how many feet do l have to dig to insert a fence post into?

Question

l want to install a new fence at my backyard

Answer 1

Usually depends on how high your fence is gonna be.

Answer 2

While it is true that you must find out a general distance for your frostline, some of these answers will have you working for weeks just to get one post in the ground!

A basic rule of thumb for fence installation is about 1/3 of the fence height needs to be in the ground. This is IF you are using concrete to support your post. If you are not using concrete, then you should go a little deeper.

While it is true that concrete will rot the post faster, depending on the style of fence, concrete is a near necessity. The fact is that a fence with posts set in concrete will last around 15-20 years using today's treated lumber. The posts should be standing there IN CONCRETE when the fence becomes an eyesore (15-20 years) and will at that point need replacing.

Any fence contractor will tell you that they are not digging holes much more than this. They set posts in concrete every day. The fences stand, and then eventually rot (even with treated lumber).

I was on a jobsite yesterday which I had helped install the original fence nearly 20 years ago. The posts were set in concrete about 20" deep (4' high fence) and the fence is still standing today. The posts are rock solid.

I could go on, but I am probably boring you...
:)

Answer 3

I've installed miles of fence, and usually That works for 6 ft Stockade as well as chain link. I often pour concrete around the posts.

I can't imagine digging any deeper than 3 feet, but in any case keep the hole small in its diameter. The larger in diameter, you dig the hole, the more you disprupt any packed soil, which will help support any posts.

That said, your posts are either 8 ft or 9 ft, for a 6 ft high fence, 6 ft, for a 4 ft high fence.

Rev. Steven

Answer 4

All the previous answers are wrong.

It depends on the FROST LINE. Where do you live?

In my part of the world, the frost goes down 3'. Cement footings are required to go down 4'.

You are going to put a cement footing in, aren't you? Don't put a post directly in the ground, it will rot off. Also, don't put one inside cement.

Fill the hole with cement and while it is drying insert a bolt in the middle of the cement.

Attach a post support to the bold when it is hardened.

Attach post to the support with deck screws.

Answer 5

Half the exposed length.
for a 4' fence bury 2'
for a 6' fence bury 3'
for a 8' fence bury 4'
etc...

Answer 6

end posts and gate posts should be 24 inches and 18 inches for line posts, this is for a 4 foot chain link fence

Answer 7

It all depends on your frost line. You can probably find that information at your county building department. They can give you the specs for burying wooden fence posts.

Answer 8

ft and a half per 4 ft tall

Answer 9

3 ft. at the very least,,,preferably 4-5 ft..

Answer 10

depends on how tall the post is.