What kind of stone do you use to set fence posts?

Gravel is a common backfilling for fence posts and comes in a variety of types. Some gravel comes mixed with sand to make it finer, while other gravel is made of crushed rock. For most projects, size will make a difference. There are a couple of major factors to keep in mind when choosing gravel for fence post holes.

Should you put gravel under fence post?

DO Employ a Base Gravel Layer If a fence post fails without any sign of a pest infestation, it’s likely that the failure was caused by moisture that rotted the wood over time. Once you have added gravel to a depth of three inches or so, use a piece of scrap lumber to tamp down the layer.

What do you backfill a fence post with?

Rocks that are put back in the hole can actually act as levers to help push the post out of the ground. If you’re working with silt or clay soils the best thing to do is to bring in some sand and gravel to be used for backfilling such as that used for making cement.

Should pressure treated posts be set in concrete?

Simply setting the posts in concrete does create a condition that will accelerate rot in the bottom of the posts. With pressure-treated posts, the rot will be slow. Concrete should be poured around the post – no concrete under the post.

How do you pack dirt around a fence post?

Backfill Securely and Thoroughly Break up chunks of clay or roots so that dirt falls freely down the hole. After you’ve added a few inches, use a metal rod or a slim piece of wood to pack down the dirt as tightly as possible along the post. Because you’ll pack it all down securely, you might need some extra dirt, too.

Can I use pea gravel for fence posts?

Setting wood or vinyl fence posts is a critical part of fence construction to make sure that the fence is sturdy. The use of pea gravel to help set posts provides good drainage and, when combined with concrete, results in a sturdy fence post installation.

How do you put fence posts in concrete and gravel?

The use of pea gravel to help set posts provides good drainage and, when combined with concrete, results in a sturdy fence post installation.

1. Wear gloves to protect hands when working.
2. Place 3 to 5 inches of pea gravel in the bottom of the hole.
3. Add 6 inches of pea gravel around the post and pack it with a tamp.

How much gravel do you put at the bottom of a fence post?

You should put approximately 2″ to 4″ of gravel in the bottom of the hole making sure that the Post stands 6′ 4″ tall from the ground to the top of the post.

How do you put a fence post in gravel?

Should I set my fence posts in concrete?

Concrete is the most secure material for setting fence posts, especially if you have sandy soil. Using premixed concrete rather than dry concrete will ensure ultimate security. While concrete is sturdy, it lacks the drainage of gravel and can trap moisture, ultimately leading to rot.

How long will a pressure treated post last in the ground?

A treated 4×4 will last 20 to 25 years in the ground if the conditions in the soil and climate are favorable. That number could increase to 40 to 75 years if you install the treated 4×4 in a cement ring rather than the soil. There are a few factors that influence how long the 4×4 can last in the ground.

Can you put gravel around a fence post?

If you want to grow grass around the fence post, leave 2 in. of space between the top of the gravel and the soil line around it. Top the gravel with soil. Unlike concrete, gravel doesn’t need to set. You can immediately install fence rails, panels, or chain link.

How to keep fence posts from rotting in the ground?

So, stay away from concrete, it retains moisture to the full depth and rots the post. Same goes for gravel, it just creates a pocket to receive water to then drain into the soil. Crown around your posts to force water away and keep fence panels/pickets 1/2″ off the ground, you’ll be set for decades.

What kind of rock to use for fence posts?

He suggested crushed rock(what I would call gravel, see Definitions of various sand, gravel, and rock products) instead. A local fence company said they just set the posts in compacted dirt, but use 5×5-inch posts.

Can I put fence posts on clay soil?

Even posts that warped severely after installation moved the fence, not the ground. The good thing about clay is that water runs off and doesn’t penetrate deeply at all. So, stay away from concrete, it retains moisture to the full depth and rots the post. Same goes for gravel, it just creates a pocket to receive water to then drain into the soil.