Install Fence Post Concrete

Setting a post is the foundational step for many projects including building a fence or a deck.

Install fence post concrete.

Good fences start with good foundations. Concrete may be necessary if you are installing a fence in sandy soil or in very soft muddy soil. It s also a good idea when installing gate posts to provide extra stability. The main downside to concrete is its ability to trap water around the post.

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 2x4. Fast setting concrete is ideal for installing fence posts since it doesn t need to be mixed in a bucket or a wheelbarrow. This will seal the gap between the concrete and post that s caused by freeze thaw cycles. Discarded paint can lid or similar see step 15 for its purpose procedure.

Two 50 pound bags of fast setting concrete will set a 4 inch by 4 inch or a 4 inch diameter post in a 10 inch diameter hole 2 feet deep. Memorize this ringing sound. When installing a fence on an existing concrete pad some fence installers prefer to core drill through the concrete and set posts the traditional way embedded in concrete underground. Extra dirt the more clay content the better.

Caulk around the fence post base. Here to prevent pooling trowel the. Installing fence posts in place with concrete is the best way to guarantee that they remain upright and unmoving but you might not relish the idea of. Set posts in concrete when stability is extra important.

Apply high quality exterior acrylic latex caulk or silicone specifically designed to adhere to concrete at the base of the post. If you re installing a fence on concrete or a freestanding porch railing coring through solid concrete or concrete block to a depth one third the height of the intended post will allow you to set and concrete the post securely. At this point with the post set in place you can begin filling the posthole with concrete. Remove the turf and topsoil from the site of the post.

Using a rented core drill you can drill a hole through your concrete slab for each fence post. Use enough water to saturate the dry mix. Pack the concrete to a level slightly above the surrounding soil. Then set your post in place and use a level to ensure that it s perfectly vertical.