How to install WamBam vinyl fence on sloping ground — stepping vs. sloping

Almost no yard is perfectly level. Most fence lines have at least some degree of slope, and it can be easy to underestimate until you’re mid-install. The good news: WamBam’s no-dig system is designed to handle sloped ground with ease. There are two ways to approach it — stepping your panels or sloping them — and understanding the difference before you order will save you time and money.

Note: For WamBam aluminum fence on a slope, see our aluminum slope guide here.

Method 1: Stepping (recommended)

Stepping means keeping the top of each fence panel level, then deliberately “stepping” up or down to the next panel as the grade changes. The result is a clean, professional-looking fence where every panel sits perfectly horizontal.

Most WamBam panels can only be stepped. We recommend stepping over sloping in almost every case. Think about the other vertical structures around your home — your shed, garage, deck. None of them follow the slope of the ground. Your fence shouldn’t either.

Stepped installation tips

• You may need to trim your posts down to the correct height either as you install or after the full fence is complete. See tips on how to cut vinyl here.

• At the higher end of the grade, keep the bottom rail as close to the ground as possible — or even slightly buried. This minimizes the gap at the lower end of the step.
• Once installation is complete, you can backfill dirt to reduce any remaining gap between the bottom rail and the ground.

Note: Sometimes you may need a longer post to effectively step panels. WamBam panels that are bundled with a post allow for a maximum of 3-4″ step using the included post. Contact a project consultant if you have questions.

Method 2: Sloping (only applies to select WamBam styles)

Sloping — sometimes called racking — means letting your fence panels follow the natural contour of the ground rather than stepping them. This is a perfectly acceptable installation method, and some WamBam styles such as Steady Freddy, Nervous Nelly and Plain Jane are specifically designed to accommodate it. These select WamBam posts have an open groove for the rail instead of a bracket, allowing a sloped installation of the panel.

Sloped installation tips

• If your slope is greater than 10 degrees, you will need to angle-cut your rails and, on certain styles, the top and bottom of your fence boards. Learn how to measure your slope here.
• If your slope exceeds 15 degrees, call us before ordering — there are limitations at steep angles that we can help you work through.
• For Plain Jane and Nervous Nelly styles: when sloping, you may need to enlarge the holes on the bottom of the top fence rail so the pickets remain vertical while the rails are angled. A rat tail file, Dremel router, or fine-tooth jigsaw works well for this.

Important: WamBam gates are not rackable and must be installed on a relatively flat surface.

Slope buying guide — which styles support each method

Tip: Not sure which method is right for your yard? Call a project consultant at 877-778-5733 and we’ll help you figure it out before you order.