Installing Fence Posts Concrete Or Not

A well constructed fence can protect privacy define your property and enhance curb appeal.

Installing fence posts concrete or not.

A 24 inch depth works well for a 4 foot tall fence but a fence that is 6 feet high should have posts sunk 3 feet deep or more. It s not to prevent rot. Spend some extra time and money on durable lumber and a well drained installation or that beautiful aesthetic will rot in a few years. Many clients ask me whether or not to use gravel or concrete for setting posts.

Setting fence posts in concrete set fence posts in fast setting concrete if you re planning to leave the fence in place for a long time or if you have very loose sandy soil. Poorly installed posts means that over time your fence can become unstable. Installing fence posts in place with concrete is the best way to guarantee that they remain upright and unmoving but you might not relish the idea of mixing batch after batch of concrete to fill. Plan to set at least one fourth to one third of the fence post underground and dig the hole accordingly.

The fence post depth increases with the height of the fence. So my buddy is dealing with a lot of concrete. This will seal the gap between the concrete and post that s caused by freeze thaw cycles. Caulk around the fence post base.

While gravel is less messy than concrete it s also less durable. What they do not realize is if it is the leverage that they. If your posts are too wobbly the fence could collapse under pressure or during strong winds. First dig the holes using an auger or a post hole digger.

Hence the use of concrete. Tamped soil on a base of gravel is enough to secure most posts but consider concrete for soft soils. Apparently removing the original posts left very large holes which the previous fence builder filled with concrete. Do not set.

As a result the fence post is only two feet in the ground on a six foot in height wood fence. Most use concrete to create leverage. Wooden fence posts are more vulnerable and fragile than metal.