• Home
  • DIY
    • Self build
    • Projects and advice
      • Bathroom
      • Building, brickwork and masonry
      • Ceilings
      • Cleaning
      • Concrete work
      • Damp, rot and infestation
      • Drains
      • Electrical
      • Fireplaces
      • Floors
      • Garden
      • Heating
      • Insulation
      • Kitchen
      • Lighting
      • Lofts
      • Painting and decorating
      • Plasterwork
      • Plumbing
      • Roof and guttering
      • Safety
      • Security
      • Tiling
      • Walls
      • Windows
      • Woodwork
    • Glossary
    • Know your tools
    • Know your materials
  • Cost guides
  • News
  • Community
Facebook Twitter Instagram
lets-do-diy.com
  • Home
  • DIY
    • Self build
    • Projects and advice
      • Bathroom
      • Building, brickwork and masonry
      • Ceilings
      • Cleaning
      • Concrete work
      • Damp, rot and infestation
      • Drains
      • Electrical
      • Fireplaces
      • Floors
      • Garden
      • Heating
      • Insulation
      • Kitchen
      • Lighting
      • Lofts
      • Painting and decorating
      • Plasterwork
      • Plumbing
      • Roof and guttering
      • Safety
      • Security
      • Tiling
      • Walls
      • Windows
      • Woodwork
    • Glossary
    • Know your tools
    • Know your materials
  • Cost guides
  • News
  • Community
lets-do-diy.com
You are at:Home»Projects and advice»Setting fence posts in concrete

Setting fence posts in concrete

Summary: Learn how to set a fence post in concrete, how deep to dig fence post hole, how to prepare the fence post and fixing the fence post in concrete.


When constructing a fence, the two most important features are that the fence looks good, but also that it is sturdy. To build a sturdy, long lasting fence, it is important that the fence posts are set into the ground correctly and that a solid base of concrete is used to anchor them in the ground.


To keep your fence level on a slope you will need to use different length fence posts.

Fixing fence posts in concrete

  • Once you have measured the positions of all the post holes, dig the holes approx 2ft deep (for a 6ft post) and about 300x300mm (12 x 12in). Then add 100mm (4in) of compacted hardcore to form a solid base.
  • Before putting the fence posts in the hole, apply wood preserver to the bottom ends of the posts which will be underground.
  • Place each post in the hole and make sure it is in a straight line with the other posts. This should be done using a length of string across the entire length area where the fence is required to be. Position each post in its hole up against the string to form a straight line of fence.
  • Make sure the post is vertical by using a spirit level against the side of the fence post.
  • The concrete mix best for the job is of a fairly stiff consistency. Here’s an example of a good mix:
  • 1 x cement
  • 2.5 x sharp sand
  • 3.5 x coarse aggregate
  • Fill the hole with the fence post in with your concrete mix. If you want to put a layer of gravel or turf on top of the concrete once it has dried, then do not fill the hole to the top with concrete. If you do not require any surface layer over the concrete base, then fill the hole with concrete all the way to the top.
  • Use a batten or other implement to help push the concrete into all parts of the hole. Slope the surface of the concrete slightly to allow rainwater to run away from the post.
  • Once each post is in position, support the post by nailing two battens either side of it.
  • Leave the concrete to set for approximately a week before attaching the fence panels.

How to set fence post video

Summary: DIY video showing you how to set a fence post in concrete.

Installing garden fence posts can be a physical job. It involves lots of digging and needs to be done properly. Short cuts will only weaken the fence in the long term. Setting fence posts in concrete ensures that the fence posts are well anchored and sturdy. Having sturdy fence posts allows for a strong garden fence that will last many years.


Related projects

  • Erecting a panel fence
  • Erecting close-board fencing
  • Gate maintenance
  • Laying concrete outdoors
  • Setting fence posts in concrete

Related cost guides

  • Average cost of a driveway
  • Average cost of a greenhouse
  • Average cost of a shed
  • Average cost of a swimming pool
  • Average cost of block paving
  • Average cost of decking
  • Average cost of landscaping
  • Average cost of soil
  • Average cost of tree removal
  • Average cost to hire a cherry picker
  • Average cost to hire a mini digger
  • Average cost to lay turf
  • Average fence installation cost
  • Average patio cost
  • Average tennis court cost
Recent Comments
  • Vic on Is Christmas a good time for DIY?
  • Anonymous on Average air source heat pump cost (2022)
  • Reggie on Prepare your home for moth season
Latest News
0

Potential DIY home improvement trends for 2023

1

Is Christmas a good time for DIY?

0

Design trends for 2022 and 2023

0

Product Review: Handsaws

Popular Guides

Average chimney repair costs

Average TV aerial installation costs

Average dishwasher installation cost

Average cost of a greenhouse (2022)

Popular Projects

Insulating a hot water tank

Putting up a ceiling rose

Installing a fused connection unit (FCU)

Painting techniques

DIY Categories
Bathroom
Building, brickwork and masonry
Ceilings
Cleaning
Concrete work
Damp, rot and infestation
Drains
Electrical
Fireplaces
Floors
Garden
Heating
Insulation
Kitchen
Lighting
Lofts
Painting and decorating
Plasterwork
Plumbing
Roof and guttering
Safety
Security
Tiling
Walls
Windows
Woodwork

Self Build Guide
How to find a building plot
Evaluating a building plot (2023)
How to get a self build mortgage
Self build construction options
Self build architect and design considerations (2023)
Self build planning permission and legal consents
© 2023 lets do diy ltd | ebuild
  • Home
  • About
  • Contact us

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
Cookie SettingsAccept All
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT