Building a fence on uneven or sloped terrain presents unique challenges that standard flat-ground installation methods cannot solve. When property owners attempt to install traditional fencing on a hillside without proper techniques, the results often include unsightly gaps beneath fence panels, compromised structural integrity, and a finished product that looks out of place with the natural landscape. This is where contour fencing—also known as raked or racked fencing—emerges as the superior solution for sloped properties.

What Is Contour Fencing?
A contour fence is specifically designed to follow the natural fall and rise of sloping ground rather than attempting to level the fence in horizontal sections. The defining characteristic of this installation method is that while fence posts and pickets remain perfectly plumb (vertically straight), the horizontal rails slope at an angle that mirrors the gradient of your landscape. This creates a smooth, continuous line that flows naturally with the terrain rather than fighting against it.

The term “contour fencing” captures the essence of the technique—the fence literally contours to the land’s shape. For rural properties with rolling paddocks, hillside homes in the Pacific Northwest, or any residential lot with a gentle slope, contour installation delivers the best balance of visual appeal and structural performance.

Raked vs. Stepped: Choosing the Right Method for Your Slope
Not all slopes are created equal, and the degree of incline in your yard will determine which fencing method works best. Understanding these two primary approaches is essential before beginning any hillside fencing project.

The Raked (Contour) Method
A raked or racked fence is the ideal choice when your property features a slope of 15 degrees or less. With this technique, the fence panels tilt to match the hillside’s angle while keeping each individual picket vertical. The result is a fence that appears to “flow” down the slope, maintaining consistent contact with the ground and eliminating the visual interruption of gaps or steps.

Benefits of the raked method include:

Fewer gaps beneath the fence – Because the fence follows the ground, animals are less likely to tunnel underneath, and there are no unsightly openings.

Superior aesthetics – The continuous line creates a clean, professional appearance that complements natural landscapes.

Stronger overall structure – The consistent contact with grade distributes lateral forces more evenly across the fence line.

The Stepped Method for Steeper Grades
For hills with slopes exceeding 15 degrees, a stepped or stair-step fence is the more practical and durable solution. In this approach, fence sections remain level, but each panel is positioned incrementally higher or lower than its neighbor—like a staircase following the hillside.

While stepped fences do create gaps between the bottom of the fence and the ground, they offer distinct advantages on steep terrain:

Level rails maintain structural integrity without putting excessive stress on post connections

Easier installation on extreme slopes where racked panels would become impractical

Greater material compatibility – Some fence styles, particularly certain metal and vinyl systems, cannot be racked and require stepping

Why Property Owners Choose Contour Fencing
The growing popularity of contour fencing among homeowners, farmers, and contractors stems from several compelling advantages that go beyond simply accommodating a sloped lot.

1. Seamless Integration With Natural Landscapes
Unlike stepped fences that announce their presence with visible level changes, a contour fence appears as an organic extension of the landscape itself. This is particularly valuable for rural and lifestyle properties where fences are highly visible across open spaces. The fence seems to emerge from the hillside rather than being imposed upon it.

2. Enhanced Security and Containment
When a fence maintains consistent contact with the ground along a slope, it significantly reduces the escape routes for pets and livestock. Traditional stepped fences leave openings beneath each panel that small animals can easily exploit. Contour fencing eliminates these vulnerabilities by following the earth’s contours.

3. Reduced Material Waste and Lower Costs
Building a contour fence typically requires less cutting and modifications compared to stepped alternatives. The continuous panel design means fewer custom cuts and less scrap material, which translates directly to material savings.

Expert Installation: Getting It Right
While the concept of contour fencing is straightforward, professional execution makes the difference between a fence that enhances your property for decades and one that begins to show problems within months. Here’s what proper installation entails:

Proper Post Setting – Each post must be set at the correct depth on uneven ground, with careful attention to maintaining consistent spacing despite elevation changes. On slopes exceeding 15 degrees, additional bracing is recommended at the tops and bottoms of hills to manage the increased lateral forces.

Rail Angling – The horizontal rails are cut and installed at precise angles that match the slope gradient. This requires accurate measurement and specialized techniques that differ from standard flat-ground installation.

Quality Materials – Contour fences perform best with materials designed to accommodate angled connections. Cedar, pressure-treated pine, and certain metal systems offer the flexibility needed for proper racked installation.

Contour Fencing for Every Property Type
From suburban backyards to expansive agricultural operations, contour fencing adapts to diverse needs:

Residential Properties – Homeowners on sloped lots choose contour fencing to create private, secure outdoor spaces without sacrificing curb appeal. The technique works beautifully with cedar privacy fences, vinyl systems, and ornamental metal designs.

Rural and Acreage Properties – For farms and large rural estates, contoured post-and-rail fencing is the preferred method for boundary lines and paddock divisions. It maintains a consistent, professional appearance across long runs of fence while effectively containing livestock on uneven grazing land.

Erosion Control Applications – In agricultural and conservation contexts, contour-aligned vegetative strips and barriers have proven remarkably effective at reducing soil loss—by as much as 90-97% in some documented cases. While this refers to living contour barriers rather than constructed fences, the principle of working with the land’s natural contours remains consistent.

Conclusion: Investing in Quality Hillside Fencing
A contour fence represents the intersection of form and function on sloped properties. By working with your land rather than against it, this installation method delivers a fence that looks intentional, performs reliably, and enhances your property’s value. Whether you’re securing a hillside backyard in Kirkland or defining boundaries across a rolling pasture, contour fencing offers the ideal solution for challenging terrain.