Fence Post

When it comes to setting fence posts, one of the most common questions asked is, "How much concrete?" The fact is that concrete is seldom needed to secure a fence post. The West was won with barbed wire and fence posts--no concrete.

If the post is set and earth is added to the hole 3 to 4 inches at a time and compacted each time, the post should be secure. Compact the earth with a tamping rod or the handle end of the shovel. It may make sense to add concrete to the post that a gate hangs off of, or to a corner post. When concrete is used, you can pour it around the post dry; the mix will set as it draws moisture from the ground. Finally, don't be tempted to buy fast-setting concrete. It is expensive and unnecessary unless you are setting the mailbox post and the mail carrier is coming around the corner!

- Stephen Corwin

we have clay here, and only use cement for gates and such.

-- Anonymous, June 27, 2001