[fall46]

I was wondering what is the correct method of installing wood fence posts. Of the 3 big fence companies......... all use concrete when setting them (per looking @ each company's products they all told me this was their methodology).....I have also heard of people using 3/4 crushed rock (is that with fines or clean). Are people using a combination of 3/4 at the base for drainage and then using concrete the rest of the way up? If it is 3/4 the whole way does it provide the same stability as concrete and whats the best method for compaction?

[PSUscaper]

I use concrete often because many times, due to all the rock, we are unable to dig the holes as deep as we would like, and have to shorten the posts. The concrete does a better job holding a short anchored post in.

You can use 3/4 clean stone also, but I've always like the security that concrete gives at anchoring the posts in, though it is not necessary.

If anything, use concrete on posts where gates hang, as the support is needed.

[VoodooChile]

We did a cedar split rail fence project with eighty posts a few years back and set the posts on top of a couple inches of #8 clean drain stone and then backfilled around the sunken post with more clean stone.

The posts were real firm, and obviously the labor and expense was much less than if we had used concrete, but this was just an ornamental/property line marking fence; no gates or regular abuse. It's still standing tall.

The hard part was getting past the tree roots...

[HardDaysKnight]

You can use the ready mix bags of crete. Just pour some in
the hole and let mother nature set it for you. It is a must
for gates and I would suggest using a wet application.
I have to say though "I hate fencework". It drives me
nuts. No matter what I do the hole is in the wrong spot.
Also, use a gas auger.

[VoodooChile]

We used a two-man gas auger and were amazed at how small a tree root could shut the thing down.

[HardDaysKnight]

Originally posted by VoodooChile
We used a two-man gas auger and were amazed at how small a tree root could shut the thing down.

I don't like or feel comfortable with the single/double man
augers. I like something like in this link,http://www.northerntool.com/images/p.../191180_lg.jpg
Those are easy to handle, safer and effortless.

[dan deutekom]

Unless you use a sono tube form for the post I have found that concrete gives something for the frost to grab hold of and heave the posts. I use 3/4" A gravel and nothing moves or heaves

[Stonehenge]

And around here, chain link fence is installed with nothing at all - they have some kind of vibratory fencepost driver and just sink the things right into the ground, no pre-excavation or anything. Not sure I like that method for that kind of fence, but the fence sure goes up fast.

[jwholden]

Concrete will hold water around the post and cause it to rot out faster. Stick with the clean gravel or 3/4 process for backfill if you can.