Fence Post Setting With Premixed Concrete

Hole Digging and Preparation

• Proper hole characteristics including dimensions and drainage will lengthen a fence post's upright lifespan. Use either a post-hole digger or an auger to dig a hole that is three times the width of the post. The hole depth should be one third the total post length plus 6 inches. For example, if the fence is to be 6 feet tall, a 9 -foot post should be placed with 3 feet in the ground atop 6 inches of gravel. Ensure that the bottom portion of the concrete extends below the frost line. Unless there is no frost line, make the hole slightly bell-shaped, with a larger bottom than top. This will help to prevent frost heave, or upward pushing on the concrete. Finally, tamp about 6 inches of coarse gravel into the bottom of the hole. This will allow drainage and prevent root rot that can take hold in the vulnerable post end.

Setting the Post

• Set the post in the hole. If ends are slightly different sizes, place the larger end in the hole. If the post is wooden, attach two wooden braces with stakes screwed into their ends to adjacent sides of the post, make sure that the post is level, then drive each stake into the ground. These staked braces should function to keep the post level until the concrete dries. Add water to the premixed concrete according to manufacturer's instructions and fill the hole. Use a two-by-four end to tamp the concrete tightly into the hole and check regularly to ensure that the post remains level. Wait at least a day for the concrete to set before cutting of the tops of any posts or attaching boards or panels.

Tips

• Certain tricks may be employed to improve the post setting experience and results. In frost-prone regions, a concrete-forming tube can be placed around the post in-ground to prevent concrete spread at the top of the buried post section. If more than about 27 cubic feet of concrete will be require to set posts, it may be more economical to have concrete trucked in. Wrap waxed paper around the post at ground level where the concrete may come into contact with the visible portion of the post to prevent staining.

Concrete Alternatives

• Under most circumstances, corner posts and gate posts should be set in concrete to ensure strength and stability. However, the remainder of the posts do not necessarily have to be set in concrete. Instead, the hole around the post can be back-filled with a proper soil mixture. Use sand, sandy loam, gravel or a combination of these types to backfill the hole. Put a few inches of this fill in the hole and tamp it down thoroughly with a tool such as a pry bar. Repeat this until the hole is filled, checking regularly to ensure that the post is level.