DIY Novice wrote:
Any thoughts on the best way of putting up 4" * 4" fence posts
(in a sheltered city garden).
1. Treat posts with creocote and bed in concrete, (approx 18" in
concrete?).
2. Use metposts, those square metal containers with a spike at one
end.
3. Other?

Metposts are not suitable for fences above 3' high IMO and
probably not even then. How high is your fence to be? What
sort of panel do you want?


Also, is it better to use fence posts with slots in the
side which the fence panel slots into
OR
just ordinary posts and keep the fence panel in place with
galvanised nails?

Concrete posts last and last. It has been known for for panels
to blow out of slotted posts. If the panel is not a good fit
it may be necessary to pack the panel with something to stop
it rattling in a breeze. Concrete posts, when new, look a bit
stark, and need painting with a bit of muck to encourage
naturalisation.

Timber posts are lighter and a bit cheaper. Soaking the bottom
in creosote (substitute) overnight (or as long as possible)
will help preserve them. You should slightly more than the
depth that is to be buried. IMO timber posts look nicer.

Whichever post you use make sure the hole you make for it is
not too big. A graft is a useful tool (like a spade but with
a very long thin blade), but you can make do with a ladies'
or border spade (as narrow as possible). As you dig deeper,
you may have to chop the soil at the bottom of the hole and
clear out by hand, sticking your arm down the hole! Depending
on the ground, you may not need concrete - in any case, the
concrete does not need to be very strong!


J.B.