QA

Quick Answer: What Concrete To Use For Fence Posts

Fast-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.

What is the best concrete mix for fence posts?

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.

What concrete do you use for posts?

Rapid Set Concrete is ideal for house jobs like setting pergola and fence posts, whereas Quick Set Concrete is a great choice for fence corners and structural supports where higher compressive strength is required.

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.

Should I use fast setting concrete for fence posts?

Quikrete Fast-Setting Concrete Mix is easy to use — just add water — and it sets in 20 to 40 minutes. It’s the most efficient option for setting posts for things like mailboxes, fences and lamps. Best of all, you can hang fence and other heavy loads on a post set with fast-setting concrete in just four hours.

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 much concrete do I need for a post hole?

A: Finding the right amount of concrete depends on the size of the hole and the size of the post. The diameter of the hole should equal about three times the diameter of the post and the depth of the hole should be about ⅓ to ½ the total length of the pole.

Do I have to mix concrete for fence posts?

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.

Can you use quikrete for a slab?

Concrete is one of the most economical, versatile and durable building materials available. Build a sidewalk, patio, or floor with QUIKRETE concrete mixes no matter your skill level.

How much quikrete do I need to set a fence post?

When you’re installing a fence post, the amount of concrete you need will be calculated based on the diameter of your fence post and how high the post is above ground. Most fence post holes will need between 1 – 4 bags of concrete to securely hold the post in place.

Is it better to nail or screw fence boards?

Nails are faster than screws to install, meaning less labor for you or your builder (which may translate into lower installation cost). Screws, on the other hand, secure the fence better than nails. They also ensure easier rework should you need to replace a damaged picket.

Can you set fence posts with dry concrete?

Like a good wine, a dry setting concrete will take time to set fully. A quick setting product may not be the best one, and the standard setting time is around four hours. Make sure the post is plumb at all times during the process. Do not attach any weight or do any work on the post while the concrete is drying.

What’s the difference between Quikrete and concrete?

The only difference is that Quikrete has some additional ingredients and slight different ratios that make it set up faster. But it’s still concrete. Working with Quikrete is exactly the same as regular concrete. It mixes, pours and trowels exactly the same.

Should I use mortar or concrete?

Basically concrete is stronger and more durable so it can be used for structural projects such as setting posts whereas mortar is used as a bonding agent for bricks, stones, etc. Concrete has a low water-to-cement ratio and is a thinner consistency than mortar.

Is Quikrete as strong as regular concrete?

When comes to the question of is Quikrete as strong as regular concrete, the answer is essentially yes. Quikrete fast-setting mix has a final compressive strength of 4000 PSI, which is the same as Quikrete’s standard concrete mix.

How many bags of Postcrete do you need per post?

“Usually one bag of postcrete per post is enough, however you can use a two bags per post if you feel this is needed.

How tall should a fence be for a 6-foot fence?

As a general rule of thumb, you’ll need to place at least 1/3 the height of the post in the ground. For example, a 6-foot tall fence will need at least 2 feet of post in the ground.

How deep should a 8 foot fence post be?

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.