How to Level Fence Posts on Uneven Ground
If you’re planning to install a fence on a site that is not level, you’re probably wondering how to level fence posts on uneven ground.
If you’re also wondering how to install a fence on a slope, you can also read our in-depth guide to installing fences on slopes. However, for the purpose of this article, let’s focus on how to level fence posts on uneven ground. Here’s what you need to know.
You Have to Choose Between Level Tops or Gaps Underneath
The first thing you need to know about how to level fence posts on uneven ground is that if you don’t address the leveling problems, you’re going to have to choose between level tops or gaps under your fence.
If you keep the top of your fence level, you’re going to have spaces underneath that you might have to close up with rocks, dirt, or something else.
If you choose no gaps under your fence, you will need to follow the contours of the ground, and since your fence height is fixed, you’ll have stepping on your fence line for most systems or an undulating fence line top with chain link fence.
Unfortunately, when it comes to fencing, those are your two main options.
Option 1: Level Your Fence Line
The first thing you could try if you’re figuring out how to level fence posts on uneven ground is to fix the ground.
If you don’t have major undulations on your fence line, you might be able to level and grade the fence line so that it’s level, or at least so that it is a smooth, even gradient. It’s a lot easier to install a fence that is neat and even when the ground is neat and even too!
Option 2: Use a Laser Level
If you want to have the tops of your fence posts level and you don’t care about the portion that’s on the ground, you can use a laser level to get the tops of your posts level and then install your fencing from the top down.
Bear in mind that if you do work from the top down to install your fence, you might need longer fence posts in some places, which could make your fence cost more.
Option 3: Use a String Line
If you don’t have a laser level and you want to build your fence from the top down, you can use a string line with a hanging level to make sure the top line of your fence is even.
These little levels hang off the string line, so you can adjust it as necessary to ensure your fence is level.
Option 4: Chop the Tops
Another option, if you’re wondering how to level fence posts on uneven ground, install your posts a little higher than they need to be, install your fence (assuming you’re installing a panel fence) and then cut down the posts afterward. You’ll still have to choose between gaps below or a level top, but it’s easier than figuring out what each post's level has to be!
Option 5: Install Posts Skew
If your fence line is on a gradient but it’s a relatively even gradient, you could try installing your fence posts at an angle that allows your fence to be parallel to the ground, even if your posts aren’t plumb.
You will need to know what the angle is, and there’s quite a lot of work (and math!) involved in this!
Usually Best Left to the Pros
There’s one last answer to the question of how to level fence posts on uneven ground: leave it to the professionals.
If you’re not a fence pro, most things on this list will be difficult and potentially dangerous. You’ll need a lot of specialist equipment, and there are no guarantees that you will get the results you want.
The best thing for complicated fence projects is to call a professional fence company and have them visit your site before quoting. That way, they’ll be able to design a fence system and solution that will work for your specific fence line, and you’ll get the best possible results.
