how deep to dig wooden fence post?

Question

the post is 4" x 4" in hard (clay) land. I want to know how deep to dig the hole for the post. Preferably the minimum, but safe and sturdy, recommended depth. thanks a lot.

there will be no gate in the fence.

thanks to all those who have answered. they are all really helpful. just to add, the fence is going to be a privacy fence about 6 ft high.

Answer 1

I would say about 2 feet deep then pour concrete into the hole with the 4"x 4", that will make it very strong. Use water to soak the clay, keep watering while digging the hole, once it is dug to the 2 foot level, add the post and pour concrete in and around it, it won't ever come loose.

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

15 inches would be satisfactory for a fence that is to be 48 inches high.

You did not state how high the fence is to be and that is critical to answer the question exactly. The rule of thumb is 1/3 of the post in the ground and 2/3 out.

For a 6 foot fence that would dictate a 8 foot post 32" in the ground. The post would extend 64 inches out of the ground. This is the typical height of the top rail of a 6 foot wooden fence. The 6 foot battens of the fence extend 8 inches taller than the posts and top rail.

(Depending on how many post holes you need. It may be worth your while to rent a power auger and enlist a strong friend.)

Answer 4

Fence Post Depth

Answer 5

(Lol) 2ft. Is the reason why you see most of the private fencel leaning forward!!..................................First of all: The only reason you set a fence post in concrete is to combat against the frost. When that nasty force of winter gets underneath a wood post (or anything buried in or laying on the ground), expansion in freezing weather will move anything in its path. Frost will recede in spring, often leaving your fence post in its new position – your fence leaning, your gate off kilter or your deck crooked.

And that’s why you need to dig a hole deep enough to get below the frost line in your area. Most often 42 to 48 inches is good. The pros most often dig somewhere around 48 inches, just to be sure. Make it about 10 – 12″ across at the mouth. Clean out the hole, place the 4×4 in and pour concrete in until the hole is full. Voila. You have a fence post that will stay put year after year.

Answer 6

This would depend whether or not you are gonna concrete the posts. If you are then you can go only 18". If not go at least 24". I have done it both ways. If no concrete pack dirt only around the posts, put a little dirt in then pack it tight, repeat until full. do not try to cut short by putting rocks in the hole, This eventually will cause a void in the hole from rain or ants or such, eventually causing the posts to be very unstable. If you are gonna concrete them make sure you have braces in place to insure they are stable and "Plumb" until the concrete hardens completely. At the bottom of the posts, where concrete will cover, Drive some 16 penny nails randomly around all four sides of the post. This will insure that the post will not settle through the concrete.

Answer 7

12 inches with concrete,18 inches without. Better yet, 18 inches deep with concrete is the best way to go,especially if it is a 6 feet high or taller privacy fence.

Answer 8

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RE:
how deep to dig wooden fence post?
the post is 4" x 4" in hard (clay) land. I want to know how deep to dig the hole for the post. Preferably the minimum, but safe and sturdy, recommended depth. thanks a lot.

Answer 9

Standard in most areas is 24". But you should go down to the local frost line if its deeper. If you live some place where you get freezing make sure to leave the cement below the top of the soil and not let it mushroom over. If you do you give the a place for water to get under it and heave.

Answer 10

If the post will be 6' above the grade then it should be 3' below. If you bought a 9' post then put 3' below the grade for a sturdy post. I would then add about 1' of dry mix and leet it harden in the ground.