How to Put Up Fence Posts
Putting up fence posts is by far the most physical part of any fence building project. While not overly complicated, it is the most important part of fence building. You must erect, align and space the posts properly for the fence to last for a long time. It usually helps to have at least one other person to assisting with the task but you can do it by yourself if need be. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Start at one corner of your intended fence line. Dig the first hole to a depth equal to one-third the length of the fence post plus 6 inches. For example, a 6 foot post would require a 2 foot hole. Make the hole 10 to 12 inches wide and make it square with the shovel.Use the pick axe if you encounter rock or soil too hard for the posthole digger to penetrate.
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Add 6 inches, roughly 2 to 3 shovel loads, of gravel to the bottom of the hole. This helps reduce the impact of excess moisture on the base of the post.
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Insert the fence post. Hold the fence post as straight as possible. Put the level against the post vertically and check the position. Adjust the angle of the post until the level shows that the post is plumb.
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Maintain the angle of the post. Shovel in 6 inches of dirt. Use the tamping rod to compact the dirt on all sides of the post. Use the level to verify that the post remains plumb.
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Repeat this process until you fill the hole you and the post is sturdy. Check to be sure the post is plumb after you add every 6 to 8 inches of dirt to the hole and after you compact it with the tamping rod.
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Repeat the entire process for each fence post you need to install.
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References
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