On Apr 20, 1:58*pm, dpb wrote:
wrote:
Hi,
I have to build a small section of wooden fence. I need to plant two
posts into concrete, I've never done this before. Do they go directly
into the concrete? or do you put some kind of mounting hardware in the
concrete then attach them to that? If they go directly into the
concrete, then how many inches should be underground ? thanks

Rule of thumb is 1/3rd the post is in the ground so the total post
length is 4-thirds the height of the fence.

Most who do the concrete around the post thing do just dump it in around
the post. *I personally don't much like the "concrete around the post"
way except for a corner post that may really need additional lateral
support and where there isn't ample room for adequate bracing, but
that's me.

One can also simply use quikrete ready-mix to pack the whole and let it
set up w/ ground water as a simple expedient compared to mixing it.
Somewhat easier to retain the position and achieve plumb that way as
don't need bracing while the mix cures.

--

In frosty area 3 feet depth; however 30 inches seems to work here for
fence not over 4 to 5 feet. It will be interesting to see how our
neighbours six footer stands up after a couple of winters; it's a
fairly windy location with gusts to 90 to 100 kilometres per hour and
higher.
If using cement do not fill up to ground level. The cement plug so
formed will get eased/heaved up out of the ground by frost. Thus
raising the post with it.
Put some cement around the foot (and throw in any stones, if you have
them); using pressure treated wood posts and or soaking the bottom of
the post in preservative.
Post will later rot off at ground level; so slope ground surface away
from post hole if you can, to minimize water from pooling around post.
Not only fences; have built several sheds (last 30 years) using same
method.
Also our 20+ year old deck using stubs of old creosote telephone
poles, but not cemented at all, then cutting them off to desired level.