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.

1. 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.
2. Begin the process of establishing the location of the fence posts by placing a wooden stake in the desired locations.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. Go around to each fence post with a level to make adjustments if needed to ensure that everything is even.
11. 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.
12. 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.