Fence posts are the backbone of any strong and durable fence. Hence, you require the right post type, proper depth, solid support and suitable technique to install posts.
Therefore, we have prepared today’s article to show you the step by step process of fence post installation. You will also learn how to handle different soils or surfaces to make your fence post strong.
Fence Post Installation Tools
Before you start placement of fence posts, you must make sure you have all required equipment. So, you can perform post installation work without delay.
- Tape for measurements: You can use it to keep equal space between fence posts.
- Post hole digger or auger: To dig deep and narrow holes, a post hole digger is needed.
- Shovel: You should use a shovel to remove extra soil and clean holes.
- Spirit level: With a straight post, you can keep the fence strong. Hence, this tool is required to check the alignment.
- Concrete mix/gravel: You use this material to hold posts strongly in the ground.
- Tamping tool: This gear is used to press soil or gravel around fence posts.
- String line & stakes: You need to use them for the marking of a straight line for your fence.
- Gravel for drainage: You have to put it at the bottom of the hole, so you can prevent water from collecting.
How To Install Fence Post in 7 Easy Steps?
To properly place a fence post, you need to follow a few simple steps.
1. Mark Fence Line
First of all, you should mark the fence line for alignment. This will keep the post straight. For this purpose, you can use stakes and a string line to show where the fence will go.
For example: use a tape measure to mark the fence path. You should mark spots for your fence posts about 6 to 8 feet apart. Then, you have to put stakes in the ground at each corner. After that, tie a string between the stakes to make a straight line.
2. Dig the Hole For Post
Now, you should dig a hole for each fence post. For this work, a digger or auger are the best tools. You must make sure the hole is deep enough to hold the post. In simple terms, you can dig each hole 24 to 30 inches deep.
A good rule is to bury one part of the post for every three parts above ground. For example: if you want to install a 2.4 m fence post, you have to dig a hole at least 80 cm deep. Also, make the hole 3 times wider than the post.
3. Post Base Preparation
You have to prepare the base of the hole before you install the post. Firstly, clear out any loose soil from the hole bottom. For drainage, you can add 10 to 15 cm of gravel at the bottom to stop water. So, the water can drain away and stops wooden posts from rotting.
You must make sure the gravel is level and firm, so the post will stand straight. However, you can also put 6 inches of ¾-inches crushed stone. Then, press the stone down firmly with a tamper.
4. Install & Align Fence Post
Now it’s time to place the post into the hole on top of the gravel. It’s important to confirm the stability and alignment of posts. Hence, you can use a spirit level to check it from all sides.
When you adjust the height of posts to make sure all stand vertically at the same level. Furthermore, you need to temporarily brace the post. It means, you use supports or blocks to hold the post straight until you put in soil or cement to secure it.
5. Backfill & Compaction of Soil
You now have to fill the hole with cement around the post with the soil you dug out. However, you should leave the topsoil out. Then, press the soil down every 6 inches with the use of tamper. Later, you can check the post with a level again. And, adjust the post if needed before the soil hardens.
6. Post Cap Installation
How to install fence post caps? After the post is set and the soil is stable, you can install a fence post cap. You must place the cap on top of the post to protect it from rain and sun. If required, you can use wood glue or small nails to keep it in place. After that, press down the can and check that it presses straight. You can repeat this process for all posts.
7. Fence Maintenance
After fence post and fence installation, it is important to maintain it. For wooden fences, you must apply weatherproof paint. It provides protection against water and wear. If you notice broken fence panels or loose posts, you should fix them quickly to prevent bigger problems.
How Deep Should a Fence Post Be?
The fence post depth in ground must be one third the height of the post. You also need to add 6 inches extra at the bottom of the hole to put gravel.
For your 6 to 8 feet fence post, the 2 feet deep hole is required. When you want to place a taller post or in an area with a strong width, it’s obvious that the hole must be deeper.
Fence Post Installation Concrete
Concrete is not always required. But you can use it to make your post stronger. Yoc can mix the concrete according to instruction. Then, dig the hole and add 6 inches of gravel. You should set the post straight and pour concrete around it.
Plus, slope it to drain water. With concrete backfilling, you also have to brace the post until the concrete sets. Finally, you can fill any remaining space with soil or gravel.
Fence Post Installation Without Concrete
Below is the list of options you can use instead of concrete for backfilling fence posts.
- Compacted gravel
- Soil or dirt
- Polyurethane or expanding foam
- Post sleeves (with gravel or soil inside)
- Crushed stone
How To Put in a Fence Post Spike?
How to install fence post anchor ground spikes? A fence post spike is basically a metal anchor. It lets you set posts without digging a deep hole. That’s why it is a quick and easy to use tool.
If we talk about the post spike installation method, you simply need to drive the spike into the ground. Then, you can push the post inside the spike and secure it. You should try this method where the surface is hard to dig.
Fence Post Installation Methods For Different Soils
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Fence Post in Dirt
To set the fence post directly in dirt, you can dig a hole nearly one third to one half the post’s height. You can use pressure treated timber for strength and consider concrete for extra support. Also, compact the soil or gravel around the post for stability.
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Setting Fence Posts in Sandy Soil
In loose soil, posts can be less stable, so you need extra care. You must dig the hole deeper than normal. Then add a layer of gravel at the bottom for drainage. Now, you can place the post and backfill with a mix of soil & gravel. Compaction of sandy soil is required in layers.
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How To Install Fence Posts in Rocky Ground
When you want to install fence posts but find large rocks are in the way, you must remove them. For this purpose, you can use a power/rock auger or dig by hand. On very rocky ground, it’s hard for you to dig the area. In such cases, you must use metal post anchors or expanding foam to secure the posts.
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Setting Post in Gravel
When you install a fence post in gravel, it gives excellent drainage to prevent rot. This makes it ideal for lighter fences. The placement method is the same as explained above. You also backfill the hole with crushed stone or gravel.
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Fence Post in Clay Soil
Mostly, it’s difficult for you to work with clay soil. The reason is that it is dense and drains poorly. To make posts more stable, you have to dig a wider hole and add extra gravel at the bottom for drainage.
Different Types of Fence Posts
For a durable and stable fence, you should select the right type of fence post. Because, each fence post has its own advantages.
Metal Fence Posts Installation: When you place metal posts, they provide durability, resistance to rust plus require low maintenance. Below are commonly used types of metal fence posts.
- Steel Fence Post Installation: The placement of a fence with steel posts makes your fence very strong and durable. They are ideal for high security fences and long fence lines.
- Aluminum Fence Posts: Fence installed with aluminum posts makes your fence lightweight and rust proof. These posts are perfect for decorative fences or pool fences.
Wood Fence Post Installation: The use of wood posts for fencing is a traditional method. They are strong & suitable for many fence styles such as picket or garden fences.
Timber Fence Post Installation: The installation of a fence with timber posts makes your fence strong plus durable. We advise you to always use pressure treated timber for extreme strength.
Vinyl Fence Post Installation: If you want posts that require less maintenance, vinyl fence posts are the top choice. They are lightweight and easy to clean.
Chain Link Fence Post Installation: Chain link posts are commonly made of steel. They can handle heavy use and weather. You can install these posts for security fences and sports fields.
Fence Post Installation Machine
With a fence post installation machine (like hydraulic drivers and augers), you can set posts faster and with less effort. Because it can dig holes & lift posts automatically.
It is mainly used by professional installers when there is a need to set many fence posts or hard/rocky soil. Generally, it operates with hydraulic power or petrol engines to keep posts at correct depth and stable.
Fence Installation Hazards
The placement of fence posts can be risky for you if you are not careful. You may face hazards such as sharp tools, heavy posts, unstable ground and damage to underground utilities. To stay safe and tackle these dangers, you can take the following safety precautions.
- Conduct a site assessment
- Use proper personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Follow manufacturer guidelines
- Call your local utility service to mark underground lines
- Work safely at heights
- Handle materials carefully
- Secure the work area
Fence Post Installation Cost
| Fence Post Type | Cost Range (per post) |
| Wooden Posts | $2 to $40 |
| Vinyl Posts | $10 to $50 |
| Metal Posts | $3 – $50+ |
| Brick or Stone Columns | $100 to $1500 |
| Fence post installation if you hired professional | $40 to $150 |
| DIY Tools | $15 – $50+ |
Wrapping It Up
We hope now you have good knowledge about the installation of fence posts. When you choose the right materials & proper installation steps, your fence will stand straight and secure for years.
We are a professional manufacturer and supplier of fences and fence posts. We can provide different types of fence posts for all types of projects. Contact us now for a wholesale price.
Frequently Asked Questions
How To Remove a Fence Post?
To remove a fence post (in concrete), you can make the soil loose around it. Then, rock the post back and forth. Use leverage tools to lift it. You can also use a high lift farm jack with a chain or dig out the concrete base to make removal easier.
How To Install Fence Post Supports?
Firstly, you should mark the exact spots and then dig holes. Secure the supports with the use of concrete or metal spikes for stability. Make sure the supports are level. Usually, you must allow about 600 mm or one third of the post to go underground to prevent leaning.
How To Install Fence Posts on a Slope?
For fencing on sloped ground, you can set the posts down the hill to follow the ground. So, use a string line to keep the top of the fence level. Also, make sure each post is straight and plumb. You should also adjust the space between posts, so the fence stays even.
