What is the best way to anchor pressure treated wooden fence posts in the ground?

Question

I've heard concrete is not ideal. Is there another method? I live in the Northeast if that matters or helps.

Thanks!

The reason I heard concrete was less than ideal was that it had the effect of accelerating the rotting of the posts.

Answer 1

I don't think using concrete will hasten the rotting of the wooden posts, if the job is done correctly. My suggestion is this: once the hole has been dug( deep enough to be below the frost line, probably two feet at the Mason-Dixon line), add a couple of inches worth of gravel or pea rock (compensate for the depth of the freeze line also). Then set the post down onto the crushed rock and make sure the post is straight and right-angled on at least to adjacent sides. There are several ways of doing this, but I usually set a piece of wood into the ground at an angle and nail it to the side of the post to stabilize it. Doing this on two adjacent sides keeps the post fairly stable. Then you can either use the pre-mix concrete stuff where you dump it into the hole (dry form) and them add water from the garden hose. The directions on the package are pretty straight-forward. Or, you can mix the concrete and pour it into the hole around the post wet. Either way, once the concrete is wet and poured to the desired level, use a stick to poke around the post, this will settle the concrete and remove air bubbles and pockets. Once you're satisfied that the concrete is level and free of air, let the concrete cure and set. One more step though before the concret hardens. Level out the concrete around the post, and then give the conrete a downward slope (maybe 5-10 degrees max) on all four sides of the post. This will enable the concrete to shed water when it rains.
Once the concrete has cured, the last step is to use a water-proof silicone and put a good-sized bead of silicone over the joint where the post meets the concrete. Put a bead around all four sides. Then smooth it out with your finger. This show provide a good water-tight seal to prevent water from running down in between the post and the concrete. (Solves the problem of water seeping in between the concrete and the wood).

Now, you're done with the process of anchoring the post. By sloping the concrete and sealing the joint, the concern of water accelerating the rotting process should be avoided completely. And, using concrete to anchor posts in the ground is still the best method (IMHO)

good luck

Answer 2

Fence Post Anchors

Answer 3

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
What is the best way to anchor pressure treated wooden fence posts in the ground?
I've heard concrete is not ideal. Is there another method? I live in the Northeast if that matters or helps.

Thanks!

Answer 4

You can go with pressure-treated lumber rated for below ground installation and concrete if necessary. I checked several site and they all said it was a good idea to anchor posts in concrete. Try doityourself.com, pretty good site..

Answer 5

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Answer 6

Use concrete to form foundational supports but embed Simpson (brand name) support ties into the wet concrete to attach the pressure treated lumber. Lowes and Home Depot keep these items in stock. And yes, the concrete keeps the lumber moist and accelerates the decaying process.

Answer 7

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Answer 8

I would imagine the freezing of the ground would be a huge consideration.

Contact a fence company and see if they will give you a hint.

Answer 9

i live i ohio have instaled many decks useing a post hole digger,
dig hole 3 feet poor about 3or 4 in.concrect let harden in stall
post use soil only pack it down good make sure its level thats it
p s they sell concrect blocks at home depot if you do not want
to use baged concrect

Answer 10

I've never used anything but cement. Why would it not be ideal? It's inexpensive, and it does what it's supposed to do. What else is there to use?