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. ...
How to set a long lasting fence post without concrete?
- For depth, shoot for 25-30% of the above-ground length of post so 2 feet buried for a 7 foot post (5 feet exposed).
- Add 4 additional inches to this depth. So for a 7 foot post to be buried 2 feet, dig a 28 inch deep hole
- Dig twice the diameter of the post.
How to determine posts needed to build a fence?
- Choose building materials carefully. ...
- Determine your property line. ...
- Review any fence plans with neighbors who share your property line to head off any future disputes.
- Determine where you want to locate your gates. ...
- Measure the perimeter of the fence area to get the total linear footage.
Should my fence posts be set in concrete?
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.
Should every fence post be set in concrete?
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 concrete.
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.
Why should you not set wood in concrete?
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. Even worse, the concrete cracks early.
Is cement OK for fence posts?
The American Standards for Testing Materials (ASTM) also always suggests setting fence posts in cement. So, if you're not going to take it from us, take it from them!
How long will a 4x4 post last in the ground?
How Long Will A Treated 4×4 Last In The Ground? (Explained) A treated 4×4 will last 20 to 25 years in the ground if the conditions in the soil and climate are favorable. That number could increase to 40 to 75 years if you install the treated 4×4 in a cement ring rather than the soil.
How do I keep my fence posts from rotting?
Using a post-hole digger instead of a shovel to create your anchor hole is more effective, as it makes the perfect size anchor point. From here, you should fill the hole with about 6 inches of gravel. This will prevent rotting by ensuring that the post is kept dry when water makes its way into the soil.
How long will a fence post last in the ground?
If properly treated and installed, pine fence posts can last for 20–35 years; untreated pine posts might only last 3–7 years. chemical in the posts. When large numbers of fence posts need to be installed it is probably most practical to pound them into the ground with a hydraulic post driver, small end first.
How deep do fence posts need to be?
2 feetDig post hole so diameter of the hole is 3 times the width of the post (i.e., the hole for a 4” wood post should be about 12 inches wide). The depth of the hole should be 1/3-1/2 the post height above ground (i.e., a 6-foot tall fence would require a hole depth of at least 2 feet).
Why do fence posts rot at ground level?
The soil builds up around the base of the post and acts like a sponge to retain moisture. The moisture and soil is fuel for fungi and the oxygen fuels the rot.
Do concrete fence posts crack?
Although concrete is strong and durable in many ways, it's not invincible. Concrete posts are susceptible to chips and cracks, which can cause problems for your fencing.
How long will a concrete fence post last?
around 25 yearsConcrete is as sturdy and durable a building material as you'll find. With just a minimal level of maintenance, concrete fence posts can last for around 25 years. However, they are not immune to wear and tear. Over time, wind and rain can cause concrete posts to chip and crack.
What type of fence post is best?
DuraPost is stronger than both concrete and timber fence posts and is guaranteed to last up to 25 years. Made from galvanised steel, DuraPost doesn't rot, split, warp, crack or chip and can even withstand winds of up to 110mph! It's a no brainer if you ask us.
How long does concrete fence post last?
A pressure-treated post will last in concrete for about twenty-five years or more. In addition, the chemical preservatives from the process help timber to withstand moisture and insects. It even protects the wood in severe weather conditions like snow and heavy rain.
Should you set wood posts in concrete?
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.
How long will a fence post last in the ground?
If properly treated and installed, pine fence posts can last for 20–35 years; untreated pine posts might only last 3–7 years. chemical in the posts. When large numbers of fence posts need to be installed it is probably most practical to pound them into the ground with a hydraulic post driver, small end first.
Why deck posts should not be set in concrete?
Deck posts set in concrete increase rot and make it impossible to replace the post in the future if it is damaged. Also, in many jurisdictions, setting deck post in concrete is illegal; instead, deck posts need to be placed above the concrete footing extending below the frost line to 6″ (150mm) above grade.
Why do fence companies use concrete?
The main reason is the post length of choice for fence companies is often a 4″ x 4″ x 8′. As a result, the fence post is only two feet in the ground on a six-foot in height wood fence. Hence the use of concrete. What they do not realize is if it is the leverage that they desire, then all they need to do is purchase a longer post. After all, a 4″ x 4″ x 10′ is the same cost as 4″ x 4″ x 8′ and a bag of concrete combined.
How does a concrete post protect the zone?
Each week landscapers and weedeaters blow around small particles of dirt and organic matter. Fiber eating fungus develops and eats the decaying matter. Then comes the rain, or the irrigation system. That water finds the gap. The bad stuff seeps downward right into the “Zone”. Mix in some oxygen, the moisture from below, the fact that concrete holds a constant temperature and moisture, and those wood posts are going to prematurely rot. No exceptions. Concrete simply does not protect the “Zone.” The only exception would be to use a post that is pressure treated with UC4B which is meant for use in stagnate water but the pressure-treating only works as long as the chemicals remain. Chances are you would not find UC4B treated post on the shelf at the local lumber yard or home improvement store. All they normally stock is UC4A which is meant for a rapid watershed. UC4A is just cheaper to bring to the market.
Does concrete have to be buried underground?
It does not . Overall, concrete does eliminate direct contact with the soil underground; however, the pressure-treated lumber expands and contracts with moisture. When it does, a 16th-inch gap usually develops between the wood post and the concrete. It sounds like a small and irrelevant gap, but so is dirt and microbes which are the building blocks of fungal rot.
Is concrete or no concrete a hot topic?
It doesn’t matter if the fence is in California, North Dakota, Taxes, or New York, their answers revolved around three different factors: (1) Geographical Location, (2) Environmental Conditions, and (3) Leverage Ratios versus External Force.#N#Based on these three factors, the answer should be simple; but it is not. It is as complicated as the Shakespeare quote: “To be or not to be…” That answer is complex and possesses endless meanings just like the use of concrete.
Does concrete protect wood posts?
Mix in some oxygen, the moisture from below, the fact that concrete holds a constant temperature and moisture, and those wood posts are going to prematurely rot. No exceptions. Concrete simply does not protect the “Zone.”.
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.
Why You Should Use Concrete For Fence Posts
There is a reason why concrete is the go-to for installing fence posts. Its tried-and-true results can be done by anyone, from a DIY weekend warrior to a seasoned construction professional. The main reasons for choosing concrete to set your fence posts are:
Sturdiness
Installing fence posts into below-ground concrete footings adds a lot of weight and increases the entire fence structure’s sturdiness. Here in Florida, our loose, sandy soil adds another element of instability for businesses looking to install commercial fencing.
Rainwater diversion
Whether your fence posts are wooden or metal, water is the enemy. Water tends to pool around the base of fence posts buried in the soil, promoting rot and eventually compromising the structural integrity of the entire fence.
Safety
Some commercial fencing, such as security fences, need to be properly and securely mounted to ensure the safety of those both inside and outside the fence. Installing security fencing in below-ground concrete footings creates safer working and living spaces for everyone, as it is incredibly difficult to damage or move the footings.
Which quikrete is best for fence post?
Overall, the 50lb Quikrete Fast Setting Concrete Mix is what I found works best for installing a fence post. It’s easy to work with, sets fast, and is very strong.
Is rapid set concrete good for fence posts?
Rapid Set Concrete is ideal for house jobs like setting pergola and fence posts, whereas Quick Set Concrete is a great choice for fence corners and structural supports where higher compressive strength is required.
Can you use normal cement for fence posts?
3 Answers. Show activity on this post. If the setting time is not an issue, you can certainly use normal quickcrete – or save even more money by purchasing cement and aggregate (sand/gravel/rock) and really making use of the mixer. Standard concrete mixing practice is to mix the dry materials and then add water.
How many bags of quikrete do I need for a fence post?
1 – 4 bags of concrete per fence post are typically what’s needed. This depends on the type of soil, fence design, height, post size and bag weight. In general the depth of the post’s hole needs to be 1/3 to 1/2 of the above ground height of the post.
Is 2 feet deep enough for fence posts?
The depth of the hole should be 1/3-1/2 the post height above ground (i.e., a 6-foot tall fence would require a hole depth of at least 2 feet ).
How do you keep fence posts from rotting in concrete?
Fill the first three inches up with gravel so the end of the post doesn’t come into contact with the dirt. Gravel allows water to drain quickly away from the post and into the soil. Be sure to place the post in the center of the hole. Finally, fill the entire hole up with cement to the top.
How deep should a 7 foot fence post be?
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.
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.
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.
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.
Are Fence Post Anchors Needed?
A fence post anchor is not essential, but they certainly can help make your project that bit easier .
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.
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.