Learning how to concrete a fence post in the ground is easy, and if you are looking at learning how to concrete a fence post, you have landed on the right page.
In this article, you will learn how to concrete a fence post, as well as grab a few pointers along the way.
By learning how to concrete a fence post in yourself, you will not only save money, but more importantly upskill your knowledge in DIY projects around the home, farm or busines.
Steps On How To Concrete A Fence Post
Bellow are simplified steps on how to concrete a fence post in the ground.
1, Mark out where your holes are going ( Ideally 6ft apart )
2, Dig holes for posts ( 600mm deep )
3, Place posts in holes
4, Brace posts in position
5, Pour concrete and check recheck levels with spirit level
Detailed Steps On How To Concrete A Fence Post
Bellow are simplified steps on how to concrete a fence post in the ground.
1, Mark out where your post holes are going.
Ideally 6ft apart, mark out the post hole centers on the ground.
This can be done with dazzle/spray paint marker.
If you do not have spray marker paint, you can use a larger stone to mark the spot instead. Flower or plant pots could be used as a hole indication, just whatever you can find to mark out the post hole spot.
2, Dig holes for posts
Post holes should be at least 600mm deep, and the width of the hole should be at least 100mm clear each side of the post.
As a rough guide, your hole should be 3x your post width wide, and 1/4 the length in the ground deep. So if your post is 100mm thick your whole would be 300mm wide, and if your post is 2.4mts long you will need a hole atleast 600mm deep.
Post holes ideally should be dug down to solid/hard dirt or gravel, but 600mm is usually sufficient.
For example if you had a post that was 100mm x 100mm wide, your hole would be a minimum of 300mm wide and 600mm deep.
Note: Your hole does not need to be too wide. Concrete is used to pack the voids between the post and dirt. A huge hole means more concrete to buy and mix.
If you have very loose soil that is soft. You can dig a little deeper, as well as make a little thicker for more added stability.
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3, Place posts in holes
Place the posts in the holes. If you brace the two end posts first, you can run a builders line ( String line ) between them to give you a perfect level line for the rest of your posts.
4, Brace posts in position
Brace the post by using fixed lengths of boards on to the post and then on about a 45 degree angle to the ground, Fix this end to ground by using a wooden peg.
Note: You will need two lengths for each post. One to keep the post level left and right, and the other will hold it from going forward or back.
Use just one screw in the bracing boards and screw the ground peg end in first, this way you can adjust the post and brace while you can see the level. Screw in once you are happy with levels.
5, Pour concrete and check levels with spirit level
Once the post or posts are braced and supported well, you can pour in the concrete.
Be sure to pour the concrete evenly around the posts and always vibrate the concrete a little to set the concrete around the post, and also help remove trapped air inside the concrete.
If you do not have a concrete vibrator on hand, you can use the end of a stick and jiggle the concrete a little to help it settle. You can also use very small and light taps on the post itself to help vibrate.
Once the concrete is in, check the posts are all level and not leaning in any unwanted direction.
Video Directions How To Concrete A Fence Post
What Concrete For Fence Posts?
Not all concrete is good concrete, and knowing what concrete for fence posts to use is a must.
Concrete should be ordered from a certified concrete dispatch plant, or if buying bags of ready mix, always buy a respected and quality brand.
If you are buying Cement, sand and aggregates separately and mixing yourself, check out these electric concrete mixers to save you time, strain on the body, and maintain maximum strength in your concrete.
