What Is the Difference Between Raked and Stepped Fence?

There are plenty of challenges when you start thinking about installing a fence, and one of them is the gradient of your site and fence line.

If you have steep slopes anywhere on your fence line, your fence will need to be adjusted, and that usually means raking or stepping. This is especially true in places like Phoenix, where varied terrain can change abruptly. What is the difference between raked and stepped fences? Let’s take a closer look.

What Kinds of Fences Are Raked or Stepped?

Most of the time, raking or stepping applies to panel-type fences. Mesh fences—like chain link, barbed wire, or smooth wire—don’t usually need to be raked or stepped because the wire or mesh can flex with the slope. However, you still need tension posts at the top and bottom of steep slopes. This will let you angle the mesh or wire effectively.  Even with mesh fences, additional posts or bracing will influence the installation cost and timeline, so it’s a good idea to account for that in your plans.

What Is Raked Fencing?

Raked fencing is when fence panels are angled to follow the natural gradient of the property. This allows the fence line to stay close to the ground along a slope, as shown below.

How Do You Rake Fence Panels?

Exact methods of raking panels vary depending on the fence system:

• Some fence types, like bolted or riveted palisade, are made so each pale can be angled on site before it is fully attached.
• Ornamental fences designed for raking sometimes have internal tabs that can be bent to match the slope you need.
• In some regions, fence companies manufacture custom panels after surveying the site, so each panel fits the exact slope.

Each approach has advantages. Bolted or riveted systems may require more on-site assembly, while bent-tab systems demand precision when you adjust them.

The Pros and Cons of Raked Fence Panels

It’s helpful to know the potential benefits and drawbacks of a raked fence:

Pros:
  • Less chance of large gaps under your fence, which can improve security
  • An even, more pleasing visual line along the top of your fence (if installed carefully)
  • Fewer extra posts needed than stepped installations in many cases
Cons:
  • May involve more labor to angle each panel
  • Some panels with bendable tabs can only be bent once, so there’s less margin for error

Which Types of Panel Fences Can Be Raked?

Not all fence panels can be raked. Typically, raked installation is possible with:

  • Palisade fences
  • Ornamental and bar fences (certain designs)
  • Wood fence
  • Vinyl fence
  • Composite fence

Welded mesh panel fences generally cannot be raked, so they often require stepping instead.

What Is Stair Stepped Fencing?

Stair-stepped fencing—often called “stepped fencing”—involves installing each panel so it drops gradually, creating a stair-step look as the fence follows the sloped ground.

How Do You Step Fence Panels?

When you’re stepping fence panels:

• Determine the slope’s gradient and how much of a step you’ll introduce at each post.
• Decide whether your posts will be closer together to limit large gaps at the bottom.
• Consider longer fence posts to accommodate the height difference for each panel.
• If you’re cutting panels to fit, treat or coat the cuts as recommended by the manufacturer to avoid corrosion or damage.
• Plan for extra concrete, brackets, and hardware if one slope requires many posts.

The layout often varies because the gradient may change across different segments of your property. Dividing the fence line into sections is common practice for better accuracy.

The Pros and Cons of Stair Stepped Panels

Here are some important points regarding stepped panels:

• Almost any panel fence can be installed using stepping methods, including welded mesh.
• Large gaps under certain areas may be unavoidable, which can affect security or let small animals pass underneath.
• If you add extra posts to reduce gaps, the project can require more materials and labor.
• You might need posts that are longer than standard to accommodate the changes in height.

In many cases, stepped fence installations are more involved than raked options, so they may be more expensive.

Can You Step and Rake Fences on Slopes?

Surprisingly, yes. Some experienced installers will use both methods on a single fence panel, raking the bottom to match the ground while stepping the top for a clean, straight finish. This usually requires taller panels and an experienced fence specialist. You can also rake sections where the slope is gentle and step segments that have a steeper grade.

Can You Rake or Step A DIY Panel Fence?

Raking and stepping fences can be technically demanding. A precise angle measurement is key, and you’ll need certain tools and materials on hand. Although confident DIYers might manage it, many homeowners in places like Phoenix rely on professional installers. Pros can streamline the process and help avoid costly mistakes, especially on properties with multiple slope transitions.

Western Fence is a local Arizona company offering installation for a wide range of fences, including options that adapt well to slopes. If you’re looking for a reliable team for raked or stepped fence installation, learn more about our Phoenix fence installation services. We handle custom projects for homes, businesses, and more throughout the valley.