Question: How To Set A Pole In Concrete?

How do you set a metal pole in concrete?

Dig the hole so it’s at least twice the diameter of the metal post. Place 6 inches of gravel in the bottom of your hole for drainage. Place the metal post so it sits securely in the bottom of the hole atop the gravel and is centered. Shovel or pour 8 to 10 inches of gravel into the hole around the post.

How do you keep a post straight in concrete?

Setting the Post

You need to level it in two directions with a 4-foot level. After getting it straight in the first direction, hold one of the braces against the post and drive a single screw to connect the brace to the post. You can then level and brace the post in the other direction and begin filling the hole.

Should posts be set in 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 do you make sure new posts stay plumb while the concrete is setting?

Hold a carpenter’s level against all sides of the post to ensure it is plumb, or straight up and down. Once you are sure the post is plumb, fill the hole with concrete. Take care not to disturb the post as you add the concrete. Check the post again with the level to make sure it is still plumb, and adjust if necessary.

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.

How much of a pole should be in the ground?

Poles are typically set into the ground: 10% of the overall height + 2 feet, except in questionable soil conditions. Example: Overall pole height: 30 feet, the pole should be buried: 3 feet + 2 feet = 5 feet below grade, and 25 feet above grade.

Can you pour dry cement in 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.

What is the best concrete to use for fence posts?

Fast-setting concrete is ideal for installing fence posts since it doesn’t need to be mixed in a bucket or a wheelbarrow. 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 2×4.

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).

Why deck posts should not be set in concrete?

A deck post should always be placed on top of footing, not inside concrete because it can break. Concrete tends to absorb moisture and wood expands when it gets wet, so these two factors combined will result in the wood breaking the concrete.

How deep should a 20 foot post be in the ground?

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.

How can I set posts without concrete?

Backfilling the fence post hole with gravel is another common alternative to using cement. Start with a hole about the size of the one you’d dig if you were using cement, insert a third of the post’s length into the hole, and then fill with crushed gravel, tamping every five inches until flush.

How do you stabilize a post?

Here’s what to do:

1. Take out adjacent fence construction.
2. Cut or buy a few tapered (top to bottom) surveyor stakes about 24 inches long.
3. Drive a stake into the ground next to the post or next to the concrete.
4. Pull the stake.
5. Fill the hole with water and level the post.
6. Add dry premixed concrete to the top of the hole.

Will concrete cure under dirt?

Assuming that the concrete was mixed in the proper ratio and poured in an acceptable temperature environment, soil backfilling will not harm the curing concrete (assuming no mechanical stresses or insults were done to the curing concrete; that is, no fractures, scours, washouts or chemical exposure).

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.