Often asked: How Much Concrete To Set A Post?

How much concrete do I need for a post hole?

Remember, the depth of the post hole should be one-half of the above-ground post height. (Example: For a 6 feet above ground post, use a post with an overall height of 9 feet and place 3 feet in the ground). The calculator will indicate the number of 50 lb. bags of QUIKRETE® Fast-Setting Concrete you need.

How many bags of concrete do I need for a 6×6 post?

As I recall, a 60# bag of concrete is about. 5cf, so you’d need 3 bags per hole.

Is 2 feet deep enough for fence posts?

Project Instructions

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).

How much post mix do I need per post?

You’ll need to bury the posts at least 2ft In the ground. As for how many bags of postcrete you need per post, that’s purely dependant on how big you make the post holes. As a rule of thumb, when using standard post hole diggers, I average 1 bag per post. For larger holes I would allow 1.5 bags to 2 bags per hole.

How many bags of concrete do I need for a 4×4 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.

Can you put dry concrete in a post hole?

Fast-setting concrete is ideal for setting posts because there’s no mixing—you simply pour the dry concrete from the bag right into the hole, then add water.

Can pressure treated posts be set 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. Concrete should be poured around the post – no concrete under the post.

Should pole barn posts be set in concrete?

Also, be aware that simply setting posts in concrete will not prevent rot. The wood won’t be in contact with the ground, but moisture is absorbed by the concrete and pulled up into the wood. Over time, rotting will occur.

How big should the hole be for a 6×6 post?

Dig, align, and finish the job

Dig an 8″-diameter hole at least 6″ deeper than your area’s frost line for each 4×4 post, using a power auger, hand auger, or post–hole digger. A 6×6 post requires a 10″-diameter hole.

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.

Do I have to use concrete for fence posts?

Concrete is the most secure material for setting fence posts, especially if you have sandy soil. Gravel may be okay with dense, clay-heavy soil, but in looser soil, concrete is the only thing that will truly keep your fence posts stuck in place.

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 does it take post mix to set?

A ready to use blend of selected sand, cement and additives formulated for fixing wooden, concrete and metal posts. With just the addition of water and with no mixing required; Postcrete sets in 10 minutes and comes in handy 20kg weatherproof, tear resistant plastic bags.

What is the best concrete mix for fence posts?

In terms of the ratio to use for a concreting fence posts, the best mix is a mix of 1:2:4 (1 cement, 2 sand, 4 aggregate). Concrete is always best mixed using a cement mixer to ensure it’s even, but if you only need to mix a little, hand mixing is ok (see mixing concrete project above for tips on how to do this).

How do you keep fence posts from rotting in concrete?

Caulk Around the Fence Post Base

Apply high-quality exterior acrylic latex caulk, or silicone specifically designed to adhere to concrete, at the base of the post.