Question for the fence experts

jon f mn · Apr 2, 2020

Going to be finishing my fence around the cattle yard this weekend. My boys and I have been debating how to handle these two places.

Both will be 4 board like on the left in the first pic. There will be a 4 board wood gate where I've been driving in the first pic. The second pic is between the pole shed and barn and will be seen when driving into the yard and from the front of the house, so I want it to look right. My question is how to handle the slope on the left of the second pic and right of the gate on the first? From the middle post to the right in the second pic is fairly level, from the middle left is a fair slope. Also slopes up to the right of the gate in the first pic. So the debate is should I follow the ground and go level from the shed to the center then angle up to the barn, or stay level and end the bottom board under ground. I can easily dig out to get the board to the post down low, but can't leave it like that because of the barn footing. On the other side of the barn digging out is more of a problem if I want them all level, but it is out back and not quite as noticeable. So what do you think?

Tracy Brown · Apr 2, 2020

I would follow the ground slope

newhollandnut · Apr 2, 2020

I would probably string line the top board where it catches all the post then build the bottom to match

cool hand · Apr 2, 2020

What Tracy said!

John in Mich · Apr 2, 2020

I am a flatlander but my inclination would be to follow the slope.

gmccool · Apr 2, 2020

Put a screw in each board or wire them with baling wire just temporarily & see which way to like it best. Gerald

dlbuck · Apr 2, 2020

I would do what gmcool suggested, and then to be absolutely correct, I would get my wife's opinion.

SkipperII · Apr 2, 2020

I vote with maintaining your spacing, but follow the slope.

db4600 · Apr 2, 2020

We need that fence guru from Sylacauga to weigh in here. A crooked fence makes sense. Crooked rows not so much.

jon f mn · Apr 2, 2020

I'm hoping he will add an opinion. I'm surprised it's so one sided so far. Was expecting the other opinion to rule. But I like the idea of trying it both ways.

jacksun65 · Apr 2, 2020

When doing fencing on slopes and hills the poles don't go vertical they follow the slope of the land. That way gates fencing stay the same height no matter the slope. Here in KY we have plenty of fence on hills and slopes the only flat ground is where the bulldozer made it flat LOL.
I would get the metal gates, one rough cow and the wood is gone.

JayinNY · Apr 2, 2020

What Jackson65 said, that?s how the horse farms with miles of fencing were at the horse farms I worked on.

grandpa Love · Apr 2, 2020

We usually follow the slope.... Hopefully the expert will be along soon...lol.

grandpa Love · Apr 2, 2020

When doing long fences that's what we do. Makes it run smoothly for long sections. Doesn't twitch up and down as bad.

db4600 · Apr 2, 2020

Jacksun we know Jon well enough now to know that if there?s steel gates in the future we?ll likely see the fabrication project in the Kingdom on this forum.

David G · Apr 2, 2020

You are the expert in my book.

Farmer Rock · Apr 2, 2020

i would follow the slope,that is how we did our fence,but of course this is PA,so there is nothing but slopes.

Rock

Leroy · Apr 2, 2020

Follow ground slope so it is same height at all places so you are not low at spots for cattle to want to go over it. Or if flat you will have to add an extra board to get the height at high part of slop as you planed for on bottom of slope.

Traditional Farmer · Apr 3, 2020

I'd of used panels instead of boards.Advantages are easier to erect,better all around fence,no odd terrain problems,panels won't be popping off and twisting after a few years and don't need paint.

grandpa Love · Apr 3, 2020

Thanks!

MJMJ · Apr 3, 2020

I experimented once and built a small piece horizontal rather than with the slope. Just wanted to compare and see for myself.

Build it with the slope, horizontal was a terrible idea.

caterpillar guy · Apr 3, 2020

go with the slope between the buildings. For the gate being driven through put a post in that can be removed easily in the middle. or put in a 30 foot gate. After 50 years of being around farm equipment it will get bigger than the gate quick enough. 35 years ago I put in a couple 36 foot gates for a couple fences. Dad squawked about it. They now are just barely big enough for the equipment. We would use wire fence for the gates and have a post in the middle. This way we didn't have to always open the whole thing for just a tractor or truck. Then could pull the post and open wide for planters and tillage equipment.
Could also just build a couple of gate type fence for the between buildings and set the low end on a block to level them some if you wanted.

Question for the fence experts

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