Installing a new fence

kfw_2

Hi
I will be replacing my tired fence, in total 7 posts and 6 panels.

Instead of using wooden posts, I intend to use concrete slotted posts so I can slide in the panels and make furture replacement hopefully a lot easier.

I intend to use postcrete as it's so easy to use, albeit more expensive than mixing my own.

Question:

If I am using a 6x6 ft fence panel, how long should the concrete post be, 8ft? so 2 foot to go into the ground and cemented, does this sound right??

Any input would be greatly received.

Many thanks!

The_Economist

I would say 2 foot is more than ample in the ground. I would also use a dry mix for cementing.

wallbash

Agree with 2foot and postcrete. Less waste.
Problem is digging the holes, A two foot hole suddenly becomes much larger at ground level .
http://www.hss.com/g/62720/Post-Hole-Borers.html seems expensive , but ??

lee111s

Yeah two foot will be ample. Use postcrete from Wickes...but work quickly and have your spirit level ready as soon as it's poured...it's stead in 5 minutes, solid within 10-15. Amazing stuff!

zaax

The concrete post you mention are very heavy and it will take at least two people.

Concrete spurs with a wooden post bolted on are just manageable by one person.

coolagarry

I strongly recommend that you buy one of these for making the holes. Because of the design you will find that you are abale to make a much smaller hole.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Silverline-598415-Forged-Drain-1150mm/dp/B000LFYOBK
I have had one for years and find them extremely useful. Just dig for a bit and then take out handfuls of soil. When you are approaching your armpit it is about 2 feet deep. You will use a lot less postcrete. Make sure that you have a piece of wood the same length and thickness as your panels to get the correct width apart for the posts

cootuk

An 8ft post can just about be done by one person, but it is hard work.
Wouldn't like to try moving one far without a trolley.
It's the gravel boards that really weigh a lot, though OP isn't using them?
If you're digging through old concrete then you either need a proper breaker or possibly use an sds chipper - the breaker would be faster unless you like spending hours chipping away.

kfw_2

Thanks for all of the answers in the short space of time,much appreciated!
The consensus is that an 8ft post is ok for 6ft panel; greatadvice on the digging spade guidance. A neighbourused a normal shovel and the hole was huge and as said, wasted a lot ofcement/aggregate filing that hole back up again.
I intend to use this tool for digging the holes: http://www.toolstation.com/shop/p55706

As for the posts, I have handled these posts before (although 7ft ones) andluckily don’t find them too much effort to carry about, but am very aware of the 2 manjob to ensure everything is level.
Cheers all,

Hoof_Hearted

A wrecking bar can be useful for loosening the stones/soil at the bottom of the hole, too.