metapost for pergola ?

alanco15

hello, all

I am going to build a pergola in the garden approx 2.6 X 2.6 metres square, and about 2.2 m heigh,
I was concidering using the metapost spike thingys for a quick and easy solution,
So was wondering if they are any good or should i cement into the ground ,

If so how much post in the ground,

any advice please , thank you

keith969

They are rubbish, the posts end up wobbling around. Dig a hole about a foot square and two feet deep, put the post in, support it so its square and fill with quick setting post cement mix. Use posts pressure treated with preservative though else they will rot.

andrew-b

I wouldn't recommend concreting wooden posts directly into the ground as they are prone to rotting where post meets concrete (only recently had this problem with two fence posts that i've had to bolt concrete repair spurs to - and keith they were treated posts - though i see you've edited and gone for pressure treated now so i'll let you off!). Either use a metpost spike (at least 18inch one with bolts to tighten) or a concrete-in post support (such as http://www.screwfix.com/prods/70197/Building/Decking-Fencing/Concrete-In-Post-Support-100-x-100mm-Pack-of-2 ).

For quick setting concrete i'd highly recommend Postcrete made by mastercrete (available in wickes).

phill99

I've used the metposts set into concrete for the picket fence in my front garden. Its been in 12 years and only recently has one of the posts started to rot. Replacing it is simple - just undo the bolts, remove the old post and replace with a new one. I certainly wouldn't just push them into the ground with out concrete support, but I think they are pretty good.

timbim_2

Dig hole as suggested, foot square by two deep, fit post so vertical, backfill hole and tamp down as you go. Cow can lean on that years later and not do any damage.

alanco15

thanks all for your replies, seems to be a mix opinions,

If i dug the hole then put in post would you still leave the square post holding part showing or bury it.

could i just bang in the spike with a sledge hammer without digging?

thanks again

27col

The drive in Metposts are rubbish. Almost impossible to drive in straight. If you must use a Metpost then buy the type that can be concreted in.

andrew-b

Whatever weapon of choice, get a post level (got mine from toolstation)...makes making the fence post plumb so much easier for minimal cost. With the spikes, bash the spike in with an offcut of fence post attached (no need to buy the proper tool. The timber will protect the spike from damage and make it easier to visibly see how plumb it is or not) with the post level held to it with elastic band so you can monitor quickly/easily how plumb it is as you whack it in and adjust where you hit accordingly. The metpost spikes are only any good if the ground isn't soft and no second chances so you have to get it right the first time! I'd favour the concrete-in fittings myself. If concrete is involved mound it up around the post/fitting so that rainwater drains away freely.