How to set a 4x4 fence post in concrete?
How to Install Fence Posts
- For a fence, it’s imperative to start with posts that are arrow-straight. ...
- Dig the postholes using a manual posthole digger or an auger. ...
- Make the holes wide enough to fill with concrete. ...
- Add six inches of gravel, such as Quikrete All-Purpose Gravel, to the bottom of the holes. ...
- Tamp down the gravel using the bottom of the fence post. ...
What is the best concrete for fence posts?
The Best Concrete Mix For Fence Posts
- Quikrete 50lb Fast Setting Concrete Mix. The best concrete mix for fence posts I’ve found is the Quikrete 50lb fast setting mix. ...
- Sika Fence Post Mix. Sika Fence Post Mix is a great product that’s specifically formulated to set a fence post. ...
- Traditional Concrete. ...
- Build A Strong Post Base. ...
- Summary: The Best Concrete Mix For Fence Posts. ...
What is the best way to set fence posts?
Wood Fence Tips: Installing Posts, Rails and Pickets
- Setting Fence Posts. Once you’ve marked the layout for your component-built fence with batter boards and string, you can dig post holes and set all your posts in concrete.
- Installing Fence Stringers. Once the post concrete has cured, install the horizontal rails, or stringers, between the posts. ...
- Installing Fence Pickets. ...
- Wood Fence Tips and Ideas. ...
How to erect fence with concrete posts?
Select rot-resistant posts.
- You can also buy water repellent stains and apply a few coats to the end of the post. ...
- Wrapping the end of the post tightly with heavy roofing felt or tar paper is better than nothing.
- You'll need larger posts for the gates and corners, since these bear more weight.
Can you pour concrete around fence posts?
0:030:58EASIEST WAY to “pour concrete” around a fence or porch postYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf a concrete bag tears at the home improvement. Store they usually discount it so this bag ofMoreIf a concrete bag tears at the home improvement. Store they usually discount it so this bag of concrete was a dollar. When i poured into the hole the groundwater.
Should you cement every fence post?
It doesn't matter if it is a do-it-yourself (DIY) project or a professional installation, wood fence or vinyl fence, your fence posts should be set in concrete. Without a properly set concrete footer, your fence posts will begin to sag until they eventually fail.
Will concrete rot fence posts?
Simply setting the posts in concrete does create a condition that will accelerate rot in the bottom of the posts. With pressure-treated posts, the rot will be slow.
Can fence posts be set without concrete?
There are a few options for materials to set your fence posts if you aren't using cement. These include dirt, gravel, sand, and crushed rock. Dirt: Filling the hole with dirt and compacting it will help to support the fence post.
Is 2 feet deep enough for fence posts?
How Deep Should a Fence Post Be? For an average fence post, about 6 to 8 feet tall, prepare to dig a post hole about 2 feet deep. To install a fence post, you'll need a shovel or post digger, a 6-foot level, soil, and gravel or crushed stone. For gateposts, you'll need concrete too.
Is it better to drive fence post or concrete?
If you want to install a fence that will last a long time, with less labor and time, you will want to drive the post and not concrete them in place. In all climates and soil condition except rolling sand a properly driven post will be easier to install, stronger, and last longer than a concreted post.
Can you pour concrete around wood post?
With concrete holding the moisture against the wood, wood has no chance and will eventually lose the battle. Now you don't have to lose all hope because it's for certain that the concrete around the post will crack, therefore making it easy to pull out when it starts to rot.
Why should u not set wood in concrete?
2) Never put wood posts in concrete; it will guarantee decay within 10 years. Instead, put the posts in the earth, 2 feet deep. Use pressure-treated posts.
What should I put between wood and concrete?
Anyplace where wood meets the ground or concrete, the lumber must be pressure treated. For additional moisture protection, a gasket or strip of closed-cell foam can be installed between the concrete foundation and the sill plate.
How long will a fence last without concrete?
Wood Fences Cedar may last for 15-30 years, spruce may last for 4-7 years and pine may last for 5-12 years. Treated wood, however, increases this longevity: pine and spruce may last for 20 years and cedar may last up to 40 years.
What can I use for fence posts instead of concrete?
Fast 2K™ fence post foam is an alternative to concrete for setting posts, poles, signs and much more. It is a two-part proprietary polymer that expands to fill the peripheral void between the post and the hole, using the same technology applied by H.B. Fuller to set utility poles for over 20 years.
Is post foam as strong as concrete?
Concrete provides a strong support for these products. Expanded foam has nowhere near the density or rigidity. It is plenty strong enough to hold the post up under normal circumstances, but has little structural strength.
Do you need cement for posts?
Did you know that it is actually completely possible to set wooden posts in your yard without using ANY concrete? It's true! Setting them without concrete will save you time and money, but there is a correct way to do it in order to prevent rot. Use this guide to learn how to set posts without concrete.
Do you cement every post on a chain link fence?
You can install a chain link fence without using concrete, but it is not recommended. Anchoring each fence post in concrete is the best way to ensure your fence will stand straight and tall for many years.
Is it OK to put dry concrete in a post hole?
Another benefit of dry cement is that it will allow water to drain around the fence posts. Installing a fence post in dry cement is pretty simple. You want to pour about 5 inches of the dry cement into the hole around the fence post and tamp it down. Then repeat this process until the hole has been filled.
How do you keep wooden fence posts from rotting in the ground?
Pour waterproofing sealant into a bucket, immersing the end of the post (which will be buried below ground) into the sealant. Allow the post to sit in the bucket of sealant overnight, then leave to air dry....There are a number of reasons why a wooden fence post may start to rot, including:Sun.Snow.Hail.Rain.
How to contact Hercules Fence?
For more information and to learn how we can meet your custom fencing needs, contact Hercules Fence online or give us a call at 800-395-9597.
Can you put gravel in a fence post?
While many so-called experts suggest putting gravel in the bottom of your fence post holes. This will ultimately only heave your posts you put so much work into. If you see a contractor doing this, it is a major red flag and you should not let them do it.
Do fence posts need to be in concrete?
Do Fence Posts Have to Be Set in Concrete? Setting a fence post in concrete is the best way to make sure your fence stands tall. Many people wonder if their fence posts should be set in concrete, and the answer is always yes. Whether you are going the DIY route or having a professional company install them, fence posts should always be set in ...
Do you need to put a footer on a fence?
The answer is simple. Without a correctly set concrete footer your fence will not stand tall for very long. Eventually it will start to sag and completely fail structurally, as it is not secure. The only time fence posts do not need to be set in concrete is if you are installing a split rail fence, or a pasture fence which is installed utilizing t-posts. In every other situation, setting your fence posts in concrete is a must.
What is the best concrete for a post?
To set the posts, the best concrete solution is a ready mix called sakrete . You’ll want to fill the hole about 2 inches below grade with wet pour concrete.
How high should a 5 foot fence post be?
You can also use hand held post-hole diggers if you don’t have a machine. Typically, a post is set 2 feet below the ground, so a 5 foot tall fence requires a 7 foot post.
How many holes should I dig before installing a fence?
When installing a fence, I recommend digging about four to five holes and setting them before moving on to the next round of posts. You shouldn’t dig and set all the posts first because there could be unforeseen obstacles (rocks, trees, grade) that could impact the distance between posts.
Should fence posts be set in concrete?
Should My Fence Posts Be Set in Concrete? When it comes to installing a fence, one of the key things you need to know is that your fence posts are the essential piece of the installation to keep your fence enclosure upright and straight. Poorly installed posts means that over time, your fence can become unstable.
Can you use gravel for fencing?
If your posts are too wobbly, the fence could collapse under pressure or during strong winds. Many clients ask me whether or not to use gravel or concrete for setting posts. While gravel is less messy than concrete, it’s also less durable. Gravel tends to work best when fencing in heavier, more clay-like soils.
Can you build an aluminum fence?
If you’re ready to build a fence, you can get started today with just a few clicks and order everything you need to install the best aluminum fence on the market! Click here to get started or open up a live chat session and we’ll get you on track for your aluminum fence project!
Can you put fence posts in concrete?
Setting fence posts in concrete is fairly easy—it just requires a bit of patience and the right fencing tools . Below are the basic steps for setting fence posts in concrete to help you install a stable fence for the long haul:
concrete around fence posts?
I want to put in some locust fence posts to support muscadine and kiwi vines. I'm thinking of putting concrete around the fence posts. Is it OK to do that and still call it organic, or is that not allowed? Thanks.
Comments (12)
I wait with interest to read replies on this. There are already concrete post holes in place here, and I'm wondering how close to them I can plant. And if concrete's not toxic, am thinking of building a hypertufa brick retaining wall.
How deep should a fence post be?
This means that if the frost line is typically 6 feet deep in your area a fence post hole should be about 7 feet deep, even if the fence is only going to be 4 or 5 feet above the ground.
How to calculate concrete needed for a post?
To accurately calculate the amount of concrete necessary for each post you need to determine the diameter and depth of the hole as well as the diameter and height of the post. The post hole diameter should be about 3 times as large as the diameter of the post, so a 4-inch diameter post would have a 12-inch diameter hole.
How to find the radius of a concrete hole?
Remember that to find the radius simply divide the diameter by 2. After finding the post and post hole volumes, simply subtract the post hole volume from the hole volume to find the total volume of concrete necessary to fill the hole.
How many cubic feet are in a 40 lb bag of concrete?
For reference, a 40-pound bag of concrete typically yields about 0.3 cubic feet, a 50-pound bag yields 0.37 cubic feet, a 60-pound bag yields 0.45 cubic feet, and an 80-pound bag yields 0.6 feet. This means that in the example above, each post would require about eight 50-pound bags. Advertisement.
How deep is a frost line?
Depending on where you live, the frost line can range from nonexistent up to 10 feet in depth, so it’s important to check the average frost line depth in your specific location before trying to put up a fence.
Can you use Fast 2K in place of concrete?
Expanding backfill composites like Fast 2K can be used in place of concrete to set fences in minutes and at a lower cost.
Can you use concrete to set a fence post?
Digging and filling fence posts with concrete can be a long, arduous process and may require at least a few calculations to properly determine the amount of concrete necessary per post, but concrete is only one method that can be used to set a fence post.
Importance of Concrete in Vinyl Fence Posts
Vinyl posts are probably the most important part of any fence. For a fence to be strong enough to withstand the elements and common wear and tear, the posts should be sturdy and well-secured. That’s why most fence posts manufacturers recommend the use of concrete in vinyl fence posts.
Get the Most From Your Vinyl Fence Posts
To make sure that your vinyl fence posts is sturdy and secure, there’re several things that you should be done. The first thing is to check that the post holes are deep enough.
What is the best material to use for a wooden fence?
It’s often assumed that concrete is the best material to use for setting wooden fence posts. However, this is not necessarily the case – and is also dependant on the type of soil you have.
What is a good alternative to concrete?
Gravel can be a great alternative to using concrete, and it does away with any drainage problems either underground or around the base.
Are Fence Post Anchors Needed?
A fence post anchor is not essential, but they certainly can help make your project that bit easier .
How long do galvanized post anchors last?
The good news is that now they’re in, they can stay in place for a long time. A good-quality galvanized post anchor should last for years, if not decades. You can also get anchors with circular-shaped brackets if you prefer a round post.
Can you dig fence posts straight out of the ground?
After all – fence posts will rot at some stage (concrete actually speeds this up), so it’s easier to dig them straight out of the ground when they do. Other alternatives such as gravel and crushed rock are a good idea too, because they increase the drainage around the base of the posts – prolonging their life.
Can concrete be used for fence posts?
Concrete provides a strong foundation for wooden fence posts, but can rot them more quickly. Setting them in dirt, with or without gravel or crushed rock depending on your soil type, can help the posts last longer before going rotten. You can also use metal fence post anchors to prolong their life.
Does concrete rotten wood?
Concrete can actually hasten the rotting process, too. Because the wood and concrete expand and contract at different rates, a small “collar” will eventually form around the base of the post. This will let water seep in but it can’t seep out through the concrete, which leads to damp wood, which leads to a rotten fence post.
Where do broken fence posts break off?
all broken posts broke off at the ground line, just above the concrete. removing (pulling) the now useless 'anchors' is a beastly task, but once done, it's an easy way to re-do the posts and restore your fences in exactly the same place with no new digging.
Why do concrete posts break?
Someone at the local hardware store had seen posts set in concrete rot and break because water seeps in along the edges of the post (especially in the winter) and does not drain properly. He suggested crushed rock(what I would call gravel, see Definitions of various sand, gravel, and rock products) instead.
What is the best spray for concrete?
Use rubberized spray,such as Flex Seal, from the bottom of the post to the top of the concrete.
Can you skip concrete for a fence?
Depending on your soil and fence structure, you may be able to skip the concrete altogether. e.g. A post and rail setup is light weight and probably does not need concrete to keep it sturdy. Don't skip the gravel. This provides drainage to prevent rotting.
Can you pull anchors off a fence?
removing (pulling) the now useless 'anchors' is a beastly task, but once done, it's an easy way to re-do the posts and restore your fences in exactly the same place with no new digging.
What to do if a fence post fails?
DO Employ a Base Gravel Layer. If a fence post fails without any sign of a pest infestation, it’s likely that the failure was caused by moisture that rotted the wood over time. To help slow such deterioration, add pea gravel or crushed stone to the bottom of the posthole.
How wide should a 4x4 fence post be?
So, for a standard 4×4, the ideal hole would span twelve inches across. It’s important to note that fence-post holes must be flat-walled and barrel-shaped, maintaining a consistent diameter from top to bottom. If you use a regular shovel, you’ll end up with a cone-shaped hole.
What happens if a fence fails?
If they fail, the rest of the fence will follow suit, so it’s crucial to devote special care to setting them properly. Anything less, and you run the risk of having to set the fence posts all over again in only a few years’ time.
How many cubic feet of concrete is in a 60 pound bag?
A standard 60-pound bag of CTS Rapid Set Concrete Mix yields approximately 0.5 cubic feet, so depending on the volume of your hole, you may need to prepare multiple bags at once. Just be careful not to mix more concrete than you can put in place in 15 minutes, before it begins hardening.
Is digging a fence dangerous?
Make no mistake: Digging can be downright dangerous if you don’ t know what lies a foot or two below the ground. As long as you give a wide berth to any buried lines, you should be perfectly safe. As for the posts themselves, a little regular scrutiny and maintenance will help ensure a long life for your fence.
Can you use silicone caulk on concrete?
(Alternatively, you can use any silicone caulk that adheres to concrete.)
