How to Install Fence Posts
It was a great barbeque and a pretty good football game too. Then crash, your buddy’s arm was broken and so was the wooden fence post. The yard guy said it would cost a hundred plus dollars for him to repair it. You can install a new fence post yourself in a couple hours, for about half the cost and the home improvement store has everything you need. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Gloves
- Safety Glasses
- Fence Post
- Shovel
- Post Hole Digger
- Tape Measure
- Spirit Level
- Fast-setting Concrete
Instructions
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1
Detach the fence rail or panel from the broken fence post; set them aside.
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2
Push the broken post back and forth to loosen it from the ground, if it’s set in dirt, and pull it out. If the fence post is broken near the ground or set in concrete, dig it out with a shovel. Use a post-hole digger to clear the debris from the hole. Your finished hole should be straight, narrow and 20-inches deep. 20-inches is the typical depth for setting wooden fence posts; your post may have been set at a slightly different depth.
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3
Put the new post in the hole. Remember to line up the slots, if you’re installing a post for a rail fence. Measure the height of the panel or the lowest rail on the nearest undamaged post with a tape measure. Aligning this measurement on the new fence post will tell you if the depth needs adjusting.
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4
Pour some fast-setting concrete into the bottom of the hole to help hold the fence post steady. Use your eyes and a spirit level to ensure your post is plumb and level.
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5
Fill the post-hole with fast-setting concrete. You will still have a little play to make any necessary adjustments when you’re done. Add water according to the package directions; it’s easier if someone holds the fence post while you do this. If you have to install it alone, you’ll need to ensure the post is straight and even with the next fence post a final time.
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6
Allow the concrete to set for 48 hours before reattaching the panel or rails.
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Tips & Warnings
Always wear gloves and safety glasses while you install your new fence post to protect yourself from injury.
