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Fitting concrete fence posts

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  • bmthmark
    bmthmark Posts: 297 Forumite
    Ninth Anniversary 100 Posts Combo Breaker
    No one has mentioned the half fence, yes that is a good idea, certainly saves some hard work!

    Thanks I will do this then
  • bmthmark
    bmthmark Posts: 297 Forumite
    Ninth Anniversary 100 Posts Combo Breaker
    Kiran wrote: »
    Personally (and it is only a personal preference) when installing new fencing I like to fill the bottom of the hole with clean gravel and get the fence post in before putting concrete in. This does 2 things, one it keeps water away from the posts which is not a massive issue with concrete posts but it does help to prevent movement. I prefer mixing your own concrete, you can get bacgs of all in and mix with cement. The only reason I do this is because the holes always seem to end up over dug so it is again a personal preference. Postcrete is definitely the easier option though but if your doing 6ft fences then you'll probably want at least 2 bags per post

    Thanks that's really useful, I will fill the bottom with gravel for extra support. I am swaying towards mixing my own as I think its going to work out a lot cheaper than buying 20 bags of postcrete.
  • bmthmark
    bmthmark Posts: 297 Forumite
    Ninth Anniversary 100 Posts Combo Breaker
    phil24_7 wrote: »
    I used 100x100mm concrete godfathers with 100x100mm wooden posts attached to them. The wooden posts are 1.8m out of the ground and the godfathers are about 60cm in the ground. I used 1 bag on most of the holes with some needing 1.5 bags. If you want you can top the holes up with regular concrete once everything is set and in place. I put a concrete path over the top of the holes so didn't worry about it as it was taken care of when the path was poured.

    Set your first and last ones then string a line from the top leading edge to the other and use this to set the tops. You can do the same near the bottom too. This will mean you have a nice straight fence and you will only need to check the post is plum in one direction.

    Thanks I will put a couple of string lines up to help guide me :beer:
  • Ebe_Scrooge
    Ebe_Scrooge Posts: 7,320 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    bmthmark wrote: »
    I am swaying towards mixing my own as I think its going to work out a lot cheaper than buying 20 bags of postcrete.


    If you've got a fair amount to do then mixing your own will work out considerably cheaper. Cement, sand and ballast are easily available from any DIY shed or builder's merchant. Be aware, it's pretty heavy work doing the mixing, but just take it steady and you'll be fine ( you could hire a mixer for a day or a weekend if you want, but obviously that'll add to the cost ). Personally I always mix my own by hand, but that's 'cos I'm a cheapskate :)
  • bmthmark
    bmthmark Posts: 297 Forumite
    Ninth Anniversary 100 Posts Combo Breaker
    If you've got a fair amount to do then mixing your own will work out considerably cheaper. Cement, sand and ballast are easily available from any DIY shed or builder's merchant. Be aware, it's pretty heavy work doing the mixing, but just take it steady and you'll be fine ( you could hire a mixer for a day or a weekend if you want, but obviously that'll add to the cost ). Personally I always mix my own by hand, but that's 'cos I'm a cheapskate :)

    Haha don't blame you wanting to save money. I'm going to do the same. I'm hoping my mate can get hold of a cement mixer for the weekend - thanks for the help
  • EssexExile
    EssexExile Posts: 6,452 Forumite
    Tenth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    I bought a cheap second hand mixer when I was doing my extension. It came in handy many times over in the following years.
    Tall, dark & handsome. Well two out of three ain't bad.
  • maxie014
    maxie014 Posts: 190 Forumite
    Seventh Anniversary
    I used postcrete but only had about six posts,see if anyone has a multi deal on.
    Was donkey work digging the holes and manouvering the posts never mind mixing all the concrete as well.
  • jbainbridge
    jbainbridge Posts: 2,027 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    My comments would be:
    - get a 'post level' - bit like a spirit level you strap to the post while you get it straight
    - use 1 bag of Postcrete per post. If the hole is too big chuck some bricks / hardcore / bit of old post in. Get the post in and then wedge it in position with bits - then pour in the mix. Check it again and then water!
    - Get a willing helper. Especially if you're a wimp like me!
  • ic
    ic Posts: 3,424 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    How tall is the fence? As already mentioned, a six foot fence needs eight foot posts buried two foot deep. Install your first post, figure out where the next hole goes, dig it, then insert the gravel board and panel in, before slotting the next post on last - when you're happy fill the hole in with concrete. Don't try to set the posts with fresh air between them - a few mm out and the panels and boards either won't fit, or won't be held properly - plus its hard (and potentially dangerous) work lifting them in. If you're working uphill, remember the next post will need to be higher than the last, so it'd be easier to work downhill.
  • amerste
    amerste Posts: 182 Forumite
    ic wrote: »
    How tall is the fence? As already mentioned, a six foot fence needs eight foot posts buried two foot deep. Install your first post, figure out where the next hole goes, dig it, then insert the gravel board and panel in, before slotting the next post on last - when you're happy fill the hole in with concrete. Don't try to set the posts with fresh air between them - a few mm out and the panels and boards either won't fit, or won't be held properly - plus its hard (and potentially dangerous) work lifting them in. If you're working uphill, remember the next post will need to be higher than the last, so it'd be easier to work downhill.

    Spot on advice.
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