Question: How To Install Fence Post Without Concrete?

Can you put fence posts in without concrete?

How to Easily Install a Fence Post Without Cement Using Wood Post Anchors, Gravel, or a Hydraulic Driver. Wood post anchors are some of the easiest ways to install a fence post, and offer other benefits, like protection from water and weed eaters.

Is 2 feet deep enough for fence posts?

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). 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 ).

Can you set fence posts in gravel?

Setting Fence Posts in Gravel Gravel is best for fencing in heavier (more clayey) soils, and won’t work well if you have loose, sandy soil. Gravel also allows water drainage around the fence posts, making the posts less susceptible to frost heaves. Dig the holes the same way as you would to set posts in concrete.

How do you keep fence posts from rotting in concrete?

Consider Adding Posts to Concrete From here, you should fill the hole with about 6 inches of gravel. This will prevent rotting by ensuring that the post is kept dry when water makes its way into the soil. Place the post in the gravel, then fill with a batch of cement until it reaches the top of the hole.

How long will pressure treated posts last in the ground?

3) A deck built with pressure treated wood will last a long time. Promotional literature promises lifelong performance for pressure treated wood. The Forest Products Laboratory and other research groups have shown that treated wood stakes placed in the ground for more than 40 years remain rot-free.

Will wooden posts rot in concrete?

Simply setting the posts in concrete does create a condition that will accelerate rot in the bottom of the posts. With pressure-treated posts, the rot will be slow. The concrete at the top should be sloped away from the post to grade level to avoid water pooling around the base.

How many bags of concrete do I need for a fence post?

Most fence post holes will need between 1 – 4 bags of concrete to securely hold the post in place. The best way to determine the size of the hole is: Diameter of the hole is 3 times the width of the fence post. Depth of the hole is one-third to half the above ground height of the fence post.

How deep should a 8 foot fence post be?

In general, holes should be at least 3 feet deep for posts that extend 8 feet or more above ground level. Posts that extend 6 feet above ground level should have holes at least 2 1/ 2 feet deep.

Should I use 4×4 or 6×6 fence posts?

4×4 is perfect for these very standard fence dimensions. Normally 4×6 or 6×6 are needed for gates or extreme wind loads.

How long will 4×4 post last in the ground?

The length of time that you can keep a treated post in the ground depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, in the optimal conditions, it can last as long as 40 years. More commonly, though, it will last around 20 years.

Do wood fence posts need concrete?

First rule, gang: Do not set wooden posts in concrete. Look, no matter what preventative steps you take (and I’ll get to those), eventually wooden posts rot, and eventually you’ll have to set new ones. Not only does burying them in concrete make for more work down the line, it actually can speed up the rotting.

How long will a treated post last in concrete?

5 Answers. A PT post will last a long time in concrete, maybe 5 to 10 years in soil alone. I suggest you embed the post in concrete, trowel a peak around the post so water runs off, and don’t let the PT post come in contact with the ground.

How do I keep my post level while concrete dries?

Fill the hole up to a depth of 8 inches from ground level with 1/2-inch drainage gravel. Use rough-cut gravel with sharp edges. It will hold the post better than smooth rock.

How many bags of concrete do I need for a 4×4 fence post?

Mix two 50lb bags of concrete with water in a mixing tub or 5-gallon bucket. Add concrete into the hole and around the 4” x 4”. Depending on your climate, let concrete set up for 24 – 48 hours.