Putting Fence Posts On Concrete

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 mixing batch after batch of concrete to fill.

Putting fence posts on concrete.

It s also a good idea when installing gate posts to provide extra stability. Caulk around the fence post base. Setting a post is the foundational step for many projects including building a fence or a deck. Then set your post in place and use a level to ensure that it s perfectly.

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. Pour the dry mix into the tube. 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. Apply high quality exterior acrylic latex caulk or silicone specifically designed to adhere to concrete at the base of the post.

Place the form tube into the hole. Set the post into the form and temporarily stand straight. 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. This will seal the gap between the concrete and post that s caused by freeze thaw cycles.

The main downside to concrete is its ability to trap water around the post. Concrete may be necessary if you are installing a fence in sandy soil or in very soft muddy soil. Make sure the post is plumb before allowing the concrete to set. Learn how to dig post holes and set 4x4 posts with gravel c.

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. A well constructed fence can protect privacy define your property and enhance curb appeal. Dig post hole so diameter of the hole is 3 times the width of the post i e the hole for a 4 wood post should be about 12 inches wide. Using a rented core drill you can drill a hole through your concrete slab for each fence post.