Which concrete to use for fence posts

Drive a stake into the ground near the lower end of each brace. Use a level to position the post plumb perfectly vertical , checking on two adjacent sides with the level, then fasten the braces to the stakes. Fill the hole with concrete up to 3 to 4" below the ground level. Add the recommended amount of water. QUIK-TIP: Adding a 6" gravel base under each post and finishing the concrete base so that it slopes away from the posts are popular methods for protecting posts against rot from moisture contact.

At this point, with the post set in place, you can begin filling the posthole with concrete. Pack the concrete to a level slightly above the surrounding soil. Here, to prevent pooling, trowel the concrete so that it slopes away from the post. Begin by inspecting the area where the post juts out of the hole. Do you notice a seam? Left as is, this seam could invite water to become trapped in any slivers of space between the wood and the concrete.

Be proactive: Once the concrete has hardened, go ahead and apply exterior acrylic latex caulk directly to the seam, all the way around the post. Alternatively, you can use any silicone caulk that adheres to concrete. Be responsible. Some localities enforce strict regulations. Also, as you would for any project that involves digging deep down in the dirt, dial or visit call Do this about a week before you plan to start the work, so the utility company will be able to come and mark the approximate location of any lines that run under your property before you begin digging.

As long as you give a wide berth to any buried lines, you should be perfectly safe. As for the posts themselves, a little regular scrutiny and maintenance will help ensure a long life for your fence.

Inspect your posts at least once a year, ideally in spring or fall, and reapply paint or stain as necessary to protect the wood and keep your fence looking its best. Its facts and opinions are those of BobVila.

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Project Page Menu. The information below can be used for any type of post and any type of fence. Step 1 — Measure and Mark new Post Locations Accuratly measuring and marking where your posts are going to go is key to the success of your fencing job as a whole. Once you have measured to your second post hammer in a stake to mark its position.

Repeat these steps for any further posts required. Step 2 — Check Fence Post Levels With all our post locations now defined by our stakes we need to check that they are all inline. Stakes are knocked into the ground to mark the locations of each fence post and then string is tied to first and last post to keep all posts inline If any stakes are slightly off move them so they are back inline.

Step 3 — Dig Fence Post Holes The next job is to dig out all of our fence post holes, but first we need to know how big they need to be. Regularly check how deep your hole is until you get to your desired depth. Repeat this until all of your holes have been dug out. Fence post hole dug out in ground and fence post inserted to check fit and depth For more information on fence post hole sizes and how to work them out, visit our fence post hole size project.

Step 4 — Add Aggregate to Base of Fence Post Holes Next we need to add about or so inches of aggregate to the base of the hole to allow for drainage. If you have time to wait, let the first coat dry and apply a second. Knock a stake into the ground at the point where each batten touches the ground. Stakes and battens fixed in place and holding posts up to keep them level until concrete has cured Next, use a spirit level or post level to get the post absolutly vertically level and then screw the end of each batten to each stake as can be seen in the image below.

You can then repeat the above for your remaining posts, making sure they are in a straight line. String level attached to first and last post to keep all posts inline Step 7 — Mix Concrete and add to Fence Post Hole First we need to mix up our concrete.

Cross section of fence post concreted in hole also showing depth of post, aggregate and water runoff slope Fill each post hole as described, mixing more concrete as required. Fence panel installed between concrete fence posts One important point to note is that to ensure as long a life as possible for you fence posts and fence run as a whole, it will require a little running maintenance. To help prevent this you can add some preservative around any gaps or even apply some sealant.

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