How to Brace Gate Posts

The primary cause of a sagging gate is a weak or ineffectively installed gate post. The gate, being the only movable portion of the fence, is especially vulnerable to lateral stress. For this reason, gate posts are buried deeper than adjacent fence posts. Concrete is sometimes used to cement the gate post in place, though many builders prefer tamped gravel. Crushed-granite gravel has sharp edges that, when compacted, provide a firm foundation for fence and gate posts. The permeability of the gravel also allows water drainage and inhibits post rotting.

Posthole digger
Measuring tape
Marker
Crushed granite gravel
Shovel
Saw
Carpenter's level
2 2-by-4-inch pieces of lumber, each approximately 4-feet long

Instructions

- 1
  Calculate the overall length of the gate post by multiplying the desired above-ground height of the post by 1.5. Measure and mark this dimension on the gate post and use a saw to trim the post to this length. Calculate the length of the buried portion of the post by dividing the length of the trimmed post by 3. Mark the post with a line to indicate the ground-level.
- 2
  Dig the post hole with a post-hole digger so it is aligned with adjacent fence posts. The post hole should be approximately three times as wide as the post and at least six inches deeper than the length of the below-ground portion of the post. As you dig the post hole, angle the blades of the tool a few degrees so the hole is bell-shaped, or a few inches wider at the bottom than it is at the top. Use a measuring tape to ensure that the hole is the correct depth.
- 3
  Shovel a few inches of gravel into the hole. Tamp it with the handle of the shovel. Water the gravel thoroughly to help it settle into place. Re-measure the hole depth. Continue adding gravel, tamping and watering until the depth of the hole is the same as the length of the buried portion of the post.
- 4
  Place the post in the hole. Make sure it is aligned to adjacent fence posts. Ask an assistant to use a carpenter's level to hold the post plumb as you shovel gravel around the post. Add approximately six inches of gravel to the hole, evenly distributed around the post.
- 5
  Brace the post by nailing an angled piece of 2-by-4-inch lumber to the side of the post so it forms a diagonal line between the ground and the side of the plumbed post. Nail a second piece of lumber to an adjacent side of the post so it forms a diagonal line between the post and the ground. This will ensure that the post is plumb in two planes as you continue adding gravel. Tamp and water the gravel. Continue adding gravel, tamping and watering until the post hole is full. After the post is firmly buried, remove the 2-by-4-inch lumber.

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