Newcastle is famous for its hills. From the steep gradients of Merewether Heights to the rolling terrain of Kotara and New Lambton, very few properties in our region are perfectly flat.
While a sloping block offers great views and character, it presents a major headache when it comes to fencing. Standard fence panels are rectangular, but your ground is not. If you just stick a square panel on a hill, you end up with massive, unsightly gaps at the bottom that your dog,or your neighbour’s weeds will love.
Finding effective fencing sloping block Newcastle solutions requires a bit more technical know-how than a standard flat-ground install. Generally, you have two professional options: Raked (following the slope) or Stepped (staggering the panels).
At A1 Fencing Solutions, we are experts in navigating Newcastle’s uneven terrain. Here is a guide to helping you choose the right method for your property.
The Challenge of Fencing Newcastle’s Hilly Terrain
Building a fence on a slope isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about structure and security.
- Security Gaps: As the ground drops away, a rigid horizontal panel will leave a triangular gap at the bottom. This compromises privacy and allows pets to escape.
- Structural Integrity: Posts on slopes are subject to different gravity and soil pressures.
- Water Runoff: Fences must allow for natural drainage on slopes to prevent pooling or erosion.
To solve this, we use one of two installation techniques.
Option 1: The “Stepped” Method
This is the traditional approach and is ideal for steeper slopes.
- How it Works: The fence panels remain perfectly horizontal (level). To account for the slope, each consecutive panel is installed lower than the one before it, creating a “staircase” effect down the hill.
- Best For: Timber piling fences, Colorbond fences on steep gradients, and brick/modular walls.
- The Pros:
- Looks Structured: It creates a neat, geometric look that many people prefer.
- Flexible: Can handle steeper slopes than raking.
- The Cons:
- The Gaps: Because the panel is flat and the ground is sloped, you will still have a triangular gap at the bottom of each “step”.
- The Fix: We usually install a “plinth board” or sleeper along the bottom to fill this gap and retain the soil, ensuring the fence is fully enclosed.
Option 2: The “Raked” Method
Also known as “sloped” or “contoured” fencing, this is a sleeker, modern solution for gentle to moderate slopes.
- How it Works: The horizontal rails of the fence are angled to follow the exact contour of the ground, while the posts remain perfectly vertical (plumb). The pickets or sheets stay vertical, but the bottom of the fence hugs the grass.
- Best For: Aluminium slat fencing, tubular pool fencing, and custom timber fences on moderate slopes.
- The Pros:
- No Gaps: Because the fence follows the ground, there are no triangular gaps at the bottom. This is excellent for pet containment.
- Smooth Look: It creates a smooth, flowing line that blends better with the landscape.
- Height Consistency: The fence height remains constant along the entire boundary.
- The Cons:
- Cost: “Raking” panels is often a custom fabrication job, especially for aluminium or steel, which can increase the cost.
- Limits: You can only rake a panel so far before it looks distorted. Very steep slopes still require stepping.
Dealing with Gaps: Sleepers and Retaining Walls
On Newcastle’s steeper blocks, a fence alone often isn’t enough. You are often dealing with soil retention issues.
- Integrated Retaining: We often install treated pine sleepers (H4 rated for in-ground use) or concrete plinths directly under the fence. This serves two purposes:
- It fills the unsightly gaps under a stepped fence.
- It holds back a small amount of soil (up to ~400mm), helping to flatten out your yard.
- Note: If you need to retain significant amounts of soil (over 600mm), you may need a dedicated structural retaining wall and potential council approval before the fence is installed.
Why Professional Installation Matters on Slopes
DIY fencing on a flat block is hard enough. DIY fencing on a slope is a recipe for disaster. Getting the posts plumb (vertical) while calculating the drop for stepping or the angle for raking requires complex measurements and experience.
- Pool Fencing Warning: Compliance on slopes is tricky. The “effective height” of a pool fence (1.2m) is measured from the ground. On a slope, if the ground level changes, a fence that looks high enough might actually be non-compliant at a certain point.
Don’t let a hill ruin your project. Contact A1 Fencing Solutions for an expert assessment of your sloping block.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is it more expensive to fence a sloping block?
Generally, yes. Fencing on a slope takes more time to set out and install correctly. It often requires additional materials (like longer posts for stepping or custom-made raked panels) and potentially extra groundwork or sleepers to fill gaps.
2. What is the difference between raking and stepping?
Stepping keeps the fence panels horizontal but lowers each one like stairs. Raking angles the rails of the fence so the bottom follows the slope of the ground while keeping the posts vertical.
3. How do I stop my dog getting under the fence on a hill?
If you use the “stepped” method, you will have triangular gaps under each panel. The best solution is to install a treated pine sleeper or concrete plinth at the bottom of the fence to close this gap securely. If you use the “raked” method, the fence hugs the ground, naturally preventing gaps.
4. Can Colorbond fences be installed on a slope?
Yes. Colorbond is usually installed using the stepped method on slopes. The panels are rigid and square, so they cannot easily be “raked” without custom cutting every sheet, which is labour intensive and can void the warranty. Stepping is the standard practice for Colorbond on hills.
5. Do I need a retaining wall before the fence?
If you are simply fencing a natural slope, no. However, if you want to flatten the yard or if the fence line cuts across a steep grade where soil might erode, integrating a small retaining wall (using sleepers under the fence) is highly recommended for longevity and stability.