing panels follow a yard’s slope while maintaining a consistent height. Unlike stepped fencing, flat-height fences create a smooth top line without abrupt transitions or gaps between panels.
This type of fencing is particularly well-suited for properties with gentle to moderate slopes. On steeper inclines, the panels can become elongated or compressed, which affects the fence’s structural integrity and aesthetic. Consult a professional fencing contractor before installation to determine the appropriate style for your yard’s slope.
Bethesda, MD’s Trusted Sloped Fencing Service
Challenging terrain shouldn’t prevent Bethesda, MD, property owners from enjoying a beautiful and secure fence. Builder’s Fence Company’s professional fencing services walk customers through every step, from initial measurements to installation, to ensure high-quality results. To learn more about fencing for sloped yards, call (703) 997-9037 today.
