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Fence Posts and Holes

Archived in Landscape, Construction, Outdoors |

In building a strong wood fence, you must always remember that the foundation for that fence is your posts. No matter how strong you might build the panels, the fence will not stand the test of TIME and the elements if your posts are not planted firmly into the ground.

Like all of my advice, this information comes from personal experience and research, and I welcome comments or additions to clarify or improve this entry.

The Holes

No matter how you dig them, the holes for your new fence posts should be sufficient to balance out a number of competing factors. This includes the height of the fence, the dimensions of the post, frost, wind, and soil composition. My rule of thumb is that the hole should be at least half the height of the fence and twice the width of the longest side of the post. For example, a six-foot fence using 4 inch by 6 inch posts, should have MINIMUM three-foot deep and twelve inch wide holes.

The Base

To ensure (a) proper drainage at the very base of your holes, (b) proper support for your posts, and (c) longevity of your materials, you should place a base of coarse gravel or road crush about four to six inches deep (compacted) at the base of each hole.

The Form

I use concrete to ensure that the posts I place are there for the long haul. Hand mixed (just add water) concrete comes in convenient bags and dries in a day or two. Ensure that your hole is wide enough (see above) so that the concrete has enough depth to avoid cracking and breaking away from the post. Compact the concrete, removing extra air pockets, using a rod or two-by-four. For aesthetics, I always leave a few inches of space at the top of the concrete for decorative stone placed after the surrounding area has been finished and the fence built.

The Posts

It’s tough to find posts that are not qualified outdoor wood, such as treated lumber or cedar. I use treated lumber for my posts, ensuring that they are square to the property-line and perpendicular to the ground. Level and brace, lifting the post and dropping it into the hole a few times to ensure compaction at the base. Secure to the ground or existing structures to limit movement while the concrete dries.

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