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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.
Is 2 feet deep enough for fence posts?
2 feet is the minimum depth that you should dig your fence post holes for. To dig the holes one-third to one-half of the post’s aboveground height, is a general formula. The deeper you dig the holes, the more stability your fence has.
How deep should an 8 foot post be in the ground?
In general, holes should be at least 3 feet deep for posts that extend 8 feet or more above ground level. Posts that extend 6 feet above ground level should have holes at least 2 1/2 feet deep.
Is 18 inches deep enough for a fence post?
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.
Is cement required for fence posts?
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.
Can you put dry concrete in a post hole?
Fast-setting concrete is ideal for setting posts because there’s no mixing—you simply pour the dry concrete from the bag right into the hole, then add water.
How shallow can a fence post be?
For any type of fence, the depth of the hole you must dig depends on how tall the post will be above ground. You should always bury one-third of your fence post underground. For a 6-foot fence, for example, you need a 9-foot post, so that 3 feet can be underground.
Do you need planning permission for an 8 foot fence?
You will not need to apply for planning permission to take down a fence, wall,or gate, or to alter, maintain or improve an existing fence, wall or gate (no matter how high) so long as there is no increase in its height.
How many bags of concrete do I need for a fence post?
1 – 4 bags of concrete per fence post are typically what’s needed. This depends on the type of soil, fence design, height, post size and bag weight. In general the depth of the post’s hole needs to be 1/3 to 1/2 of the above ground height of the post.
What size post do you use for an 8 foot fence?
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.
Do fence posts need to be below frost line?
All fence posts should be cemented in the ground below frost level. Check your local frost level and dig deeper by at least 6″.
How long will a treated 4×4 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.
Should a fence post wiggle?
WOBBLY wooden fence posts should be repaired promptly before they cause other fence parts to loosen. Posts that have been in the ground for less than five years usually wobble because of improper installation; ordinarily, tightening them is fairly easy.
Will wooden posts rot in concrete?
Simply setting the posts in concrete does create a condition that will accelerate rot in the bottom of the posts. With pressure-treated posts, the rot will be slow. This allows any moisture that gets between the concrete and the bottom of the post to percolate through the gravel and away from the bottom of the post.
How do I keep my post level while concrete dries?
You need to level it in two directions with a 4-foot level. After getting it straight in the first direction, hold one of the braces against the post and drive a single screw to connect the brace to the post. You can then level and brace the post in the other direction and begin filling the hole.
How long does it take for a fence post to set in concrete?
Typically, you can apply some weight to the posts after 4 hours, but it’s a good idea to wait at least 24 hours before resuming fence construction. Standard concrete mixes may take up to two hours to set and should cure for 24 to 48 hours before any forces are applied to the posts.
Can I pour concrete in a hole full of water?
The good news is that you can pour the concrete in water. The biggest issue with pouring concrete under water is movement. If the water is moving, it can wash away the cement paste that’s holding the sand and gravel together. But if the water is calm, then it’s not a problem at all.
How do you protect wooden posts in the ground?
How You Can Protect Your Wooden Fence Posts From Rotting Wet Rot Vs. Dry Rot. Choose Rot Resistant Wood. Dry the Fence Posts Out. Consider Adding Posts to Concrete. Apply Preservative to the Wooden Post. Consider Staining Your Wood. Start Digging. Fill Up the Hole.
