Should i concrete fence posts

A recent article published by The Guardian discusses the enormous impact concrete has on the planet and explores alternative sustainable options. Some homeowners prefer wooden posts because they seamlessly match wooden fencing or fence panels compared to concrete posts.

Though concrete posts have many positives they can appear outdated and lack the finesse a timber post has. Products marked as certified to either FSC or PEFC programmes can prove that the timber has been checked at every stage of processing and come with the reassurance of a complete chain of custody certification.

These programmes are great for implementing sustainable forest management practices around the world, the protection of endangered species, reducing the effects of climate change, and longevity of forests for future generations.

Wooden posts do not weigh as much as concrete posts so they are not as difficult to install. The average concrete fence post weighs circa 40kg. Typically a concrete post for a 1. This weight differential and can also save on transport costs especially if you are travelling from your local fencing yard back home. Wooden fence posts allow the fence panel to be screwed to the fence posts.

This in turn can stop the annoying noise that occurs when panels rattle in the wind. While screwing fence panels into the posts can also make the fence more secure. One of the most common ways items or pets are stolen from a fenced garden is the removal of a fence panel. This is a simple and reasonably quiet way of entering a property uninvited, if fence panels are sitting in slotted concrete fence posts. Thieves will lift the panel out of the posts and then have full access to the targeted property.

A simple and effective solution to this problem is inserting a Torx Head Screw through the posts and into the rails of a fence panel from inside of the property. A potential thief is unlikely to climb the fence, use a torx head screw driver to remove six screws three screws in each post per rail from a standard panel and then lift the panel out of the posts.

Wooden posts allow the addition of decorative fence post caps. Fence posts caps and post toppings, for example an acorn can add an elegant finishing touch to any fence.

They are also another step to delay a thief as they would have to remove the post caps a fence panel from slotted posts. So, if you want a six foot garden fence, buy a nine foot post, then dig down three feet.

The hole needs to be as close to the diameter of the post as possible. Start by loosening the soil with a trowel, then dig down using a clam digger. You may need to also have a reciprocating saw to hand, in case you encounter tough roots. Knock rocks away with a bar, then pick them up with the clam digger. Hole dug, pop a flat rock, some gravel, or a piece of broken concrete in the base to use as a footing. Backfill with a mix of soil and sharp gravel, and keep tamping it down with something long and thin.

When you reach the top of the hole, shovel a good amount of the mix around the base of the post, forming a mound that lets water run down. Gravel can be a great alternative to using concrete, and it does away with any drainage problems either underground or around the base. However, the success of gravel as a post setting depends upon the soil. The process is very similar to setting a fence post in dirt. You need to dig that one-third deep hole with your clam digger, then put a layer of gravel at its base.

Every few inches, tamp down the gravel. Unlike concrete, you can carry on and install the chain or rails immediately, making it a quicker job. You can also get a nice effect by growing grass right up to the base of the posts. If you want to do this, stop two inches before the ground level, and switch to using soil. You can then grass over this.

You can also use crushed rock when setting your fence posts. Like gravel, it allows for drainage around your fence post, cutting down on the risk of rapid rotting. However, if you live in a harsh, dry environment, elements of dry rot can be visible in cracking or crumbling wood.

I am in Texas, heavy clay soil here. Any ideas if the posts will tilt or move? My cousin is wanting to install a new gate and needs to find a company to help her. Hopefully, she can find a nice one that will get her the gate she needs. We generally only support the recent versions of major browsers like Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge.

Use this one at your own risk. Setting Fence Posts in Concrete Concrete is the most secure material for setting fence posts , especially if you have sandy soil. Contact Us. October 16, at am.

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