best way to redo fence posts

donn12 · Sep 12, 2011

The big rains last week (and the debris it carried) knocked down my fence. The fence post were in concrete and some of the concrete was broken but most of the 10 or so sections that were knocked down were just pushed over.
The holes where the fence was mounted are destroyed. Should I remove the concrete, refill the holes and then dig new ones? I think when I saw the fence being put up they poured sacrete in the holes but did not mix it and said it would be fine dry until rains hit it.
I trid to stand the fence up but the boards will have to be stripped because they are warped and the weight is pulling it left and right. The posts are 4x4 and the post for gates are 6x6. I am thinking a 9 inch auger would be the best choice.

MikeInEburg · Sep 12, 2011

I think you'll need to remove the concrete. If it were me, I wouldn't use concrete on reinstallation. I've planted hundreds of fence posts without concrete and they're still standing tall. However, I suppose if your posts are only long enough for a foot or two below grade, you may not have much choice.

Western · Sep 12, 2011

I would clean up what post you can and start with fresh holes in solid ground. I personally like post in cement.

There is a metal fence about a mile from me that the fencing crew only cemented the corners and maybe every 10th post. As you drive by it, you can see the post that have deviated a little from a straight line. Most folks probably wouldn't notice though, I may be picky.

9" auger is what I use on 4" post and smaller, a 6"x6", I would dig out with the auger then enlarge it with a hand held post hole digger.

donn12 · Sep 13, 2011

Thanks for the replies

two_bit_score · Sep 13, 2011

Type of soil makes a difference, length of post below ground, etc. I've always put posts in sackcrete and none have rotted off like people say they will. The ones that rot seem to be the ones without sackcrete.

at least in east Texas sandy soil. In central and south Texas where it's not as wet, normally, the posts seem to last longer without sackcrete but I still use it.