Table of Contents
How deep should a post be set in concrete?
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.
How do I put a post in concrete by myself?
Step-By-Step Instructions: Dig the post hole, making it three times the width of the post and at a depth equal to 1/3 to 1⁄2 of the above-ground length of the post, plus 6″ (right). Pour 6″ of gravel or crushed stone into the bottom of the hole. Set the post in the hole.
How deep should a 5 foot post be in the ground?
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.
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.
Can you put pressure-treated wood directly on concrete?
Wood in direct contact with concrete, and the dampness often found there, will rapidly decay. To avoid this, use pressure-treated lumber. This indicates that the wood contains a quarter of a pound of preservative per cubic foot, which is sufficient for use against exposed concrete, outdoors as well as in.
Should pressure-treated posts be set 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. Concrete should be poured around the post – no concrete under the post.
How many bags of concrete do I need for a 4×4 post?
Most fence post holes will need between 1 – 4 bags of concrete to securely hold the post in place. The best way to determine the size of the hole is: Diameter of the hole is 3 times the width of the fence post. Depth of the hole is one-third to half the above ground height of the fence post.
Should wood fence posts be set 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.
How much gravel goes in the bottom of a post hole?
You should put approximately 2″ to 4″ of gravel in the bottom of the hole making sure that the Post stands 6′ 4″ tall from the ground to the top of the post.
What happens if fence posts aren’t deep enough?
Anything less than 24 inches will put your fence at risk of blowing over in adverse weather conditions. Remember, these are wood posts that have been set in concrete, if your fence post isn’t deep enough, it is prone to snapping and collapsing all of your hard work.
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 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.
Can pressure treated wood be buried in dirt?
Pressure-treated wood in contact with the ground needs the most protection, and will rot in just a few years if you use the wrong grade. If your wood will touch the ground or be buried, you should get the highest grade you can, up to .
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 do I make sure a post is level?
Place a carpenter’s level along two adjacent sides to make sure the post is plumb. NOTE: While you can level every post by hand this way, it’s not the most efficient process for installing three or more fence posts in a straight line—see the tips for “Creating a String Guide,” below, instead.
Can you put timber posts in concrete?
Use stirrups or uprights to support a post out of the ground. This is a great way to ensure post longevity because the post is less likely to rot. If you use the appropriate treated pine posts (H4 type) for a screen or low level deck, it is also okay to place your posts into a hole and backfill with concrete.
Can you cement wood posts?
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 you attach pressure treated wood to concrete?
How to Attach Pressure-Treated Wood on Concrete Things You Will Need. A hammer or power drill. Nails. The simplest and fastest way to attach a piece of wood to concrete is by using a nail. Concrete Screws. Heavy-Duty Anchors. Soft-Metal Shields. Powder-Actuated Fasteners. Measure the Holes. Drill the Holes.
What do you put under wood on concrete?
Lay 6-mil polyethylene sheeting over the concrete to minimize moisture migration from the concrete up into the wood flooring. Then fasten 3/4-in. treated plywood to the concrete with concrete screws spaced every 16 in. Alternatively, screw rows of treated 1x4s to the concrete 16 in.
What can you put between wood and concrete?
Anyplace where wood meets the ground or concrete, the lumber must be pressure treated. For additional moisture protection, a gasket or strip of closed-cell foam can be installed between the concrete foundation and the sill plate.
