Setting Fence Posts

It is vital that the fence is set up correctly so that it does not fall. The fence should also be set correctly so that the weather and the other conditions do not damage the fence in any way. Installing the fence in the correct way is not a difficult task. But there are certain things to keep in mind while setting fence posts. Many people commit mistakes while setting up fence posts, which need to be avoided in order to increase the life of the fence posts. The following paragraphs describe how to install a fence post in detail.

Setting Fence Posts with Gravel

The first thing to do is to buy the fence posts. Ensure that these posts are at least two feet more in height than your fence height and that it matches the fence designs. Next, mark the place where the posts should be installed. Identify all obstacles by running a string through the fence. Once this is done, dig holes in the places that are marked for the fence posts, with the help of a digger. These holes need to be at least 2 feet deep so that they are rooted deeply in the ground so that they can stand against the weather. Do not make them wider than the width of the posts.

Once the holes are dug, the posts should be the first thing to go in so that they maintain their stability. The fence posts should be placed directly in the middle of the holes. While one person holds the posts straight, the other need to put some water into the holes in order to begin with the foundation work. Fill up 4 inches of gravel into the holes. Fill sand for the next 3 inches. Again, fill up with gravel for 4 inches and repeat pouring the sand and the gravel one after the other till the hole is filled. Pour some more gravel and sand for about 3 inches above the ground around the posts. Pour some water. Once the water reaches the sand, the mixture acts like a sealant and helps to hold the posts in place. The last step in fence post installation is to cover the holes and the gravel and sand with the mud that was dug out of the hole. This type of setting is not as secure as concrete setting. People who stay in areas where strong winds blow, should not go for setting fence posts without concrete.

Setting Fence Posts in Concrete

Buy fence posts that are about 2 feet more in height than the fence that goes around the garden so that it provides support to the existing fence. You can buy metal fence panel and posts if you like. Also buy good quality cement. Ensure that the cement is of a very good quality as it needs to hold the posts to the ground. Mark the places where you will install the posts and get rid of the obstacles around it. Next, dig holes in the areas that are marked. Ensure that the holes are at least 2 feet deep and the holes should not be very wide. Once the holes are dug, stick the posts in the holes. Mix the cement thoroughly and then pour it in the holes. You can use braces to hold the posts in place, if you want to. Allow the cement to set for several days. Once the cement is set firmly into the holes and the posts, do not move, you can remove the braces. When concrete is used to set posts into the ground, you can be sure that your posts are free from any problem.

Here are some garden fencing tips - while setting fence posts, be careful about where you dig the holes, how deep are the holes and how properly you mix the cement, if you are using it. Allowing the posts to set into the holes is also important. Remember, these posts need to face all kinds of weather, hence, it is essential that the setting is done correctly.