It is very important when building a fence that one take the time to correctly establish the fence post and the holes that contain them. In many ways, this is stabilizing base of any fence. The ability to create steady fence posts which in turn will create a steady fence is greatly dependent on digging holes for the posts. The way in which the holes are created will determine whether the fence is level and stable. The inability to dig holes deeply for the fence posts can result in a fence that could give way when subjected to the elements. Thus, it is very important to understand how to dig fence post holes in the correct manner.
Certain tools will be needed in order to dig fence post holes properly. There are some people that prefer to dig their post holes manually with a shovel or a device called a clam shell digger. Although these are very viable options for digging post holes, the process can be a bit laborious. It is best to use a posthole digger or auger which is specially made for this type of project. The posthole diggers are available in both manual and powered options. Those that have to dig a few holes should opt for the powered posthole digger to assist with the process in a more efficient manner. It should be noted that it may take two people to drill the postholes with this tool.
Prior to digging it is highly recommended that a thorough review of the surrounding land is completed. A survey of the land is usually necessary prior to digging to ensure that there will not be any problems. There are numerous utility lines for sewage, water and electricity that run underground. It is the responsibility of the fence builder to know what is beneath the ground prior to digging. Failure to take this very important step could lead to trouble if the posthole digger should hit an existing utility line. Survey the land prior to digging post holes.
When digging post holes it is necessary to stake the locations of the holes prior to digging. This will ensue that all the areas are marked accordingly. To effectively operate the posthole digger it should placed in the center of staked position for the fence post. Place the bottom portion of the diggers into the ground forcefully until it is in the ground. Those using a manual digger will have to open and close the handles of the digger in order to begin the process of making the hole. The powered diggers will require that user keep consistent pressure on the handles for stability and control while the hole is being created.
On average, all the holes that are created should be at least two feet deep. Creating a hole this deep provides a strong foundation for the fence post. After digging the hole it will be necessary to prep the hole by adding a couple of inches of gravel for drainage prior to inserting the fence posts. After the fence posts are inserted concrete can be added to the hole to set the fence posts in place.
Learning how to dig fence post holes is not a hard process. It simply takes preparation and patience to establish the base for building a secure fence.
Filed under Fence Post Installation, How to Dig Fence Post Holes by on Sep 8th, 2010. 
Knowing how to install a wooden fence post properly is very beneficial. Many people desire to install fences around their properties for a number of reasons. Some people like the privacy that a newly installed fence provides while other people want to be able to control who has access to their property. While there are a number of ways in which fences can be erected, knowing how to do so correctly is very important. All too often people attempt to build their own fences, but they do so in adequately leading to a fence that is structurally unbalanced. The main reason for this is because people do not install the wooden fence posts correctly.
The following details how to properly install the wooden fence posts in a property to ensure that a fence is secure.
1. It is necessary for individuals to do research and background work prior to building a fence. This activity will require digging so it is important that the builder is aware of the positioning of all utility lines such as power, gas and water that run on the property. Likewise, the builder should make sure that all property line issues are settled prior to beginning the building of the fence. Also, some locations require that certain add-ons to a property be approved through homeowner’s associations. Make sure all of these steps are completed prior to the building of a fence.
2. To begin to install a wooden fence post the builder will have to complete a layout which establishes where the fence posts will be located. In general, it is best to place each post about 8 feet apart; this may vary based on the size of the property. Using a wooden stakes and a tape measure start the process of marking and staking the locations for the wooden fence posts. After all the posts are installed, mark the perimeter of the area that will be the fence with a string in order to establish the outline of the fence. Marking the perimeter will allow the builder to make any necessary adjustments that may be needed due to obstructions.
3. After staking the ground for the posts and marking the perimeter, the fence posts need to be built. In general, the wooden fence posts should be two feet taller than the desired height of the fence. The wooden posts can be cut by hand by the builder, or the post can be pre-cut at the lumber yard if so desired.
4. Next, digging of the holes for the wooden posts is required. This step will require the use of a tool known as a post hole auger. The auger will assist the fence builder in making the holes that are needed for the posts, and the use of a gas powered auger is highly recommended to help facilitate the digging of the holes. At each stake, position the auger in the center on the staked location and begin digging a hole that is about two feet.
5. Once the holes for the fence posts are finished, it will be necessary to add a material to the hole to offer stability to the fence post. Pour a couple of inches of gravel into each hole and then place each of the fence posts into a hole. Make sure to use a level to ensure everything is even.
6. After setting the fence post in place with the gravel concrete should be added to the hole to officially hold each fence post in place. The concrete should be mixed per the manufacturer’s instructions. Once mixed the concrete should be poured in the holes to ground level. Take additional concrete and add it to the area around the post to allow for water to run off and away from the post during inclement weather.
7. Check each post for stability and evenness making any adjustments that are needed. Allow the posts to set in the concrete for at least twenty four hours before continuing to build the rest of the fence.
Filed under Fence Post Installation, How to Install a Wooden Fence Post by on Aug 15th, 2010.
The installation of a fence post is considered to be the most important part of installing the fence. This is mainly because the fence posts act as the base for the building of the rest of the fence. Thus, it is very important that the fence posts are installed correctly. Knowing how to anchor a fence post in concrete is vital to the overall stability and appearance of a fence. The following are detailed instructions for correctly anchoring the fence posts in concrete.
- Before beginning any project that involves digging it is highly recommended that the local utility companies be contacted to provide a survey of the ground. This landscape survey will ensure that the builder is aware the location of all water, sewage and power lines prior to digging. This step is vital to avoid hitting a major utility line while building the fence.
- Begin the process of establishing the location of the fence posts by placing a wooden stake in the desired locations.
- Mark the perimeter of the fence line with a string. Marking the perimeter helps to identify any obstructions that may be in the path of the fence line and allows for adjustments to be made.
- Prep the fence posts for installation. The fence posts can be made with any desired material, although wood is preferred. The fence posts should be cut to be two feet higher than the desired height of the fence. The fence posts can be pre-cut at a home ware store or at the lumberyard for convenience.
- At each stake use a posthole auger to dig the holes for the fence posts. When digging make sure to center the hole at the position and dig two feet into the ground at each post location.
- After the holes are finished, pour about three inches of gravel into each hole. The gravel assists with drainage of water away from the fence posts.
- Place the posts into each hole and use a level to ensure everything is even. Anchor the posts to small sticks or wood using wire for stability.
- Prepare the concrete to be used to set the fence posts as per the instructions provided on the packaging. Make sure the concrete is prepared in a container that can be easily moved about the fence line for easy distribution.
- Pour the concrete into each hole to ground level. To get rid of any air bubbles that may form in the concrete poke a small stick into the concrete a couple of times to release the air.
- Go around to each fence post with a level to make adjustments if needed to ensure that everything is even.
- Using a trowel, apply a mound of concrete to the base of each fence post. This mound of concrete will assist in allowing water to run off and away from the fence post as opposed to forming a puddle at the base.
- Allow the concrete to dry thoroughly, at least twenty four hours to ensure stability of the fence posts.
Knowing how to anchor a fence post in concrete in the proper manner will provide a stable base for building a fence.
Filed under Fence Post Installation, How to Anchor a Fence Post in Concrete by on Aug 12th, 2010.