How to Anchor a Wooden Fence

Anchor wooden fence posts in concrete for a secure mounting point.

Fences are used around homes, farms and other properties for a variety of purposes. From pets to livestock and equipment, a variety of fence materials is available for use. Wooden fence posts present a convenient means of attaching wood panels and boards, barbed wire and metal mesh fencing materials. Anchoring a wooden fence post is essential to provide a secure point for attaching fencing materials.

Things You'll Need

• Post hole digger
• Shovel
• Wooden fence post
• Gravel
• Torpedo level
• Quick-set concrete
• Water

Instructions

1. Dig a hole for the fence post with the post hole digger. Dig the hole to a depth that is 1/3 the length of the wooden post or at least 2 feet deep.

2. Remove an extra 6 inches of dirt from the hole to accommodate gravel in the bottom. Dig the hole so that the width is three times that of the wooden fence post.

3. Add 6 inches of gravel to the bottom of the hole and tamp with the handle of the shovel. Turn the shovel upside down and pack the gravel with the end of the shovel handle.

4. Set the wooden post in the hole so it is centered. Add 3 to 4 inches of gravel around the base of the wooden post. Tamp the gravel with the shovel handle so the post will stand upright without holding.

5. Level the post with the torpedo level on at least two sides. Adjust the post as necessary and check the level once again.

6. Pour quick-set concrete into the hole so it is evenly dispersed around the wooden post. Fill the hole to within 4 to 6 inches of ground level.

7. Add water to the quick-set concrete. Pour water onto the concrete in the hole until it is thoroughly wet and has the consistency of cake batter.

8. Check the level once again and allow the concrete around the post to set and cure thoroughly for at least 24 hours.

Tips & Warnings

• Backfill the post by placing the dirt removed from the hole on top of the concrete to level with the ground.

• Continue to install fence posts at the desired interval to create a securely anchored mounting point for a fence line.

References

• Quickrete: Fence Installation Instructions