How to Set Steel Fence Posts
The proper method for setting steel fence posts into the ground will vary depending upon the type of post and the purpose for your fence. Permanent steel posts require tamped gravel and soil to hold them in place, but are a studier option.
- Dig your hole. Using a clam shell digger, dig a hole in the ground at the first post location. As a general rule of thumb, the width of the posthole should be at least three to four times the diameter of the post. The hole should be deep enough to contain half of the post's height.
- Lay loose gravel at the base. Scatter 1 to 2 inches of loose gravel at the base of the post hole. Place the base of the steel fence post into the post hole. Stand the post upright and set a level on the side of the post to ensure that the post is straight in the hole. You may need to shift the post to make sure that it is straight in the hole. An assistant is necessary to help you hold it in place.
- Put the loose gravel into the hole. Pour 5 inches of loose gravel into the hole around the circumference of the steel post. Next, using a tamping rod, tamp the gravel flat around the post. Throw 2 to 4 inches of loose soil into the hole on top of the gravel. Repeat this process of alternating layers of gravel and soil until you've filled the entire hole. Repeat this same process for the remaining steel fence posts.