Are concrete fence posts best?

Installation and Durability

However, despite being heavy to carry and can be awkward to manoeuvre, concrete posts are proven to be a durable, strong and hard-wearing fence panel support, making them a popular choice for a long lasting solution.

Keeping this in view, are concrete fence posts better than wood?

Unlike timber, concrete will not rot, decay or split. A longer lasting structure, concrete more than pays for itself over time. Concrete does not need to be regularly treated, or in fact, require any ongoing maintenance to remain effective. Unlike wood, concrete fence posts can last for decades.

Similarly, do fence posts rot 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. This allows any moisture that gets between the concrete and the bottom of the post to percolate through the gravel and away from the bottom of the post.

Keeping this in consideration, should I 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.

How long should fence posts last?

Most treatment companies claim that when treated, most lumber will last more than 20 years. This holds true for pine and spruce, while cedar may last up to 40 years.

28 Related Question Answers Found

How long do fence posts last in concrete?

Concrete fence posts require no after-sale treatment and require minimal upkeep for the duration of their 25-year lifespan.

How do you keep fence post from rotting?

Caulk around the fence post base

Apply high-quality exterior acrylic caulk, or silicone specifically designed to adhere to concrete, at the base of the post. If your cedar wooden fence posts are rotting at the bottom, you need to replace them. The rot probably developed because the posts were installed improperly.

Will treated wood rot in concrete?

Pressure treated wood will eventually rot in concrete.not nearly as quickly as untreated, but it WILL eventually.

How deep should fence posts be?

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). 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 deep should concrete fence posts be?

600mm

How do I stop my fence post from rotting?

Tamp down the gravel. You can use concrete, if desired, but the moisture in the concrete can sometimes cause wooden posts to rot more quickly, while the gravel allows water to drain quickly away from the fence post and into the soil.

What type of fence post is best?

Fence Post Types

Wood Posts – For use as a corner posts, it's recommended to use a wood post at least 8 feet in length. Set 24 inches to 48 inches in the ground for best results and more than 48 inches in sandy or rocky soil. Also suitable for gate and in-line posts.

How many bags of concrete do I need for a 4x4 post?

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.

Is 2 feet deep enough for fence posts?

The minimum depth that you should dig your fence post holes for panel sections is 2 feet. A general formula is to dig the holes one-third to one-half of the post's aboveground height. The deeper you dig the holes, the more stability your fence has, but you must also purchase longer posts.

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

Also 1-1/2 bags per hole is about right for a 4x4 fence post. Also remember, the depth of the post hole should be one-half of the above-ground post height. (Example: For a 6' above ground post, use a post with an overall height of 9 feet and place 3 feet in the ground).

Should fence posts be below frost line?

All fence posts should be cemented in the ground below frost level. Check your local frost level and dig deeper by at least 6". Posts should be centered in the hole and the posts should always have concrete under them. Always leave concrete down from grade or the ground surface 3-5" and back fill with dirt.

Can you build a fence without sinking posts?

If you need a temporary fence or a border that you can move as needed, a quick way is to use concrete blocks. Attach a bracket to a concrete block that is heavy enough to hold the wood or other material you plan to use to build the fence. The posts can be mounted to the brackets and the fence finished from there.

Why do fence posts rot at ground level?

The main cause is the wood having prolonged exposure to moisture in soil which means fence posts decay at ground level – just above the concrete base. This means the post will still be solid below and above the damaged area. Insect infestations can also cause rotting in wooden fence posts.

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).

Is gravel necessary under concrete?

Whether you pour concrete for a walkway or patio, a strong gravel base is required to prevent the concrete from cracking and shifting. Gravel allows water to drain into the ground below. When packed tightly, however, the gravel doesn't shift beneath the concrete.

How long will a pressure treated post last in the ground?

The Forest Products Laboratory and other research groups have shown that treated wood stakes placed in the ground for more than 40 years remain rot-free. But young pressure-treated decks, many less than 10 years old, are being shoveled into landfills.

How do you protect a wooden post from rotting in the ground?

How to Protect Wooden Fence Posts From Rotting

Remove the wood fence post from the ground.
Dig a hole with a shovel about 10 inches beneath the area where the fence post will rest.
Paint with a paintbrush the entire wood fence post with a waterproofing sealant intended for exterior wood, such as decks and fences.