How To Set Fence Posts In Concrete
Dry sand and gravel mixed with concrete, or a ready-made mix, such as Postfix (from DIY stores)
Spirit level
Drill/driver
Gloves
String and pegs
Sledge hammer (for metal spikes)
Spade
Spirit level
Tape measure
Saw
Hammer
Spanner
- 1
- 2
Budget
Depends on size of garden
Time
Depends on size of garden but allow at least a day for fitting the posts
Skill
Low, but it'll pay to have two of you doing the job
Step One: Dig The Holes
Dig holes for each post according to the ready-mix pack instructions (usually at least 600mm deep and three times as wide as the post). Use a string line to mark out the position of the other holes, then dig these, too. If the going is tough, you can hire a post-hole borer.
Step Two: Secure The Posts
Put the posts in place, holding them in place with broken brick or stone hardcore, which you'll need to push down into the hole at the base of the post.
Step Three: Pour In the Concrete Mix
Pour in the concrete mix, following the manufacturer's instructions if you're using a ready-made mix. (Usually, the mix is poured on top of water, which should half-fill the hole). The concrete should be just above ground level and it sets in a few minutes, so work quickly and use a spirit level to check the fence post is vertical on two adjacent sides.
Step Four: Smooth And Prop Up The Post
So that rainwater runs away from the fence post, smooth the surface with a trowel, sloping it away from the post. To support the post while the concrete sets, support it with a couple of timber battens, propped either side of it.
Step Five: Work Along The Fence Line
Making sure that the posts are aligned with each other, as well as upright, finish off your line of posts, allowing the concrete to harden before attaching the rails and panels.
- Don't buy panels that have a large number of knots or splits
- It's easy to make a panel slightly smaller to fit an awkward gap - just cut through each part of the trellis with a handsaw and refix the edge piece along the cut edge
Illustrations: Ed Roberts
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