How to Set a Wood Fence Post
Installing a wooden fence post is not a difficult job, and one that most homeowners should be able to handle without a problem. The most important points to remember are that it be solidly based in the ground and level. Also, sufficient drainage must be allowed to resist rotting.
Things you will need:
- Gloves
- Pressure treated fence post
- Post hole diggers
- Measuring tape or yardstick
- Pea gravel (Partial bag only)
- Shovel
- Level
- 80 pound bag of premixed concrete
- Stick (Scrap of wood)
- Garden hoe
- Wheelbarrow
- Using your post hole tool, dig down straight into the ground. Make the width of the hole at least twice the size as that of the post. A depth of 2 1/2 feet is sufficient. The post must be strong enough to support the weight of fencing to be applied to it and to withstand the force of the wind.
- Make the bottom 6-inches of the hole slightly larger. This will provide greater stability when the fill material is added.
- Drop a couple shovels full of pea gravel into the bottom of the hole. The gravel will allow for drainage of water and make the post more resistant to decay.
- Mix the concrete in the wheelbarrow using the hoe to be sure it is all blended together leaving no dry spots. A consistency of pudding is about right. Hold the post steady and pour the concrete into the hole. Jab the concrete with a stick several times to be sure any air pockets are eliminated.
- Using your level, check each side of the post to confirm that it is plumb. Hold it in place for a few minutes while the concrete sets.
- With concrete or dirt, build a mound around the bottom of the post to encourage rain water to flow away from it.