Skip to content

Should You Concrete Fence Posts

Right off the bat, let me say that we at Chainwire Fencing Specialist strongly recommend setting posts in concrete for any permanent fence we design for our clients. If fence posts are not set in concrete, they invariably will sag and fail structurally with time.

Do you need fence posts in concrete?

Do Fence Posts Need To Be Set in Concrete? No, fence posts don’t need to be set in concrete, and there are plenty of other ways to fix your posts if this feels a bit too permanent. If you are using wooden posts, concrete may actually be the worst option.

Should you put posts in concrete?

First rule, gang: Do not set wooden posts in concrete. Look, no matter what preventative steps you take (and I’ll get to those), eventually wooden posts rot, and eventually you’ll have to set new ones. Not only does burying them in concrete make for more work down the line, it actually can speed up the rotting.

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.

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 I need to set fence posts in concrete?

Do Fence Posts Need To Be Set in Concrete? No, fence posts don’t need to be set in concrete, and there are plenty of other ways to fix your posts if this feels a bit too permanent. If you are using wooden posts, concrete may actually be the worst option.

Should posts be set in concrete?

First rule, gang: Do not set wooden posts in concrete. Look, no matter what preventative steps you take (and I’ll get to those), eventually wooden posts rot, and eventually you’ll have to set new ones. Not only does burying them in concrete make for more work down the line, it actually can speed up the rotting.

Should you concrete timber posts?

Right off the bat, let me say that we at Chainwire Fencing Specialist strongly recommend setting posts in concrete for any permanent fence we design for our clients. If fence posts are not set in concrete, they invariably will sag and fail structurally with time.

How do you keep wooden fence posts from rotting?

Applying a seal or stain to your wooden fence can help provide an additional level of protection against rot. You can choose to use a water repellent sealant to your wood to help keep rot-causing moisture out from your fences.

What to put on post to keep from rotting?

Placing a thick layer of loose gravel at the bottom of the post hole will allow groundwater to trickle through the rocks and down away from the base of the post. This will prevent the post from rotting by keeping it constantly dry. You can purchase gravel at a local hardware store or landscaping-supply business.

What can you put on top of a fence post to keep it from rotting?

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 do you make a fence post last forever?

Coal-tar creosote is widely regarded as the premium method of preserving timber fence posts and there are many examples still going strong after decades of being in the ground.

How do you keep wood from rotting 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 you set fence posts in concrete?

Place your fence post on top of the gravel drainage layer and fill the rest of the hole in with soil, ensuring it stands firm and steady. As an alternative, Postsaver sleeves are a cost-effective, simple way to keep wood rot at bay.

How do you keep the bottom of a fence post from rotting?

Placing a thick layer of loose gravel at the bottom of the post hole will allow groundwater to trickle through the rocks and down away from the base of the post. This will prevent the post from rotting by keeping it constantly dry. You can purchase gravel at a local hardware store or landscaping-supply business.

Should you put fence 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.

Can a post be set without concrete?

Did you know that it is actually completely possible to set wooden posts in your yard without using ANY concrete? It’s true! Setting them without concrete will save you time and money, but there is a correct way to do it in order to prevent rot.

More Answers On Should You Concrete Fence Posts

Should I Set My Wooden Fence Posts With Concrete?

Aug 7, 2020Neither occurs when a post is buried in the ground and surrounded by concrete. Dirt is a natural absorbent and will become the posts best hope. All concrete does is trap the residual moisture that was soaked up and creates a breeding ground for fungal decay which creates living organisms called rot. Rot is s hungry/hangry living organism.

Should My Fence Posts Be Set in Concrete?

You tend to get a better long-term result by setting the fence posts in concrete as opposed to gravel. When setting fence posts in concrete, it’s best to let the concrete dry for three or four days before attaching your fence rails, panels or pickets.

Do Fence Posts Have to 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. In fact, the posts for any structure, whether it’s a trellis, pergola, fence, or deck should be set in concrete.

Should I use Concrete for Fence Posts? | iMix Concrete

The main benefits of using concrete for fence posts: Concrete is sturdy and will not rot It helps the fence posts be balanced on the ground The main disadvantages of using concrete for fence posts: The concrete needs to cure before you can use the fence posts If you are wanting to change the shape of your fence posts, it can cause issues

Should I set fence posts in dirt, gravel, crushed rock, or concrete?

Fill with concrete. Make sure that the concrete is graded away from the post so water runs off, this is an important step that lots of people overlook. Taking the time now to make sure water moves away from the post, will save time and money later when the posts don’t have to be replaced. *Also make sure the concrete is above the ground around it.

What Should I Set My Fence Posts in? (Dirt, Gravel, Crushed Rock or …

Apr 8, 2021Concrete 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.

Setting Fence Posts – Dos and Don’ts – Bob Vila

Sep 28, 2020It works so well, in fact, that in mild climates, builders sometimes elect to set fence posts with gravel alone. While that approach makes sense in certain situations, for a lasting installation,…

The Best Concrete Mix For Fence Posts | DIY Fencing

For a small to mid sized job I recommend going with premixed. The best concrete mix for fence posts I’ve found is Quikrete Fast Setting Concrete Mix in a 50 lb bag. It’s 4000 psi, easy to work with, sets up fast, and doesn’t need to be mixed. Just pour it in the hole and soak with water.

How Many Bags of Concrete for a Fence Post? | HGTV

Feb 26, 2021Fast-setting concrete is ideal for installing fence posts since it doesn’t need to be mixed in a bucket or a wheelbarrow. Once you’ve finished digging your post holes, add about three to four inches of gravel into the bottom and compact it using a post or a 2×4. Then, set your post in place and use a level to ensure that it’s perfectly vertical.

Can you put fence posts in without concrete? | Types of All

A common rule of thumb, is to dig the hole 3 times as large as the post, and to a depth of 1/3-1/2 of the post height above ground. so for a 8′ high fence, using 4×4 posts. dig the holes 12″ in diameter, to a depth of 2 1/2 – 4′. Of course, that’s assuming you’re setting the posts in concrete.

How Much Concrete Per Fence Post? — Bob Vila

Jul 14, 2021Digging 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…

Do You Have To Cement Chain Link Fence Posts? – Planted Shack

Concrete is probably the safest material for setting fence posts, particularly when you’ve got sandy soil. Gravel could also be okay with dense, clay-heavy soil, however in looser soil, concrete is the one factor that can actually hold your fence posts caught in place. Do You Have To Cement Chain Hyperlink Fence Posts – Associated Questions

Should I Cement My Precast Fence Posts? | American Precast

You don’t need to use concrete to get a decent wood fence post. You will need to dig a hole that is one-third of the fence post’s height deep. So, if you have a six-foot-tall fence post, you will need to dig down two feet. The standard fence height is six feet, which means you will need to buy a nine-foot-tall post and dig down three feet …

Setting Posts in Dry Concrete is the Best Way When Installing a Fence

As the concrete dries and expands the post will take hold, and when ready you may remove the bracing. Call us At Fence Supply Online we recommend dry setting your posts in concrete. It is the proven way to ensure your posts are safe and secure in the ground. Our experts will advise you on the dry setting process.

Expanding Foam Vs. Concrete Fence Post: Which Material Best for You

Jun 17, 2021Highlight on the Concrete for Fence Post. Concrete turns out to be the material for setting the fence post primarily. The strength and long-lasting durability make it quite durable. Despite expanding, foam is a better option for many reasons; concrete turns out to be still the better option. In case you want a secured fence post, it’s worth …

Concrete for Fence Post Holes – To Mix or Not to Mix?

Mixed Concrete in a Fence Post Hole. Any concrete producer will tell you that it should be mixed wet and then poured. Concrete trucks drive around with mixing wet product for a reason. Think of it this way. You can toss eggs, milk, flour and sugar into a cake pan unmixed, cook it and get something that sort of resembles cake.

Avoiding Post Rot: Concrete or Not? – Custom Fence Orlando

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.

Should my Fence Posts be set in Concrete? – Newport News, VA

If you have any questions about our blog, ” Should my Fence Posts be set in Concrete? ” you can contact Hercules Fence of Newport News, Virginia today by calling (757) 316-3600 or visit FencesNewportNews.com today! You can also follow Hercules Fence on Facebook , Twitter , Google+ and YouTube. This entry was posted on Thursday, August 29th …

How Deep Should Fence Posts Be In The Ground

Should Fence Posts Be Set In Concrete? In short yes. Concrete gives the post maximum stability and quickness (when using a fast setting concrete mix like Postcrete) when erecting a new fence or repairing a post. But, bear in mind its not the best. What Is The Best Concrete Mix For Fence Posts?

Tips On Installing a Fence Post Without Concrete

May 15, 2022How to Avoid Concrete When Installing Fence Posts. Here’s how it’s possible to install your fence posts without concrete: First you have to figure out exactly where you want your posts to go. After you’ve selected the location use a shovel to remove dirt and rocks from the dig site, and make sure to dig at least 2 feet deep for a 7 foot …

Concrete, or no Concrete? What to do with Wood Fence Posts in Florida

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 Much Concrete Do I Need Per Fence Post? – Concrete FAQ

Remember that post hole depth should be at least ⅓-½ of the overall post length. Also, the posthole width needs to be three times the post’s width. For example, a 3 x 3 fence post needs to have a 9 inches diameter hole. 3. Place the Post in the Hole. The next step is to position the posts inside the hole.

Do Fence Posts Rot in Concrete? – Papersdude.com

May 24, 2022Concrete 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.

Do You Put Concrete Inside Vinyl Fence Post? – Planted Shack

According to manufacturers, vinyl fence posts should be installed into concrete-filled post holes. Why? Setting these posts in concrete offers a consistent and sturdy footing that ensures the fence posts will stay steady and functional for several years. The best fences are those that are attractive, low-maintenance, as well as durable.

Do You Put Concrete Inside Vinyl Fence Post – Stories of a House

Oct 19, 2021Setting vinyl posts into concrete ensures a consistent footing such that the posts remain inline and functional for years to come. Concrete should occupy the post home up to 3-4 inches from the top. Keep in mind that the post hole diameter should be around 3 times the post’s width. The depth should be about 1/3 of the posts above the surface …

California Fence in Clayton, CA with Reviews – YP.com

Find 5 listings related to California Fence in Clayton on YP.com. See reviews, photos, directions, phone numbers and more for California Fence locations in Clayton, CA.

California Fence Supply in Clayton, CA with Reviews – YP.com

Find 100 listings related to California Fence Supply in Clayton on YP.com. See reviews, photos, directions, phone numbers and more for California Fence Supply locations in Clayton, CA.

Why You Should Use Concrete For Fence Posts

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. Further complicating matters are our frequent high winds, both from hurricanes …

Should you concrete fence posts? – AskingLot.com

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. Click to see full answer. Subsequently, one may also ask, should pressure treated fence posts be set …

Should I use Concrete for Fence Posts? | iMix Concrete

It helps the fence posts be balanced on the ground; The main disadvantages of using concrete for fence posts: The concrete needs to cure before you can use the fence posts; If you are wanting to change the shape of your fence posts, it can cause issues – So Should I use Concrete for Fence Posts? Concrete does have many benefits, making it a …

Resource

https://paramountfencing1.com/should-i-use-concrete-for-wood-fence/
https://www.powersfencesupply.com/fence-installation/should-my-fence-posts-be-set-in-concrete/
https://www.herculesfence.com/blog/backyard-management/fence-posts-set-concrete/
https://imixconcrete.co.uk/news/should-i-use-concrete-for-fence-posts/
https://diy.stackexchange.com/questions/243/should-i-set-fence-posts-in-dirt-gravel-crushed-rock-or-concrete
https://takeayard.com/fence-post-setting/
https://www.bobvila.com/articles/setting-fence-posts/
https://gambrick.com/the-best-concrete-mix-for-fence-posts/
https://www.hgtv.com/outdoors/landscaping-and-hardscaping/how-many-bags-concrete-fence-post
https://www.typesofall.com/can-you-put-fence-posts-in-without-concrete/
https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-much-concrete-per-fence-post/
https://www.plantedshack.com/do-you-have-to-cement-chain-link-fence-posts/
https://www.americanprecastfences.com/should-i-cement-my-precast-fence-posts/
https://fencesupplyonline.com/blog/not-all-cement-is-created-equal-dont-pour-until-you-are-sure/
https://homebaseproject.org/expanding-foam-vs-concrete-fence-post/
https://blog.ironfenceshop.com/2012/06/29/concrete-for-fence-post-holes-to-mix-or-not-to-mix/
https://customfenceorlando.com/concrete-and-fence-posts-florida/
https://www.fencesnewportnews.com/blog/should-my-fence-posts-be-set-in-concrete/
https://sherlockmaintenance.com/how-deep-should-fence-posts-be-in-the-ground/
https://chambleefence.com/tips-on-installing-a-fence-post-without-concrete/
https://customfenceoviedo.com/concrete-or-no-concrete-what-to-do-with-wood-fence-posts-in-florida/
https://www.concretefaq.com/how-much-concrete-do-i-need-per-fence-post/
http://papersdude.com/useful/do-fence-posts-rot-in-concrete/
https://www.plantedshack.com/do-you-put-concrete-inside-vinyl-fence-post/
https://storiesofahouse.com/do-you-put-concrete-inside-vinyl-fence-post/
https://www.yellowpages.com/clayton-ca/california-fence
https://www.yellowpages.com/clayton-ca/california-fence-supply
https://www.westfloridafence.com/you-should-use-concrete-for-fence-posts/
https://askinglot.com/should-you-concrete-fence-posts
https://imixconcrete.co.uk/news/should-i-use-concrete-for-fence-posts/