QA

Question: How Deep Fence Post 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).

Is 2 feet deep enough for fence posts?

2 feet is the minimum depth that you should dig your fence post holes for. To dig the holes one-third to one-half of the post’s aboveground height, is a general formula. The deeper you dig the holes, the more stability your fence has.

How deep should an 8 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 big of a hole do you need for a 4×4 post?

The diameter of your post hole should be three times the diameter of your post. So, if you’re planning on using a four-inch round or 4×4-inch square post, your post hole will need to be 12 inches in diameter. For a six-foot-high fence post, we would need a hole that’s 36 inches deep and 12 inches in diameter.

How deep should a 5 foot post be in the ground?

The general rule of thumb when setting a post is that the depth of the post’s hole needs to be one-third to one-half of the actual above-ground height of the post.

Should fence posts be set in concrete?

Setting Fence Posts in Concrete 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 deep and wide should fence posts be buried?

The width of the post hole should be 3 times the width of diameter of the post. For example, if you are erecting a 6 foot high fence using 4 inch fence posts, the posts need to be 6 feet above the ground. 6 divided by 3 is 2, therefore the depth of the hole required is 2 feet.

How do you dig a 6-foot post hole?

How to Dig a Hole: Pro Tips Step 1: String your line and pound the stakes. Step 2: Carve out a soil divot with a spade. Step 3: Loosen earth with a tile shovel. Step 4: Use your clamshell digger. Step 5: Use a reciprocating saw on large roots. Step 6: Dislodge rocks with a digging bar. Step 7: Tamp the soil with the other end.

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 deep should a 7 foot fence post be?

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). Add about 6 inches of QUIKRETE All-Purpose Gravel into the bottom of the hole.

How deep should you bury an 8 foot fence post?

How Deep Should a Fence Post Be? For an average fence post, about 6 to 8 feet tall, prepare to dig a post hole about 2 feet deep. To install a fence post, you’ll need a shovel or post digger, a 6-foot level, soil, and gravel or crushed stone.

Do you need planning permission for an 8 foot fence?

You need planning permission if your fence height including trellis exceeds 2 metres (6.56ft) above ground level. If your fence height is higher that 1 metre (3.28ft) and you live next to a highway used by vehicles or the pedestrian footpath of such highway, then you need planning permission.

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

How Long Will A Treated 4×4 Last In The Ground? (Explained) A treated 4×4 will last 20 to 25 years in the ground if the conditions in the soil and climate are favorable. That number could increase to 40 to 75 years if you install the treated 4×4 in a cement ring rather than the soil.

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

Most fence post holes will need between 1 – 4 bags of concrete to securely hold the post in place. The best way to determine the size of the hole is: Diameter of the hole is 3 times the width of the fence post. Depth of the hole is one-third to half the above ground height of the fence post.

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

A six foot high fence post with a 4 inch post would need a hole that’s 36 inches deep by 12 inches in diameter. To fill a hole this size takes 5 bags of 80lb concrete, but remember, you have to subtract the volume of the post your burying.How Much Concrete For A 4×4 Fence Post? Depth 50 Lb Bags 24″30″ 4 32″36″ 5.

How shallow can a fence post be?

For any type of fence, the depth of the hole you must dig depends on how tall the post will be above ground. You should always bury one-third of your fence post underground. For a 6-foot fence, for example, you need a 9-foot post, so that 3 feet can be underground.

How do you keep fence posts from rotting in concrete?

How You Can Protect Your Wooden Fence Posts From Rotting Wet Rot Vs. Dry Rot. Choose Rot Resistant Wood. Dry the Fence Posts Out. Consider Adding Posts to Concrete. Apply Preservative to the Wooden Post. Consider Staining Your Wood. Start Digging. Fill Up the Hole.