How Big Should the Hole Be for a Fence Post?
Other People Are Reading
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The Width of a Post Hole Digger
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In their description of the method for digging post holes and setting fencing posts, the experts at Taylor Rental recommend using a traditional post hole digger, or auger, to bore the holes. The holes should be driven deep enough so that 1/3 of the total length of the fence post will be buried in the ground. The width of a traditional post hole digger, around 8 inches, provides space for concrete to be placed around the fence post.
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A Different Technique
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Professional contractor Tim Carter, founder of the "Ask the Builder" website, recommends digging the holes around your fence posts to a diameter of 10 inches. As with most builders, he also recommends digging the hole deep enough so that 1/3 of the fence post is buried beneath the ground. The reason for Carter's wider hole diameter is that instead of filling the hole with concrete, he used tamped gravel. This technique makes the finished fence more resistant to wind, and also makes working on the individual fence posts easier in case of a needed future repair.
Bottom Line
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While most experts agree on the depth to which the fence post holes should be driven, the width of the holes can vary greatly depending on the pole setting technique. As Tim Carter says, "My guess is there are as many opinions as to the right way to set fence posts as there are posts encircling a one-acre field!" At a minimum, the hole bore should be the diameter of your standard post-hole digger, or about eight inches around. A wider hole is useful when using tamped gravel, instead of concrete, to hold the fence post in place.
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- Photo Credit The Fence image by bonjo from Fotolia.com
