What to Use
- Finer gravel will provide a more secure bottom for the fence post to set on.
- If the gravel is too fine, however, water will not drain through as well and may end up collecting around the fence post.
Can you set fence posts in gravel?
However, the success of gravel as a post setting depends upon the soil. It doesn’t work in loose or sandy soils, but is ideal for heavy, clay-type dirt. It’s a good option if you live in an area that gets a lot of heavy frosts, as it makes the fence less prone to frost heaves. The process is very similar to setting a fence post in dirt.
What is the difference between gravel and wet soil for fence posts?
Wet/damp soil will be in full contact with the post and keep the wood wet until the soil dries out. On the other hand, the gravel is not porous and is only in partial contact with the post, so it will only retain a bit of moisture on its surface and will allow water to flow away quickly and the post to remain relatively dry.
Should I put gravel at the bottom of holes?
Books generally recommend putting gravel in the bottom of each hole and I've usually thought that poorly drained soil, for example with high clay content, should have proportionately more gravel than holes in sandy soil.
Should I put a trellis on gravel or soil?
Unless you continuously have water saturating the soil with no drainage, the gravel will keep the post much drier. Finally, soil will have all kinds of destructive micro-organisms in it, while gravel will support far fewer of these. Got to see some results from this as the trellis/shed had been up more than 10 years .
Why is gravel used for fence posts?
How deep should I dig a fence post?
Why Is Gravel Size Important?
Why is drainage important for a fence?
How to keep a post from heaving?
How deep should a post hole be for a fence?
How long does it take for a fence post to set?
See 2 more
What do you put under 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). Add about 6 inches of QUIKRETE All-Purpose Gravel into the bottom of the hole. Then compact and level the gravel using a post or 2x4.
Is it better to set fence posts in concrete or gravel?
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.
What kind of gravel should I use for fence posts?
Pea gravel is commonly used for fence post holes. Gravel that is roughly three eighths of an inch in size is generally a good medium between drainage and support, though gravel close to that size also may be used. If you want to use the best gravel for your area, you may want to consult a contractor.
How much gravel should be in the bottom of a fence post hole?
approximately 2" to 4"You should put approximately 2" to 4" of gravel in the bottom of the hole making sure that the Post stands 6' 4" tall from the ground to the top of the post. How wide should the holes be? An 8" diameter wide hole should be dug for the posts to be inserted for a solid Fence.
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.
Do fence posts need to be cemented into the ground?
Concrete is the most secure material for setting fence posts, especially if you have sandy soil. Gravel may be okay with dense, clay-heavy soil, but in looser soil, concrete is the only thing that will truly keep your fence posts stuck in place.
Should a wooden fence touch the ground?
In most applications, a wood fence should be installed at least two inches off the ground. Your posts and rot boards (if you choose to install them) should be the only fence components that contact the ground. Wood pickets should never touch it.
What do you put at the bottom of a wooden fence?
A rot board, also called a kickboard, is a horizontal board installed along the bottom of the fence panel. Typically a 2x6 or 2x8 piece of wood, it runs along the base of the entire fence panel for a finished look and added protection.
How long will a treated 4x4 post last in the ground?
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. There are a few factors that influence how long the 4×4 can last in the ground.
How do I keep my fence post 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.
Can you use pea gravel for fence posts?
Setting wood or vinyl fence posts is a critical part of fence construction to make sure that the fence is sturdy. The use of pea gravel to help set posts provides good drainage and, when combined with concrete, results in a sturdy fence post installation.
Should pressure treated fence posts be set in concrete?
At Hercules Fence, we hear the same questions over and over, perhaps none more than “Should my Fence Posts be set in Concrete?” The simple answer is yes. 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.
Is 2 feet deep enough for fence posts?
The general rule of thumb when setting a post is that the depth of the post's hole needs to be one-third to one-half of the actual above-ground height of the post. So, a six-foot-high finished post ideally needs to be buried three feet into the ground.
Should pressure treated posts be set in concrete?
With pressure-treated posts, the rot will be slow. We have three ways to solve the rotten post problem. First, the posts should be set on top of a bed of coarse gravel 3 to 6 inches deep, so the base of the post is in contact with the gravel. Concrete should be poured around the post - no concrete under the post.
How long will pressure treated posts last in the ground?
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 long do concrete fence posts 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.
Should I use gravel at bottom of post hole? - DoItYourself.com ...
Fences, Posts, Railings and Gates - Should I use gravel at bottom of post hole? - I am getting ready to set 4x4's in 30 deep holes I've dug for my posts. My question is should I use gravel at the bottom of the hole to help drainage or will that not help to extend the life of the posts? I know the posts will rot out
Garden Guides | What Size Gravel to Backfill Fence Posts?
Gravel is a common backfilling for fence posts and comes in a variety of types. Some gravel comes mixed with sand to make it finer, while other gravel is made of crushed rock. For most projects, size will make a difference. There are a couple of major factors to keep in mind when choosing gravel for fence post holes.
How does gravel at the bottom of post holes help?
I'm about to begin building an arbor, and I frequently see the recommendation to put a layer of gravel at the bottom of post holes "for drainage" I'm not a soil scientist, but I don't get how a pocket of gravel surrounded by soil is going to change drainage. My soil is clay, but pretty wel...
Why is gravel used for fence posts?
This means that the bottom of your fence post will be consistently exposed to water if you don’t get enough drainage. Because large gravel leaves big gaps when packed together, water can run through it efficiently.
How deep should I dig a fence post?
Dig the hole for your fence with a post-hole digger. The depth of the hole should be one-third of the total height of the fence. So if I’m building a six-foot-high fence, I should have a nine-foot post and set it three feet deep into the ground. The diameter of your hole should be double the diameter of your fence post. Dig the hole so that it’s at its widest at the bottom, and you can create a conical shape.
Why Is Gravel Size Important?
Drainage is important because, whether you’re using steel fence posts or wooden fence posts, your fence will be exposed to bad weather conditions, particularly over the winter: wood rots, metal rusts. And post support is vital for obvious reasons. You can use large gravel sizes and have perfect drainage, but if your fence post isn’t stable, it’s not much of a fence, is it?
Why is drainage important for a fence?
Drainage is important because, whether you’re using steel fence posts or wooden fence posts, your fence will be exposed to bad weather conditions, particularly over the winter: wood rots, metal rusts. Andpost support is vital for obvious reasons.
How to keep a post from heaving?
Add another six inches of gravel around the post, creating a conical shape underground so that you can prevent frost heave. Pack the additional gravel taut with a tamp. Repeat this process up to ground level, mixing your gravel sizes up to provide extra stability closer to the top.
How deep should a post hole be for a fence?
Dig the hole for your fence with a post-hole digger. The depth of the hole should be one-third of the total height of the fence.
How long does it take for a fence post to set?
Allow the fence post to set overnight before adding any rails, chainlinks, or panels.
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 .
How to get a rock out of a clam digger?
Knock rocks away with a bar, then pick them up with the clam digger. If you’re working with heavy clay soil, you may need to keep washing or wiping the digger to prevent clogging. Hole dug, pop a flat rock, some gravel, or a piece of broken concrete in the base to use as a footing.
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.
How to stop gao from forming on a post?
Treat the wood well first, then once everything has set in place, caulk around the base of the post. You can also try to set the concrete so it forms a low mound with the post at the top, so water gently drains downwards.
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.
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.
How to keep water from touching wood?
The gravel at the bottom should let the bulk of the water drain away, and grading the concrete away from the post should keep most of it out.
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.)
How does gravel at the bottom of post holes help?
I'm about to begin building an arbor, and I frequently see the recommendation to put a layer of gravel at the bottom of post holes "for drainage"
How deep should a fence post be?
Over the years, we have tried just about every variation on setting fence posts and the one that has worked out best has been to start with a very deep hole, at least 2 ft. deeper than the bottom of the post.
How to keep wood post dry?
Wet/damp soil will be in full contact with the post and keep the wood wet until the soil dries out. On the other hand, the gravel is not porous and is only in partial contact with the post, so it will only retain a bit of moisture on its surface and will allow water to flow away quickly and the post to remain relatively dry. Unless you continuously have water saturating the soil with no drainage, the gravel will keep the post much drier. Finally, soil will have all kinds of destructive micro-organisms in it, while gravel will support far fewer of these.
Does gravel make a trellis drier?
Unless you continuously have water saturating the soil with no drainage, the gravel will keep the post much drier. Finally, soil will have all kinds of destructive micro-organisms in it, while gravel will support far fewer of these. Got to see some results from this as the trellis/shed had been up more than 10 years .
Do arbors need posts?
However, an arbor is actually self supporting, so if set on a solid, level base it will never lean- it just needs to be anchored in place.
Can concrete rot wood posts?
That's the connumdrum, really: Once it's been leveled, concrete will set a post perfectly and prevent sagging, but unless it's in a desert area, rain water will also eventually cause any wood post set in concrete to rot at the base .
Why is gravel used for fence posts?
This means that the bottom of your fence post will be consistently exposed to water if you don’t get enough drainage. Because large gravel leaves big gaps when packed together, water can run through it efficiently.
How deep should I dig a fence post?
Dig the hole for your fence with a post-hole digger. The depth of the hole should be one-third of the total height of the fence. So if I’m building a six-foot-high fence, I should have a nine-foot post and set it three feet deep into the ground. The diameter of your hole should be double the diameter of your fence post. Dig the hole so that it’s at its widest at the bottom, and you can create a conical shape.
Why Is Gravel Size Important?
Drainage is important because, whether you’re using steel fence posts or wooden fence posts, your fence will be exposed to bad weather conditions, particularly over the winter: wood rots, metal rusts. And post support is vital for obvious reasons. You can use large gravel sizes and have perfect drainage, but if your fence post isn’t stable, it’s not much of a fence, is it?
Why is drainage important for a fence?
Drainage is important because, whether you’re using steel fence posts or wooden fence posts, your fence will be exposed to bad weather conditions, particularly over the winter: wood rots, metal rusts. Andpost support is vital for obvious reasons.
How to keep a post from heaving?
Add another six inches of gravel around the post, creating a conical shape underground so that you can prevent frost heave. Pack the additional gravel taut with a tamp. Repeat this process up to ground level, mixing your gravel sizes up to provide extra stability closer to the top.
How deep should a post hole be for a fence?
Dig the hole for your fence with a post-hole digger. The depth of the hole should be one-third of the total height of the fence.
How long does it take for a fence post to set?
Allow the fence post to set overnight before adding any rails, chainlinks, or panels.
