Putting Fence Posts On Concrete

Caulk around the fence post base.

Putting fence posts on concrete.

A well constructed fence can protect privacy define your property and enhance curb appeal. Setting a post is the foundational step for many projects including building a fence or a deck. It s also a good idea when installing gate posts to provide extra stability. But before you decide to put one up yourself learn how to set your fence posts properly to ensure that.

Place the form tube into the hole. 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. 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. This will seal the gap between the concrete and post that s caused by freeze thaw cycles.

Then set your post in place and use a level to ensure that it s perfectly. 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. 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. Set the post into the form and temporarily stand straight.

Pour the dry mix into the tube. The main downside to concrete is its ability to trap water around the post. 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. Apply high quality exterior acrylic latex caulk or silicone specifically designed to adhere to concrete at the base of the post.

Using a rented core drill you can drill a hole through your concrete slab for each fence post. 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. Core drill holes through concrete. Concrete may be necessary if you are installing a fence in sandy soil or in very soft muddy soil.