Update: Fence posts shifting on my block

A lot of DIY fence jobs around here are tilting after the heavy rains. I think people might not be digging holes deep enough before setting the posts. Has anyone found a good method to stop this from happening?

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3 Comments

shane787mo ago

My fence posts look like they're trying to escape after the last storm. I clearly skimped on the hole depth like an idiot. From what I've seen, you need to go down at least three feet and use plenty of gravel for drainage. Concrete helps too, but if the hole isn't deep, it's all just a fancy band-aid. Learned that the hard way, so don't be like me.

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jakefisher7mo ago

I saw whole concrete pads lifted right out of the ground during that 2018 hurricane in Florida, @shane78. Depth matters, but I've had way better luck focusing on the concrete collar above ground. A wider diameter hole with a good concrete bell shape at the base locks it in through sheer weight and shear strength. Gravel at the very bottom for drainage is key, but that concrete mass acting like an anchor above the frost line is what really fights the wind trying to lever the post out.

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masonw437mo ago

Man, @shane78, I've been there with posts leaning after a bad storm. In my experience, going deep is key, but like Jakefisher said, that above-ground concrete collar makes a big difference. What worked for me was digging down a good three feet, adding gravel for drainage, and then pouring a wide concrete base that flares out at the bottom. That bell shape really locks it in, and the weight above ground fights the wind trying to pull it up. Your mileage may vary, but that mix has kept my posts solid through some rough weather.

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