Post setting

RobertN · Dec 9, 2002

What is the best way to set wooden posts? Soon, I will need to set treated peeler cores and redwood posts for fencing. Should they be set with concrete? Or gravel? Or, just with dirt? Why?

I have the auger on the tractor, and will be digging holes in the next week.

I am curious which way to set them, both for sturdiness, and longevity.

TWINKLE_TOES · Dec 9, 2002

Robert,

I'm sure I don't know the "best way" but this is what has worked for me. I use split cedar and don't skimp on the size. These are split in a sorta triangular shape ~ 10"-12" on a side with sap wood removed. No treatment and directly in the ground with only gravel added to the bottom of the hole for drainage. Below ground and above ground they have no rot, at ground level they do rot but in 25 years still straight and strong. My fences are mixed, some barb and some hog wire. If you set them in with concrete still add gravel to the hole for drainage and crown the cement up at the post. Never had much luck with treated stuff other than railroad ties.

gordyy · Apr 4, 2009

I dont know if them things work or not
but if those gals in their t-shirts come help I might put em on my pole barn

course that might be a way to find out what half of everything I own is worth

scott_vt · Apr 4, 2009

Good Evenin Robert,
I have put in some split rail fence on my property, using my PHD 12". I just went down about 2 ft with the auger, put a few small rocks at the bottom of the hole and back filled with dirt tamping it firmly every few inches while the post is plumb. Although you dont have to worry about it in your local, up here in the north country we do have some frost problems occassionaly, and without using concrete I can reset the post without much difficulty.

scott_vt · Apr 4, 2009

gordyy said:
I dont know if them things work or not
but if those gals in their t-shirts come help I might put em on my pole barn

course that might be a way to find out what half of everything I own is worth

Evenin Gordy,

You got that right !!!

MikeInEburg · Apr 4, 2009

You all do realize that the original post is seven years old and that in the last 24 hours MrMagoo revived at least six different old "setting posts" threads offering how good the "post protector" product is... I'm thinking there's a connection.
Mike

RobertN · Apr 4, 2009

MikeInEburg said:
You all do realize that the original post is seven years old and that in the last 24 hours MrMagoo revived at least six different old "setting posts" threads offering how good the "post protector" product is... I'm thinking there's a connection.
Mike

I know! I saw my user name there, and didn't remember the post. I did not look at the date, but thought someone figured out my password etc and was using my accnt

Then I saw the date, and tried to think back to what I was doing back then. Besides banging rocks with my post auger

tommu56 · Apr 4, 2009

RobertN said:
I know! I saw my user name there, and didn't remember the post. I did not look at the date, but thought someone figured out my password etc and was using my accnt

Then I saw the date, and tried to think back to what I was doing back then. Besides banging rocks with my post auger

In that case how's the posts holding up over the last 7 years?

tom

RobertN · Apr 5, 2009

tommu56 said:
In that case how's the posts holding up over the last 7 years?

tom

They have been doin ok. Except where the mother in law knocked one over

Can't put the fence too close to the main drive

The electric jack hammer was sure a lot more useful than the post hole auger though

Soundguy · Apr 5, 2009

RobertN said:
What is the best way to set wooden posts? Soon, I will need to set treated peeler cores and redwood posts for fencing. Should they be set with concrete? Or gravel? Or, just with dirt? Why?

I have the auger on the tractor, and will be digging holes in the next week.

I am curious which way to set them, both for sturdiness, and longevity.

old post.. but here are some good tidbits since the post has now revived and others are reading it...

dirt.

concrete will rot them.

remember.. a fence post is a friction pile... dirt will provide more surface area contact vs a larger gravel.

you can google 'friction pile' for more info on how they work / why they work. striaght lift.. not so strong.. a lil side load and lift.. big time strong.

longevity? trat them with copepr napthenate.. IE.. set them in a 5g pail and let them soak for a bit.. stuff bills / deters rot and bugs for decades.

watch out.. it's a more or less permanent green stain.. and it will remove HAIR..

soundguy