Concrete Fence Posts With Holes? 77 Most Correct Answers

Whatever your reason for considering drilling holes in your fence posts, it’s important to know how the posts will hold up to this project. So can you drill into concrete fence posts?

It is possible to drill into a concrete fence post. With the right tools and the right approach, it’s easier than you might think. Before you start drilling, there are a few things you need to consider such as: B. the type of drills you need and the specifications of your posts.

The durability of concrete can make this project a bit tedious, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be done. Below is a little guide with information you need to know about drilling concrete fence posts.

before you start

One of the advantages of concrete fence posts is that they are quite durable and will last much longer than wood or vinyl fence posts. So before you start drilling, there are a few things you should consider and do.

First, decide how deep you want to drill and either measure it on the post or some way on your tool. This is how you keep track of your work. Putting tape or masking tape on your drill is a good way to mark where to stop drilling. If your drill comes with a stop bar feature, you can also use that to keep track.

Make sure, even after you’ve marked where to drill, that you double check just to be sure. Measure twice, drill/cut once.

Here are some things you need to protect yourself while you work: eye protection, gloves, outdoor clothing appropriate to the weather, hearing protection (e.g. even mouth and nose protection (like a mask) if necessary to keep dust, that gets into the concrete while drilling, does not get into your body.

type of drill

The type of drill you use is critical to the success of your project. There are always many drills and bits to choose from, so which ones are best for concrete?

Standard rotary drills can work well, but only for very small projects; If you are working with older concrete or doing more than just a few holes you may want to upgrade to a better performing bit as the standard bits don’t work well enough at this point.

Hammers, SDS (Slotted Drive System) and rotary hammers work best for this project. All are well suited for projects involving masonry. Use a hammer drill if it’s not too big a job without too many holes. An SDS drill is best for heavy-duty use. Use a hammer drill if the job is major, like drilling multiple or very deep holes.

If you decide to rent a drill press for this job, be sure to read the owner’s manual before using it to understand and become familiar with the tool. Some of the best brands of drills, whether you rent them or not, are DeWalt, Black and Decker, Milwaukee, and Bosch.

When using your drills, be sure to use one of the appropriate sizes. High-quality masonry drill bits are best for drilling in concrete.

Drill your holes

Once you have the right equipment and drill bit, it’s time to start drilling your holes!

Start drilling your pilot hole. Start with a quick start-up to ensure you have the correct alignment. Make sure you have a firm grip on the drill; If it has an extra spot on the side with an assist grip, hold that for extra support. Also make sure you have a secure footing and drill slowly at first.

After that, use moderate pressure and speed when drilling and don’t be too hard or rough. Too much pressure can break the bit or ruin the concrete surface. Drilling your holes too fast or on a setting that is too high is not a wise choice.

Stop from time to time to blow out the dust in the hole and make sure the hole looks good and clear. Do not use force when drilling if you encounter obstacles or additional resistance. Instead, take out the drill and just try to break through the barrier by gently tapping it with a masonry nail. Don’t knock and hit or you could break the concrete or do something to the hole you were working on. Once you break through the barrier, you can continue working with the drill.

rods

All concrete posts should include bars to support their structure and shape. Concrete fence posts are no different. Usually there are 4 in a fence post. Normally they should be found in the corners, so if you drill towards the center you should be fine.

Hitting any of the bars or rebar in one of your fence posts with the drill can compromise the integrity of the post. Be careful if you have to drill where one of the bars should be or if you think you might approach one in the concrete.

final remark

Just some final tips and warnings to help you with your project:

A helpful tip is that if you need to screw something into your drill hole, use a hex head screw as they work best in concrete.

Another thing to watch out for when drilling is air pockets in the concrete, as these can be an unexpected part of the project.

Fence posts can snap under the wrong pressure, so take it slow as you work and know it will be worth the patience!

Thankfully, it doesn’t take long to drill holes, so this project shouldn’t take too long. Just remember to be careful and you should be done in no time!

project guide

Always use proper safety precautions when working with cement-based products, including wearing eye protection, nitrile gloves and a mask.

Step 1

Dig the post hole so that the diameter of the hole is three times the width of the post (i.e. the hole for a 4″ wood post should be about 12″ wide). The depth of the hole should be 1/3-1/2 the height of the post from the ground (i.e. a 6 foot high fence would require a hole depth of at least 2 feet).

step 2

Insert about 6 inches of QUIKRETE all-purpose gravel into the bottom of the hole. Then compact and level the gravel with a post or 2×4.

step 3

Place the post in the hole and attach 2×4 brackets to the adjacent sides of the post.

step 4

Use a spirit level to position the post perfectly vertical.

step 5

Fill the hole with quick set concrete to 3 to 4 inches below ground level.

step 6

Pour about one gallon of water per 50 lb bag into the hole and allow the water to saturate the concrete mix.

NOTE: The mixture will harden in 20 to 40 minutes

step 7

Wait about 4 hours before beginning construction of your fence or placing heavy weight on your post.

Shopping List

50 lb QUIKRETE Rapid Concrete

50 lb QUIKRETE all-purpose gravel

Posts made of pressure-treated wood or posts made of galvanized metal

Even

5 gallon bucket

measuring bucket

post hole dredger

gloves

safety goggles

(Optional)

Supreme Concrete Strongcast slotted concrete posts are manufactured from high strength concrete that is reinforced for ultimate durability and long life. They are easy to install, inexpensive, and impervious to moisture and rot, providing years of service. The 10 foot (3,050 m) intermediate post weighs approximately 59 kg.

Supreme Concrete Strongcast slotted concrete posts are manufactured from high strength concrete that is reinforced for ultimate durability and long life. They are easy to install, inexpensive, and impervious to moisture and rot, providing years of service. The 6 foot long (1,830 m) intermediate post has a cross sectional size of 94 mm x 109 mm and weighs approximately 33 kg

12 feet | 3600mm premium concrete slotted post with round top

12ft, 3600mm Premium Round Tip Reinforced Concrete Fence Posts suitable for domestic panel fencing. G&G concrete posts are the strongest posts and should be used with a 9ft fence. We recommend 3 bags of post mix and at least 22 to 26 inches in the ground

These posts are heavy duty and are 100mm x 125mm thick

Why use concrete fence posts?

All types of fence posts have pros and cons to choose from, but concrete posts remain a popular choice for garden fencing:

ADVANTAGES

Concrete is a robust and strong material with a long service life

not susceptible to rot or insect infestation

maintenance free

easily withstands high wind speeds

Fence panels are easy to position and damaged panels can be quickly replaced

DISADVANTAGE

heavy and awkward to assemble

visually less appealing than wood or steel

Security – If the fence panels are not fixed in place, they could potentially be removed by a determined thief

What type of concrete post?

Steel reinforced concrete fence posts come in two main types – those for use with fence panels and those for use with spring edge fences – each type having end posts, intermediate posts and corner posts.

Slotted concrete posts for use with fence panels have a deep groove on one or more sides, allowing a fence panel to be slotted in from above once the post is secured.

Those for use with spring edge boards and rails, mortised concrete posts, have pre-drilled holes and notches for inserting rails and edge rails.

How to install a concrete fence post

Concrete posts are fixed into the ground with a mixture of crushed stone and cement or post concrete. Post-mix concrete is a ready-to-use pre-mixed cement that only needs to be activated with water – we recommend 1.5 bags per hole.

Dig your hole to the correct depth, taking into account the height of the fence panel and gravel board. As a rough guide, the hole should be at least 1/3 the height of the fence, so a 6 foot fence would require an 8 foot post in a 2 foot deep hole.

Likewise, the hole should be three times the diameter of the post. To avoid having to cut a concrete fence post (which is tedious and throws out toxic concrete dust), you can always dig your post deeper into the ground.

Digging a hole may sound like a simple task, but a long, narrow fence spade will make this task much easier if you have multiple holes to dig, and a post hole digger will make removing soil from deep holes easier.

Position the post in the hole, check the fill levels, and then backfill with either a ballast and cement mix or post concrete. Make sure the concrete rises slightly above the ground to avoid rainwater pooling at the base of the post. Continue checking the heights and adjusting the post as necessary until the concrete has set. Postmix concrete will begin to set after approximately 20 minutes, but the post can still be adjusted after this time.

Lay your gravel board on the ground and use it to line up your next hole. To ensure your entire fence run is straight, use a taught construction line and pegs to line up the holes.

Installation of concrete gravel slabs for panel fences

The gravel pad is the protective layer between the ground and your fencing material or panel that provides the fence with a solid base and protects the fence from groundwater.

When erecting panel fences with slotted concrete fence posts, the concrete gravel boards are simply inserted into the top of the post and can then be embedded into the concrete at the base of the post for added strength.

TOP TIP – Rub an old candle along the grooves in the post to help the gravel board and fence panel slide in more easily

Installation of concrete gravel boards for cabinet fences

Installing a concrete gravel slab on a concrete post for a cabinet fence is a bit more complex.

Specially designed for springboard fencing, the gravel board is attached to the post with a galvanized steel cleat that slides into the pre-drilled holes at the base of our concrete posts. Attach the gravel plate to the cleat using M8 x 80mm or M10 x 80mm bolts and washers.

Due to the greater length of this type of gravel slab (2.885 meters), care should be taken when handling to avoid cracking.

After installation, the gravel panel center is supported by a center stump which is secured with a carriage bolt and washer through a hole in the gravel panel. The center stump also attaches to the lower ridge rail, giving total rigidity to the entire structure.

Ask the fence experts

For more advice on your fencing project, don’t hesitate to speak to our fencing experts at your local AVS fencing and landscaping supply store. Our ranges of quality concrete fence posts and gravel boards have different delivery options depending on the product range, either click and collect from your local AVS branch or home delivery within our AVS branch delivery area. Each product is clearly marked with its delivery options.

Creating a strong foundation for your fence starts with anchoring the posts.

How deep should a fence post be?

For an average fence post that is about 6 to 8 feet tall, be prepared to dig a post hole about 2 feet deep. To install a fence post you will need a shovel or post excavator, a 6 foot level, soil and gravel or crushed stone. You will also need concrete for goal posts.

How to install a fence post in 5 steps

Start digging the post holes with a shovel or post hole digger. Place holes between 6 and 8 feet on center and dig 24 to 30 inches deep for most picket or mesh fences. Set posts on a 6″ base of ¾” crushed stone to promote drainage. Then fill the posts with the soil from the holes, minus the topsoil, and bag it every 6 inches. In sandy soils, mix in gravel to make it firmer. In clay soil that doesn’t drain well, pack only gravel around posts.

Related How to Replace a Rotted Fence Post

Should fence posts be concreted in?

Pro2Pro Tip: If the fence is long and you need to create a lot of holes, consider renting a drill or hiring a landscaper who has one.

You only need to pour a concrete foundation for posts that support a gate, stand freestanding at the end of the fence, or if rocks prevent you from digging deep enough, one-third the length of the post.

Concrete is expensive—each post requires two or three $5 bags—and slow, requiring post bracing until the concrete sets.

Related How to Replace a Decrepit Fence Post

needed tools

We recently had a new dog fence built around our entire acre of land and all the wooden posts have been set straight into the ground – even the ones in the corners that take the tension. We could have installed them in concrete, gravel or crushed stone – but that seemed the cheapest and quickest to us. So what are the relative merits of each method?

Concrete provides a strong foundation for wooden fence posts, but can cause them to rot faster. Setting in soil, with or without gravel or crushed stone, depending on the soil type, can help the posts last longer before they rot. You can also use metal fence post anchors to extend their lifespan.

Let’s take a closer look at all of these methods of setting wooden fence posts…

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Do fence posts have to be concreted in?

No, fence posts don’t need to be concreted in, and there are many other ways to fix your posts if that feels a little too permanent.

If you are going to use wooden 4×4 fence posts, concrete may be your worst option. Why is that because concrete is surely the safest way to attach a post?

Well, yes it is at first, but the problem is that wooden posts will eventually rot. You now see the problem: the post is rotten, but it is stuck in a hole filled with concrete. When you finally manage to get the rotting wood out, you will be left with many empty concrete holes in your yard.

Concrete can even speed up the rotting process. Because wood and concrete expand and contract differently, a small “collar” eventually forms around the base of the post. This allows water to get in, but it cannot escape through the concrete, resulting in damp wood, resulting in a rotten fence post.

The solutions? Well, some gardeners swear by caulking the post to keep that little gap from even forming. Treat the wood well first, then when everything is in place, caulk around the base of the post. You can also try setting the concrete so that it forms a low mound with the post at the top to allow the water to gently drain down.

And of course you don’t have to use wood for your fence posts. If you want the security of a concrete fence without the risk of rot, use a non-rusting metal like stainless steel or aluminum, or opt for easy-care vinyl posts.

There are many other ways to set wooden fence posts and we will look at them one by one.

Can fence posts be set in the ground? (Put fence posts without concrete)

Yes, you can. It seems like too easy a solution; However, if you follow the right approach, you can put your fence posts right in the dirt.

As previously mentioned, this is often more beneficial than setting your fence posts in concrete in the first place.

So let’s look at the steps you need to take:

How to Install Fence Posts (How Deep Should a Fence Post Be?)

They start digging the hole. The general rule is to dig to a depth of one-third the height of the post. So if you want a six foot picket fence, buy a nine foot post and then dig three feet deep. The hole must be as close to the diameter of the post as possible.

Start by loosening the soil with a trowel, then dig it up with a shell digger. You may also need to have a saber saw on hand in case you hit hard roots. Smash rocks away with a pole, then pick them up with the shell digger. When working with heavy clay soil, you may need to constantly wash or wipe down the backhoe to prevent clogging.

Dig a hole, stick a flat rock, some gravel or a piece of concrete in the base to use as a foundation. Insert the post and use a spirit level to check that it is straight. You’ll need a second person to hold the post while you decant it and constantly check the level.

Fill it up with a mixture of soil and sharp gravel and press down with something long and thin. When you get to the top of the hole, scoop a good amount of the mixture around the base of the post, forming a mound allowing the water to run down.

Repeat this for each individual post. Setting fence posts is a great workout.

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Is it a good idea to set fence posts in gravel?

Gravel can be a great alternative to using concrete and will eliminate any drainage issues, either underground or around the base.

However, the success of gravel as a piling depends on the soil. It won’t work on loose or sandy soils, but is ideal for heavy, loamy dirt. It’s a good option if you live in an area that experiences a lot of severe frosts, as it makes the fence less susceptible to frost blasts.

The process is very similar to setting a fence post in soil. You need to dig this one-third deep hole with your shell digger and then place a layer of gravel at its base. Set the post in the hole, making sure it’s straight (again, this is ideally a two-person job), then fill in with more gravel. Tamp the gravel down every few inches.

Unlike concrete, you can continue and install the chain or rails immediately, allowing for faster work. You can also create a nice effect by growing grass to the base of the posts. If you want to do this, stop two inches from the ground and switch to using soil. You can then grass them.

Can I set fence posts in gravel?

You can also use crushed stone when setting your fence posts. If you’re an avid DIY enthusiast, chances are you’ve used crushed stone on at least one garden project in the past, e.g. B. when laying slabs for your patio or driveway.

If so, you’ll appreciate why it’s such a useful material for installing fence posts. Like gravel, it allows drainage around your fence post, reducing the risk of rapid rot.

However, the crushed rock particles also melt together more easily than the larger pieces of gravel. These interlocking particles create a strong foundation, closer to concrete but with drainage. In fact, in terms of strength, it’s probably the second-closest material to concrete when it comes to backfilling your posts.

To use gravel, follow the same process as for larger pieces of gravel. dig, place, fill, stomp; then fill, stomp repeat until you reach the bottom. If you are setting a concrete post, crushed stone can provide a good drainage layer for the foundation.

Are fence post anchors needed?

What is a fence post anchor? It’s simply a bracket with a pointed end and can make your life a lot easier when installing your fence posts. A fence post anchor isn’t strictly necessary, but it can certainly help make your project a little easier.

How do fence post anchors work? The pointed end is driven into the ground and then the post comes into the holder: It really is that simple. It saves all the time and effort spent digging holes and forms a solid anchor for your posts.

First mark where you want to place your posts. Place the pointed end of the anchor on your mark, then use a spirit level to check that it is straight. Hit the anchor with a sledgehammer to drive it into the ground. Stop every few strokes and check the level again.

When the anchor is fully driven in, insert the fence post into the bracket and tighten the screws. This was a lot easier than drilling a three foot hole. Repeat this until all your posts are in place.

The good news is that now that they’re in, they can stay in place for a long time. A quality galvanized post anchor should last for years, if not decades. You can also get anchors with round mounts if you prefer a round post.

Can I use concrete fence posts?

Yes you can and they are easy to install.

For example, to put up a six-foot fence, you need to dig two-foot holes and need three types of concrete fence posts—each eight feet long.

These are:

End Posts – which can hold a fence panel at the end of a row

Corner Posts – which can hold two fence panels at a 90 degree angle at corners

Intermediate Posts – which can hold two fence panels in a straight line

Simply dig your holes and line up your concrete fence posts, filling each hole with concrete to secure them in the ground.

Allow to dry and set for 24 hours, then insert your fence panels.

There you have it, a durable fence that looks great and will last for years whatever the elements throw at it.

Conclusion

It is often assumed that concrete is the best material for setting wooden fence posts. However, this does not necessarily have to be the case – and also depends on the type of soil you have.

If you don’t want the hassle of digging rotting wood out of cement-filled holes for years to come, then setting your fence posts in the dirt may be the easiest and best option. After all, fence posts will eventually rot (concrete actually speeds this up), so it’s easier to dig them straight out of the ground when they do.

Other alternatives like gravel and crushed stone are also a good idea as they increase drainage around the base of the posts – and extend their lifespan.

But if you’re not sure what to do, it’s best to stick them in holes that are the right size for the diameter of the fence post and at the right depth – right in the ground. We’ve done that and they’re holding up well. 🙂

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Forget Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury. There has been an exchange of blows in which fence builders and do-it-yourselfers have been at odds for years: concrete fence posts versus wooden fence posts. Some will swear by the durable properties of concrete. While others point to the look and feel of wood as proof of its superiority. There is only one way to solve the problem – a head-to-head battle for fencing supremacy. Here we go!

Round 1 – Aesthetics

Wooden fence posts look much more natural than their concrete counterparts. They can easily be adapted to your fencing panels, creating a uniform timber border around yards and gardens. They also blend seamlessly with trees, hedges and decking. And adding an ornate wooden fence cap like the one below can add a touch of class that concrete posts can’t match.

Winner: wood

Round 2 – Durability

Concrete is just as strong and durable a building material as you will find. With minimal maintenance, concrete fence posts can last around 25 years. However, they are not immune to attrition. Over time, wind and rain can cause concrete posts to chip and break. This can eventually result in internal wire reinforcements being exposed and rusting, which can significantly weaken the structure. This means there can be health and safety concerns, particularly when fencing is installed in a workplace. Wood, on the other hand, can have a long or short lifespan depending on the species of wood used – while treated spruce can last 10-15 years, untreated spruce may need to be replaced in as little as 4 years. Wooden fence posts can also pose a safety hazard if they start to rot if not replaced in time.

Winner: concrete

Round 3 – Maintenance

Concrete fence posts require no finishing treatment and require minimal maintenance throughout their lifetime. The biggest challenge is making sure that water doesn’t get into the foundations of the post as this can freeze and expand causing the fence post to loosen. What’s more, you can pretty much install them and forget about them for a quarter of a century! When buying wooden fence posts, keep in mind that they need to be treated every 1-2 years, depending on the type of wood. However, it’s worth remembering that even concrete fence posts will almost certainly hold wooden fence panels in place, which also need regular finishing treatment. So if you decide to use wooden fence posts, all you have to do is incorporate them into your usual fence post maintenance.

Winner: concrete

Round 4 – installation

Concrete is heavy. So installing a concrete fence post usually takes two to three people – especially if you’re inexperienced. Wooden posts, on the other hand, are often light enough to be installed with just one pair of hands (depending on the type of wood used and the size of the post). However, unless you’re a seasoned pro, it’s probably still a good idea to have a friend help you out.

Winner: wood

Round 5 – Security

When wooden fence panels are combined with concrete fence posts, a perimeter fence with security gap is created; Unfortunately, thieves often break into gardens by pushing fence panels out of position. This can give them access to your home, shed, garage, or even any outdoor pets. Wooden fence panels, on the other hand, can be bolted directly to wooden fence panels after assembly, making removal much more difficult. And for added security, the panels can be attached with Torx head screws that screw through the wood studs. This presents an additional hurdle for thieves, as they would have to remove at least six screws with a special Torx screwdriver to loosen just a single panel – not impossible, but far more difficult than simply moving a panel. Wooden fence caps can serve as an additional deterrent as it is impossible to slide a panel out without first removing most of the caps. As a bonus, fixing fence panels in place prevents annoying rattling in the wind and ensures panels don’t end up halfway in high winds.

Winner: wood

Round 6 – Cost

Concrete is generally more expensive than wood, although not by much. However, when you add in treatment, maintenance and replacement costs, the long-term savings are likely to be in favor of the concrete.

Winner: concrete

RESULT: Tie We have a tie! When the scores are added together, there is nothing to separate the two. In the end, the type of job you choose depends on your priorities. Are you willing to sacrifice some level of security for longevity? Or are aesthetics more important to you than long-term costs?

installation

Due to the sheer weight of concrete fence posts, installation is very time consuming and tedious. This usually requires an extra hand or two to ensure a safe and efficient job is completed. So if speed is important to you, concrete fence posts probably aren’t for you.

Compare this to a wooden fence post system and you will see that installation time is slightly reduced. Why? Wood is slightly lighter than concrete, which means less effort is required to erect a fence with wooden posts. Although slightly quicker to install, wooden fence posts still require two people for maximum efficiency.

How does DuraPost compare?

When installed, a galvanized steel fence post system blows both concrete and wooden fence posts out of the water. As? DuraPost is 80% lighter than concrete. This makes the whole installation process efficient with only 1 person and shortens the installation time.

Installation speed aside, DuraPost’s compact design combines ease of installation with security. Due to DuraPost’s innovative design, the fence panels cannot be lifted once installation is complete, giving you maximum security from your fence.

Supreme Concrete Strongcast slotted concrete posts are manufactured from high strength concrete that is reinforced for ultimate durability and long life. They are easy to install, inexpensive, and impervious to moisture and rot, providing years of service. The 8-foot (2,440 m) intermediate post has a cross-sectional size of 94 mm x 109 mm and weighs approximately 44 kg.

At Hercules Fence, we hear the same questions over and over again, perhaps no more than “Should my fence posts be concreted in?” The simple answer is yes. Whether it’s a do-it-yourself (DIY) project or a professional installation, wooden fence or vinyl fence, your fence posts should be concreted in. Without a properly placed concrete foot, your fence posts will begin to sag until they eventually fail.

Setting a fence post in concrete

For starters, let’s make one thing very clear; Setting a fence post in concrete isn’t as easy as digging a hole and throwing in concrete. You need to consider several things such as: B. the outside temperature, your location and targeting your line.

The Equipment: If you’re just doing a few posts, you can probably get away with a post hole digger. This takes a lot of hard work and sweat but is inexpensive. However, if you’re drilling a whole fence’s worth of holes, you’ll probably want to rent some equipment, e.g. B. an auger. Miss Utility: Before drilling any holes, call Miss Utility to come out and mark underground utilities. Otherwise you run the risk of hitting a pipe, power cord, telephone line or other cable. You must give them 48 hours notice before digging. Digging: It is important that you dig your holes below the freeze line. That means each hole should be about 30 feet deep or deeper. Gravel: You should put several inches of gravel at the bottom of each hole. This will ensure your fence post doesn’t sit on dirt that could contribute to wood rot. And the last thing you want to do is dig up your posts in a few years and start all over again. Post and Concrete: Finally, set the post, pour the concrete and level it. We cannot stress enough the importance of leveling.

Looks like a lot of work? Well it is. So why not leave the hard work to the professionals at Hercules Fence? We’ve been providing professional fencing services and installation throughout Northern Virginia since 1955. We can meet all of your residential fencing needs from custom wood fences to decorative steel fences to decorative aluminum fences to PVC vinyl fences and more.

If you have questions about our blog “Should my fence posts be concreted in?” You can contact Hercules Fence of Newport News, Virginia today at (757) 316-3600 or visit FencesNewportNews.com today! You can also follow Hercules Fence on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and YouTube.

What is a mortised fence post?

A mortise is a rectangular cavity in a material that normally forms a joint. In fencing, wooden ridge rails are fitted through the insertion slot. Feather edge boards are then nailed to the ridge rail and overlap to create a continuous barrier.

Also known as a barrier fence, this is an attractive fencing method that offers complete privacy.