How To Install A Wood Fence Post The Right Way
How To Install A Wood Fence Post The Right Way
Installing Fence Posts the Right Way
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Everyone might think they know how to put a wood post in the ground, but installing fence posts properly is about a lot more than simply ramming obelisks into the floor. There are various things that can affect how setting up your fence posts might play out and to ensure that your fence and its posts will stand the test of time, its worth clueing yourself up on how to install wood fence posts and concrete fence posts the right way.
Were going to break down the steps you should take when it comes to 4x4 fence post installation, whether setting directly into soil, using gravel, or securing with concrete. There are differing schools of thought on which method is the best, but thats not were here for, this article is about teaching you the techniques you need to know.
Note that every step in this guide should be repeated for every post you intend to build your fence from, granted you measure the gaps between post spots and align them carefully.
Installing Directly Into Soil / Setting with Gravel
If your space features less dense soil, you can install your fence directly into the ground. While this isnt the most stable way to do so and can take a fairly long time, its cheaper than setting fence posts with concrete, requiring fewer tools and elements.
If you follow these steps, with some alterations, theyll also apply to setting in fence posts with gravel. These are each considered to be generally, the least costly ways of securing fence posts.
Step 1: Choose Sturdy, Straight Posts
This step applies to each and every method in this article, but always remember to source high-quality, straight posts. Strong redwood, black locust, or cedar fence posts will do a great job, while you can also choose an appropriate pressure-treated wood option, just make sure to vet the supplier to avoid getting burned.
Step 2: Treat the Ends of the Wood
The sawn-off ends of wooden fence posts are highly sensitive to moisture, so its worth giving them some treatment, especially in damper climates. You can cut a 45-degree angle into the top end to encourage rain runoff, while both ends should be treated with a brush-on preservative to protect them from moisture.
Step 3A: Dig Your Hole - Soil Only
When setting your posts into soil, dig a hole with a diameter as close to the size of the fence post as possible. There is some debate on how deep fence post holes have to be, with some arguing they should be around half the length of the post and others saying a quarter, so to be safe we advise that you go for around a third. Use a post hole digger for straighter holes.
Step 3B: Dig Your Hole - Gravel Set
If youre setting fence posts into the soil with the addition of gravel, you want to dig your holes with a slightly wider diameter, so you can fit the gravel in more effectively. You want the diameter of the hole to be around 8 inches long for a standard 4x4 post, so you can easily surround it with the gravel once the post is planted.
Step 4: Lay Some Gravel on the Bottom of the Hole
Even if you dont plan on using gravel to set your posts in place, you should lay some gravel at the bottom of the hole, to help wick away moisture and improve soil drainage. Simply pour some gravel into the hole, then pack it in so it doesnt stand too tall with an old piece of wood, broom handle, or something of the sort.
Step 5: Steady Your Post in Place
Once your hole is dug and prepped, its time to place in your post, and its at this juncture that you could really use an assistant. Have them hold you fence post firmly in place, then use four wooden stakes and two lengths of wire/string to create a brace for the post while you ensure that the post is perfectly vertical with a spirit-level checker.
Step 6: Fill the Hole
Once the post is steadily in place, its time to start filling the hole with either soil or gravel, depending on the method youve chosen. Make sure to shovel in the gravel or soil a little at a time, only a few inches, tamping it down well to ensure that its secure. Make sure to keep checking the straightness of the post with every shovelful.
Step 7: Create a Small Hillock
Once your fence post is well and truly stuck into the ground with either gravel or soil, its time to build a small hillock of soil and dirt over the top of the gravel or soil now in the hole. Make sure that this hillock slopes down away from the post in every possible direction, as good drainage will help to prevent rotting.
Installing with Concrete
Now that we understand the principles of how to set fence posts in gravel or soil, lets take a look at something with a little more security. Setting your posts in concrete is better for areas with higher levels of wind, along with being useful for gated parts of a fence as it can withstand more pressure.
Many of the steps in setting fence posts in concrete are comparable to the steps taken when installing with gravel and soil, so this guide will highlight the differences rather than retreading the same information.
Alternate Step 1: Digging Your Hole
When digging your hole for a concrete set fence post, you need to make it even wider than if you were to set it with gravel, as you need plenty of space for your concrete sleeve to work its magic. For a standard 4x4 post you want the diameter for the hole to be around 12 inches, while the depth should still be around a third of the post, but with an added 6 inches for gravel.
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Alternate Step 2: Bracing Your Post
While the stake and wire method is still useful when securing your fence posts into the perfect place, you also need to use a couple of stakes on the inside of the hole, into the gravel that the posts sit on top of. Once these stakes are in place, you can cover them and some of the post in more gravel to keep it even more steadily in place.
Alternate Step 3: Mixing Concrete
Whether you use a rented concrete mixer, mix a DIY mix yourself, or choose to use a quick pre-mixed powder (less reliable and weaker), you need to mix up some concrete. If youre taking the DIY route, then youll need a wheelbarrow, some cement mix, gravel, and sand,
which you can mix together with water to the right consistency using a shovel.
Alternate Step 4: Pouring Concrete
Once your concrete is mixed and ready for use (it should come off the shovel with ease), begin shoveling it into the hole, up to around soil level. Make sure to keep checking the level of the post while you work, as while the concretes wet you can make adjustments, but when it dries - game over. With a little excess concrete, create slopes at the bottom much like with the soil.
Alternate Step 5: Sealing the Gaps
Once the concrete has been set (usually taking around 3 days) you simply need to seal the gaps between the post and the concrete with some caulk or an expanding silicone sealant as this will not only help keep it secure but also help with weatherproofing. Once this is done, youre ready to start making your fence.
Final Thoughts
Now you know how to put in fence posts properly, remember that a careful touch is crucial. Whether installing into gravel, concrete, or soil, and whether planning to create a fully wooden, or concrete post wood fence, attention to detail and meticulous care are key when setting up fence posts. One wrong angle could jeopardize a whole fence operation, so make sure to keep your spirit level handy, work with a partner, and be safe.
Once your fence is set up, why stop there? You can bring a welcome addition of class and style to your fence with some post caps, which will add to the overall visual appeal and value of your outdoor spaces.
For more interesting content on outdoor living, check out the rest of our blog series, and have a great day!
How to Install Fence Posts for Wooden Fence
Updated November
When it comes to building a fence, it is important to have install fence posts to ensure the most stable wooden fence possible. Installing fence posts is a critical component thats responsible for keeping your enclosure upright and straight. Installing a fence post can be tricky business but with right knowledge and tools, you can get the job done.
To start with, make sure you buy the right kind of wooden posts. It is recommended you stick with pressure treated wood that is rated for ground contact. Also be sure to check the posts for straightness obviously the straighter, the better and be sure you acquire posts that are long enough to bury a good part of them in the ground. The proper wood will minimize rot so be sure to ask a lumber professional for advice.
Installing fence posts: Measure twice, dig once
Next, make sure you measure out the distance between each post and mark the approximate location of each post. Typical spacing is right around 8 feet between each post however different circumstances may call for different measurements and it is not uncommon to have spacing between posts reach up to 10 feet. Once you have a rough idea of your post layout start by digging your first hole.
Digging fence post holes is backbreaking work so make sure you have the right tool to make it easier. A basic post hole digger (clam shell digger) should make things much easier for you and a pry bar can help when you encounter large rocks that need to be knocked loose. If you have access to one, you can also use a power auger and you can check with your local hardware store to see if they rent them. Dig the hole to be a little bit bigger than the fence post. If you are going to surround the post in concrete or gravel leave a little extra room to fill it in. Concrete usually requires a larger hole roughly 12 inches wide for a 4×4 post while gravel can be roughly 8 inches wide for a 4×4 post.
Next, take your fence post and stick it in the hole. Make sure it is the right height and adjust accordingly by continuing to dig or filling in the hole. For a sturdy post you should try and make your hole at least 2 feet deep. Once you get the height correct, it is time line your post up properly to install fence posts on your wooden fence.
Install fence posts in a straight line
Setting fence posts correctly is pretty easy as long as you line up your post correctly and have a few extra pieces of wood and a level. Use the level to make sure your post is straight (plumb) and take the pieces of wood and lightly nail them to the post and push them into the ground to act as a temporary holder. Make sure to leave some of the nail head sticking up as we will be removing these boards once the post has been set. Here is a nice visual image of how this is done courtesy of how stuff works.
Once you get your first post lined up and secure you can move onto the next hole. Waiting until after your first post is installed to dig the next hole will help you ensure you get the spacing right. We also suggest waiting until all your posts are temporarily set before you pour any concrete or dirt back in the hole. This way you can ensure everything is lined up correctly and minimize your mess to just one day if you are pouring concrete.
The next step in how to install fence posts for a wooden fence is to line up your next post. There is a nice trick that involves using a piece of string and running it from the first post to the next. You can also use this trick to help you line up your holes. Finish digging your holes and repeat the steps above to ensure each post is plumb, etc.
Setting fence posts by backfilling with gravel, cement
Once all posts are temporarily set you can proceed to mix any concrete you are going to use or backfill in the holes with dirt or gravel. When it comes to concrete there are several different options you can choose from. For a very sturdy fence you can pour concrete in every hole. This is also recommended for areas with soft or wet soil as it will help slow down the rate of post rot. Another approach is to use concrete on every other post and each corner post. This will also offer a sturdy option however is not as sturdy as using concrete on every fence post. Finally, you can opt to strictly fill the holes with just dirt or a mix of dirt and gravel. This option will offer the weakest fence posts and your fence will most likely not last as long. Furthermore, you increase the speed that your post will rot but not encasing it in concrete.
A good practice when pouring concrete is to scrape the concrete up against the fence post so it create a sort of cone above the dirt about and inch or two. The idea is to seal off the wood so when water is running around the fence post it will not make contact with the wood and rot it out. Concrete tends to be porous so there will already be a good amount of moisture in contact with the post set in the concrete but this technique aims to reduce the amount of moisture as much as possible.
Once your posts are set allow the concrete to dry and soil to settle before moving on. You can check your work with a level and by making sure your string is setup in straight line. And thats it, after setting fence posts, you are ready to start laying your boards!
Installing steel fence posts on wooden fence
How to install fence posts that are steel is a similar process to installing wooden posts. Steel posts can improve the strength and longevity of a wood fence. Galvanized steel posts for wood fences have a couple of clear benefits because they are stronger than wood ones and will hold up better in strong winds. Steel wont rot and the zinc coating prevents the metal from rusting. Setting fence posts, whether it be steel or wood, follow a similar installation process.
Should I Hide or Show Steel Posts?
We can design a fence that either shows or hides the posts. Many people like the contrast of metal and wood. A structure that highlights the mix of materials has an industrial-style vibe that is currently in vogue. However, if you want the durability of steel but like the look of wood, we can make the steel posts invisible. We can build your fence either way. Check our gallery to see examples of mixed-media fences.
How Does Metal Compare to Pressure Treated Wood?
Builders often use pressure-treated wood for posts. This type of lumber is treated with pesticides and fungicides. It resists rot and can last for decades. In the past, pressure treated wood contained arsenic. Todays pressure treated wood no longer contains this poison. However, for those who want to avoid chemicals, steel posts are an alternative. Steel lasts even longer than pressure treated wood. so its a popular option for homeowners who are looking to install fence posts for their wood fence.
Are Steel Posts More Expensive than Wood Posts?
Steel posts are available at different prices. Some steel posts, such as the ones used for chain link fences, are less expensive than some types of wood posts. There are also specialty steel posts that are initially more costly than wood.
When comparing costs, remember that steel doesnt need to be maintained or replaced as often as wood. Also, a stronger post reduces the need for fence repairs after a storm. Speak with one of the specialists at Pacific Fence on how to install fence posts. Well help you make the right choice.
Setting fence posts in Portland, OR
From custom orders to prefabricated products, the professionals at Pacific Fence & Wire have seen it all. Contact us today and well work with you to get your project off the ground and completed the way you want.
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