How to level fence posts?

Checking the vertical of fence posts is one of the basic tasks of builders during the construction of a fence. The load-bearing elements of the structure must be positioned precisely so that they can serve for many years without technical defects. In our article you will find some tips on how to level them and what to keep in mind when erecting a fence.

Leveling fence posts – why is it so important?

When you put a fence around a plot, you should make sure that it is functional and aesthetic. How to do it? Leveling the posts is crucial in this context, because carefully positioned supporting elements allow precise installation of the mesh or fence panels, which affects the stability of the entire structure and its appearance.

Inaccurate leveling of fence posts causes that already at the stage of assembly work there are numerous technical problems. If the metal stakes are strongly deviated from the vertical, the installation of a grid or panels may not be possible – even if they can be installed, a crooked fence will disfigure the property and cause frustration to dissatisfied owners who want to replace it as soon as possible.

What tools to use to level the fence?

An indispensable tool, easy to use and widely used, among others, for embedding fence posts, is a spirit level (spirit level), known for thousands of years as one of the most precise measures. What model to choose for the installation of the fence on the plot? There are various models on the market, including spirit levels:

• traditional masonry in the form of a metal strip with built-in libella,

• angular, designed for round and square fence posts, enabling measurements to be made vertically and bilaterally horizontally (these measuring tools have a built-in magnet system and strips, supporting the spirit level during the measurement),

• laser – the line is determined by a beam of concentrated light,

• water – hose (szlauchwagi): made of a rubber tube, filled with water, facilitating the measurement of distant points.

During the assembly works, fence contractors often reach for an ordinary, white masonry string, used to stake out posts and the foundation for the fence. A cheap cord, made of non-absorbent plastic (polyethylene), attached to wooden stakes, makes it easier to accurately determine the correct course of the fence line.

Checking the vertical of the fence with an angular and water level

Undoubtedly, one of the best measuring tools available on the Polish market, designed for the installation of fence posts, are angled levels. How to check the vertical of the post using them? Nothing simpler – just attach the tool with a magnet and straps, and then manipulate the post until the air bubbles in all three libellas are in the central part. Freshly concreted posts should be stiffened using side supports (boards, bars or slats).

How to level the fence with a water level? The elongated, flexible pipe allows the analysis of the position of elements separated from each other by up to several meters. Simply place the ends of the spirit level on two adjacent posts to verify that they are aligned with each other. If the level of liquid is different at both ends, it means that you need to correct the setting of the fence. In order for the measurement to be accurate, there must be no air bubbles inside the liquid.

How to level the fence on a sloping area?

Do you have uneven, sloping terrain on your plot that you can't level with heavy equipment? Remember to set the foundation in proportion to the angle of inclination of the ground. If the angle is large and is more than 20 percent, the fence is best installed in a cascade, maintaining the vertical position of the posts, spans and the horizontal line of the foundation.

Leveling posts in cascade fences is the same as in the case of standard fences – an angular or masonry level is enough to test the correctness of the arrangement of vertical and horizontal elements. Repeat the measurements several times during assembly to avoid later problems with the placement of the mesh or spans.

Leveling the fence and gate – it is worth knowing about it

When you install a fence on your plot, you should start the work by staking out the axis of the fence and setting the starting posts, on which you will then embed the gate and wicket. The posts, located at the entrance, will be additionally loaded with movable wings for many years, and even a slight deviation from the vertical may cause later problems with opening and closing the gate, and even the need to dismantle it.

How to check whether the gate posts and wickets are standing correctly and how to level them? For this purpose, it is best to use a snake spirit level (szlauchwagi, waserwagi). This tool allows you to precisely measure elements that are even a few meters apart. It is enough to apply both ends of the spirit level on two adjacent posts to be able to quickly level them and, if necessary, align them.