Often asked: How To Set A Post Without Concrete?

Is concrete necessary 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.

How do I secure a post in the ground?

Project Instructions

  1. 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).
  2. Add about 6 inches of QUIKRETE All-Purpose Gravel into the bottom of the hole.
  3. Set the post into the hole and attach 2×4 braces to adjacent sides of the post.

How do you set a post in the ground?

Step-By-Step Instructions:

  1. Dig the post hole, making it three times the width of the post and at a depth equal to 1/3 to 1⁄2 of the above-ground length of the post, plus 6″ (right).
  2. Pour 6″ of gravel or crushed stone into the bottom of the hole.
  3. Set the post in the hole.
You might be interested:  Often asked: How Much Does A Standard Concrete Block Weigh?

Will fence posts rot in concrete?

A: Actually, your point is well taken. 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 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.

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.

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.

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.

You might be interested:  Quick Answer: How Much Weight Can A 2 Inch Slab Of Concrete Hold?

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

The treated post that are rated for ground contact are guaranteed for 40 years.

Should I use 4×4 or 6×6 deck posts?

4×4 post will be fine. I have built many decks for new homes with them. 6×6 is more sturdy of course and will not twist as easy, but for structure purposes, 4×4 will be fine. I would just not go more then 10′ apart with them.

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.

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 long will treated posts last in concrete?

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 long will a 4×4 post last in concrete?

A pressure treated 4×4 set in concrete should last about 20 years of more, depending on the soil conditions and drainage.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *