I have two questions, how deep down is the frostline ? and how deep do you set the fence post?

Question

I live in central n.y. and right now it is over cast and cold

Answer 1

Frost line isn't really a problem with fence posts, only for plumbing and foundations.

A good rule of thumb for setting posts is a hole 2.5 feet, 6 inches of "foundation" material like gravel or a brick or something hard to set the post on, then fill in the hole with quick dry cement.

Again, it will depend what materials you are using and what the fence is for. Is it just for a privacy fence? Or is it to keep livestock? My dad never used concrete at all on his livestock fences, just backfilled it with the dirt he dug from the hole. For our privacy fence, we used the concrete to help keep the posts from rotting out.

You can always contact your County Extension Office to find out exactly what you need to do for the type of fence you want. They are an excellent source of information on building just about anything.

Answer 2

All good conventional wisdom. However , I'm in N.East & frost heave is an issue. Have set & removed a few posts over the years. Have to consider soil conditions as well as frost concerns. If the soil holds moisture I gets soft in rain, posts can still lean if there is wind pressure on the fence.. I set the posts "dry" by digging the post hole ( about 3 feet in my area). With 7' above ground that would mean 10 foot posts. Add a shovel full of 1" or 1-12' crushed stone to the bottom drop in the post level & ram crushed stone around the post. It allows water to drain away from the post which helps w/ rot & as mentioned a preservative is a good idea. No concrete to mix & you will have an easier time if you need to remove & replace posts. If you need to remove or replace posts , just pull them out . THe stone just falls back into the hole. If posts do shift, lean on them & ram the stone around it again. Can't do that w/ a gob of concrete at the bottom. You still have to dig , but not messing w/ concrete is nice. Best regards

Answer 3

frost line? Call the city building inspector at town hall, they will tell you what it is in your area.

Fence post? It depends on type of dirt you are setting them in. Soft sandy soil, as deep as you can and use more concrete. Hard dirt or clay I go about 18 inches for a 6" post and never have any trouble.

The frost line has no bearing on setting posts in case that is why you ask these questions together.

Answer 4

Depends what the fence post is supporting, common sense goes a long way. Wooden post, concrete post, wooden fence, high tensile wire fence. To get through frost line for sure and whether concrete or wooden fence to hold a reasonable load 3ft

Answer 5

Frost Line In Texas

Answer 6

In most northern areas 4 feet is the depth. If you are not sure call your town's building inspector. They check that foundation footings go down to that levelso they are very familiar with the correct number.

Answer 7

central n.y. you should go about 3 ft to the bottom of the concrete ...how deep you set your posts into the concrete is up to you
edit...you folks have never seen frost lift a fence post or clothespole? got a lot of livin to do yet, i guess

Answer 8

4 feet in north Dakota
6 inches in central Texas

Answer 9

frost line only is concerned about pipes, freezing
for a frence post, wood type set at 2 ft, good rule of thumb, for most posts, steel or other wise,
most frost lines are at 18" to 2 ft, unless you live in alaska,

Answer 10

!00 feet