A sturdy wooden fence starts with the posts. The best way to install wooden fence posts depends on the type of soil you have—with dense, well-draining soil, you can usually just set the posts in soil or gravel , while sandy or muddy soil requires concrete for stability.
Can you put wood post in the ground?
A sturdy wooden fence starts with the posts. The best way to install wooden fence posts depends on the type of soil you have—with dense, well-draining soil, you can usually just set the posts in soil or gravel , while sandy or muddy soil requires concrete for stability.
How do you support a post in the ground?
Cut a Support for Your Post
Cut a piece of 1-by-4-inch or 2-by-4-inch lumber to twice the length of the fence post diameter . This piece, called a deadman post support, helps anchor the post in the ground and is especially helpful if you can’t dig the post hole 40 inches deep.
Will wooden 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.
How do you keep wood from rotting in the ground?
The ideal preservative to use, which we highly recommend, is water-borne copper naphthenate , a wood preservative-free of arsenic and chromium. Even if you’re using pressure-treated lumber, it’s still advisable to brush this copper naphthenate on it before use. This will protect the wood from rotting.
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.
Does filling a post with concrete make it stronger?
Solidifying a tube increases bending resistance. Filling with concrete is not as effective as increasing wall thickness or changing the shape, but it’s a proven technique.
How long will a pressure treated post last in the ground?
The length of time that you can keep a treated post in the ground depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, in the optimal conditions, it can last as long as 40 years. More commonly, though, it will last around 20 years .
How long will a pressure treated 6×6 last in the ground?
5 Answers. A PT post will last a long time in concrete, maybe 5 to 10 years in soil alone.
How long will wooden posts last in concrete?
The post will only rot at ground level, it does not matter what you put in the bottom of the hole. A pressure treated post will last around 10 years .
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.
What is the best wood to put in the ground?
Cypress wood is the best choice for underground use. Its natural resistance against moisture makes it perfect for below-ground use. If you are not sure what kind of wood to choose then chose cypress wood.
What do you put between wood and concrete?
Anyplace where wood meets the ground or concrete, the lumber must be pressure treated . For additional moisture protection, a gasket or strip of closed-cell foam can be installed between the concrete foundation and the sill plate.
Why do you put dry concrete in a post hole?
When the concrete is dry-poured then wetted, there are no gaps around the concrete between the post or the soil , which helps negate any erosion that may cause the post to lean. We care less about having a maximum PSI footing and more about having a very tightly-packed hole to keep the post level.
How do I keep my post level while concrete dries?
You need to level it in two directions with a 4-foot level. After getting it straight in the first direction, hold one of the braces against the post and drive a single screw to connect the brace to the post. You can then level and brace the post in the other direction and begin filling the hole.
