How do I keep my post level while concrete dries?

You need to level it in two directions with a 4-foot level. After getting it straight in the first direction, hold one of the braces against the post and drive a single screw to connect the brace to the post. You can then level and brace the post in the other direction and begin filling the hole.

Can you set fence posts with dry concrete?

Fast-setting concrete is ideal for setting posts because there's no mixing—you simply pour the dry concrete from the bag right into the hole, then add water.

How long do concrete posts take to set?

Typically, you can apply some weight to the posts after 4 hours, but it's a good idea to wait at least 24 hours before resuming fence construction. Standard concrete mixes may take up to two hours to set and should cure for 24 to 48 hours before any forces are applied to the posts.

How do you stabilize a post in the ground?

Is 2 feet deep enough for fence posts?

The depth of the hole should be 1/3-1/2 the post height above ground (i.e., a 6-foot tall fence would require a hole depth of at least 2 feet).

How to Set a Post for a Fence or Deck

How do you straighten a concrete fence post?

If your post is rocking around inside of its concrete footing, a good solution is a steel wedge. These can be driven between the post and concrete footing to straighten a leaning or wobbly post.

How long will a pressure treated post last in concrete?

A PT post will last a long time in concrete, maybe 5 to 10 years in soil alone. I suggest you embed the post in concrete, trowel a peak around the post so water runs off, and don't let the PT post come in contact with the ground.

How do you brace a concrete pole?

Attach angled 2 x 4 braces to two adjacent sides of the post using one screw for each brace. Drive a stake into the ground near the lower end of each brace. 4. Use a level to position the post plumb (perfectly vertical), checking on two adjacent sides with the level, then fasten the braces to the stakes.

How many bags of quikrete do I need for a fence post?

1 – 4 bags of concrete per fence post are typically what's needed. This depends on the type of soil, fence design, height, post size and bag weight. In general the depth of the post's hole needs to be 1/3 to 1/2 of the above ground height of the post.

How deep should a 7 foot fence post be?

How Deep Should a Fence Post Be? For an average fence post, about 6 to 8 feet tall, prepare to dig a post hole about 2 feet deep. To install a fence post, you'll need a shovel or post digger, a 6-foot level, soil, and gravel or crushed stone.

How big of a hole do you need for a 4x4 post?

The diameter of your post hole should be three times the diameter of your post. So, if you're planning on using a four-inch round or 4x4-inch square post, your post hole will need to be 12 inches in diameter. For a six-foot-high fence post, we would need a hole that's 36 inches deep and 12 inches in diameter.

Should a fence touch the ground?

In most applications, a wood fence should be installed at least two inches off the ground. Your posts and rot boards (if you choose to install them) should be the only fence components that contact the ground. Wood pickets should never touch it.

Do fence post spikes work?

Fence post anchor spikes work well by allowing one to place and remove fence posts without having to dig large holes. A fence that uses fence post anchor spikes is just as stable as a fence with posts set in concrete, with the added benefit of minimizing the rotting of the fence posts.