How to Set Wood Fence Posts

Wooden Fence Post

Fence posts by design must withstand a surprisingly high amount of force. In addition to supporting the weight of the fence, a fence post must support its own weight and the weight of snow, wind and foreign objects that hang up on the fence. In addition, the fence posts must support the fence in a uniform manner, to prevent a sagging or meandering appearance to the fence. Proper installation of wooden fence posts is easy and will ensure that your fence looks good for years after its installation.

Things You'll Need

• Wooden fence post
• Post hole digger
• Gravel
• Wood preservative
• Hand level

Instructions

1. Verify that the fence post locations are correct, and in accordance with your overall fence plan. You don't want to put in the post and have to take it out and move it later.

2. Dig a hole with a post hole digger. The hole should be as deep as one-third of the total length of the fence post, for maximum strength. Make sure the hole is completely vertical and uniform in shape.

3. For extra stability, widen the hole slightly at the bottom. Place at least two shovels of medium-sized gravel into each hole; this provides drainage and helps avoid wood rot during rainy season.

4. Cover the portion of the fence post that will be underground liberally with a wood preservative, and allow it to dry completely. This will ensure that the wood post will remain strong for years.

5. Insert the wooden fence post into the hole. Make sure that it is in the proper vertical position--that the visible portion of the post is not too tall or short relative to other posts. You can adjust the height by adding more or less gravel to the hole base.

6. Check that the post is perfectly vertical with a hand level. Pack the empty hole around the post with dirt, and tamp or compact it down firmly. You can use concrete, but it is not necessary. Keep checking the vertical alignment while compacting the dirt, and adjust as necessary. Compact or tamp as much as possible.

7. Leave a small mound of dirt piled around the base of each fence post. This will aid in natural drainage and keep water from pooling around the post.

Tips & Warnings

• Installing wooden fence posts takes practice to become proficient. After several attempts, your posts will become much easier and less time-consuming to place.

• Always check for underground utility placement before digging.

References

• Master Halco: How Do You Set Wood Posts
• Universal Forest Products Inc: Fence Fundamentals