While few yards come close to being perfectly flat, significantly sloped yards present specific challenges for homeowners who want to build their own DIY fences. Don’t let that discourage you—a challenge doesn’t make the project impossible by any means. Many a homeowner with an uneven yard has prevailed and built their dream fence anyway. Besides, the contours of your yard create interest and add to its beauty, especially with a new fence. Let’s look at some of the techniques you can use when installing a fence on a slope or a hill.

Contoured Fences: Smooth Lines for Gentle Curves

When building a fence on uneven terrain, one option is to follow the contours of your yard. This means that the horizontal rails of your fence will follow your yard in a smooth line that is parallel to the ground rather than level. The contoured method works best when the slope is slight rather than dramatic.

However, in order to avoid gaps underneath the panels, your fence may need to be custom-cut. Pre-cut panels such as those available in DIY fence kits may not properly hug the ground of your yard.

Wondering what style of will look best with this method? Scalloped fences are a great idea because the rounded arches of the panels complement the smooth contours of your sloped yard.

Stepped Fences for More Dramatic Slopes

For a steeper slope or hill, following the contours of your land is more difficult. In this case, you probably want to opt for a stepped fence. This installation style is referred to as such because each panel is a bit higher (or lower) than the next, creating the appearance of stair steps. Stepped fences can be easily created with preassembled panels. However, your posts will need to be individually cut to fit the height of each panel.

Filling Gaps in a Stepped Fence

You’ll want each panel to be even and level, so there will be gaps underneath the panels, and these gaps may not be consistent throughout your yard. Gaps can be a problem if you need to prevent a pet from escaping, in which case you will need to find a way to fill them. You may also want to fill your gaps for aesthetic purposes.

One way to do this is by adding planters along the fence, which not only covers the unsightly gaps but allows you to add some living color to your yard. You might also consider growing some delicious fresh veggies in those planters to make them even more functional!

Don’t look at the unique features of your yard as limitations—consider them opportunities to get creative in your design. However, if you do not feel comfortable building a DIY fence in your sloped yard, having a custom fence installed by a fence contractor is also a solid option. Whatever you choose, adding a fence to any yard is an excellent way to give you privacy while increasing the value of your home and making your yard look lovely.

Have you installed a fence in your sloped yard? What challenges were you presented with, and how did you overcome them? Share your experiences in the comments section. 

Have a uniquely curved yard and still struggling with the solution? You can also use the comments section to ask questions and see if other readers have answers, or contact one of the Fence Authority’s Outdoor Living Experts. The terrain in West Chester, PA and the surrounding area isn’t always flat, so we’re used to installing fences on slopes.

Need instructions for building your DIY fence? Check out the handy DIY Fencing Guide!

The post How to Build a DIY Fence on a Slope appeared first on The Fence Authority Blog.

Everyone who has a big dog with tons of energy knows how hard it can be to contain your best friend. After all, many breeds of large dogs want to get in touch with their wild side and chase the neighborhood squirrels or bark at cars. If you have a big, strong, energetic dog, you should think carefully about the type of fence you need before adding it to your yard. The trick is to find a fence that satisfies your budget and aesthetic desires while stopping your furry pal from going on the adventure of his doggy dreams. Here are five factors to keep in mind when choosing the perfect big dog fence!

(Have a small dog? We have a post about fences for small dogs too.)

1. Big dogs need big fences…because they can jump!

A four-foot high fence is unlikely to deter a Husky, Golden Retriever, or Labrador, so you should look for a fence with a height of five or even six feet. For most breeds, six feet should be sufficient. Some owners start adding extensions to make their fences higher and higher. However, if you do this, your dog will learn how to jump a little higher each time! Your best bet, in this case, is to tear down your old fence and install a new six-foot fence rather than making additions. Height isn’t the only factor at play—a big dog is also a strong dog. High-quality wood and vinyl or composite materials can resist charging and chewing better than cheaper, lower end materials.

2. Make that fence impossible to climb

No matter how high your fence is, a clever dog will still try to get over it somehow. Even if he can’t actually jump it, he may be able to climb. When choosing a fence, it’s crucial to make sure the design of the fence itself is totally climb-proof. Chain link fences are a bad idea for climbers—they provide your dog with easy footholds! A solid panel fence, on the other hand, has a flat surface without anywhere for your dog to stick his paws.

Once you have your climb-proof fence, make sure there’s nothing your dog can use to give himself a boost. Don’t place a planter or a birdbath or anything else your dog can climb onto alongside the fence.

Our recommendations for big dog-friendly fences:

• ActiveYards Arrowwood Vinyl Fence
• ActiveYards Dogwood Vinyl Fence
• Tongue & Groove Wood Fence

Learn More: Protection Fencing for Children, Dogs, and Other Pets

3. Give your dog a little privacy (or, rather, give the squirrels on the other side privacy)

Okay, your dog may not care about privacy at all, but a wooden or vinyl privacy fence is a great option for his (and your) peace of mind. Aside from their climb-proof nature, solid panel privacy fences are great because your dog can’t see what’s on the other side. If he can’t actually see squirrels and other dogs and people and everything else he loves to bark at, he’ll be a lot calmer. He won’t be visible to other dogs on their walks either, who may get distracted and start barking.

Chain link fences drive dogs wild because they can look right through and see exactly what they’re missing! Privacy fences are also much more aesthetically appealing than chain link. Ultimately, choosing the best fence for your large dog depends on how your dog behaves and reacts to the outside world. So take some time to consider what will best suit your four-legged companion before making a decision.

Check out the 10 Reasons Your Dog Needs a Privacy Fence (It’s a list of silly dog gifs!)

The post 5 Things to Consider When Getting a Fence for Your Big Dog appeared first on The Fence Authority Blog.