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.

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. 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. 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.

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. Then set your post in place and use a level to ensure that it s perfectly. But before you decide to put one up yourself learn how to set your fence posts properly to ensure that. 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. Caulk around the fence post base. Using a rented core drill you can drill a hole through your concrete slab for each fence post. 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.

Fast setting concrete is ideal for installing fence posts since it doesn t need to be mixed in a bucket or a wheelbarrow. Apply high quality exterior acrylic latex caulk or silicone specifically designed to adhere to concrete at the base of the post. A well constructed fence can protect privacy define your property and enhance curb appeal. This will seal the gap between the concrete and post that s caused by freeze thaw cycles.

Place the form tube into the hole. Make sure the post is plumb before allowing the concrete to set. Core drill holes through concrete. Pour the dry mix into the tube.