Sloping gardens are extremely common across York and the surrounding villages, and choosing the right fencing style is essential to achieving a secure, attractive and long lasting boundary. The two main installation approaches for sloped ground are stepped fencing and raked (or slanted) fencing, and the best choice depends on the degree of incline and the look you prefer.
Stepped fencing is used when the slope is significant or uneven. Each fence panel or closeboard bay is installed level, but the height drops in “steps” along the slope. This creates a clean, structured appearance and ensures the fence remains strong because each post is set vertically and securely into the ground. Stepped fencing is very popular in York’s older areas where gardens often change height sharply, such as Acomb, Clifton and parts of Heworth.
Raked fencing, on the other hand, follows the slope of the ground. The fence line runs flush with the incline, with the panels or boards angled slightly to match the gradient. This technique works best for gentle, consistent slopes. Raked fencing can create a more natural look and avoids the stepped appearance, which some homeowners prefer for modern gardens.
The type of fencing also matters. Closeboard fencing is very versatile on slopes because it is built on site board-by-board. This makes it easier to adjust the height and angles as needed. Heavy duty panel fencing can also be used, but stepping is more common because panels do not naturally angle. Composite fencing can be installed successfully on slopes with careful planning and properly aligned posts.
Another consideration is whether you have pets, as stepped fencing can sometimes create tiny gaps beneath each step if the garden drops steeply. These can be filled with gravel boards, concrete “infill” pieces, or additional boards to keep boundaries completely secure.
During a site visit we assess the degree of slope, check drainage conditions and talk you through which installation method will provide the strongest, smartest and most practical finish. No two sloping gardens are the same, so we tailor every design to ensure your fence remains neat, secure and built to last.