How To Set Fence Posts In Concrete

Spend some extra time and money on durable lumber and a well drained installation or that beautiful aesthetic will rot in a few years.

How to set fence posts in concrete.

Apply high quality exterior acrylic latex caulk or silicone specifically designed to adhere to concrete at the base of the post. Wooden fence posts are more vulnerable and fragile than metal. Tamped soil on a base of gravel is enough to secure most posts but consider concrete for soft soils. After all the posts are set and the concrete has cured mix some extra quikrete fast setting concrete mix in a wheelbarrow or bucket following the mix to water ratio on the bag.

Setting fence posts in concrete set fence posts in fast setting concrete if you re planning to leave the fence in place for a long time or if you have very loose sandy soil. 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. First dig the holes using an auger or a post hole digger.

Then set your post in place and use a level to ensure that it s perfectly. 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. Use enough water to saturate the dry mix. 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.

Plan to set at least one fourth to one third of the fence post underground and dig the hole accordingly. Step 3 pour water into the dry mix and allow it to soak in. Caulk around the fence post base.