Hey everyone! I'm looking to fix up my vinyl fence and I have a few questions:
1.) I'm hoping to extend the fence by reusing the existing vinyl posts. Is that actually possible?
2.) Quikrete's calculator suggests I'll need about 14 bags of concrete per post, which seems excessive! The posts are 5"x5"x9' and I plan on digging them down 3'. The Q&As mention making the hole three times wider than the post, so about 15"? That feels way too big!
3.) Do I need to add gravel at the bottom of the hole?
4.) I'm also adding a double gate with new posts that have a metal I beam inside. Is there anything special I should do to ensure they can support the weight of the gate effectively?
5.) Any specific recommendations for concrete mix?
I'm trying to manage this project on a tight budget, but I wasn't expecting to shell out another $300 for concrete. ? Any tips would be really appreciated! Just for context, I'm in northwest Indiana, so keep that in mind for weather-related advice.
3 Answers
Absolutely, you can reuse the current posts! Drilling a hole with an 8" diameter is perfect, though if you're digging into dirt, you might want something a bit wider, like 10-12". Trust me, one 80 lb bag of concrete should be enough per post. Just ensure you’re not making those holes massive—geometry will save you the trouble! Also, stiffeners are a solid choice for that double gate, keep everything stable.
Reusing posts can be tricky if they're set in concrete, so just be careful when removing them. But if you're up for it and can save some cash, go ahead. As for the concrete, ignore those crazy calculations; a single 80# bag is usually enough. And seriously, don’t stress about gravel. Just build your gate with solid hinges and stiffeners for stability. For concrete, just grab whatever they have at your local store—nothing fancy needed!
You can definitely reuse your existing posts! I wouldn’t worry about needing 14 bags of concrete per post—that's way too much. For a typical installation, about 2 and a half bags of concrete per post is usually fine. When digging, keep the hole around 14-16 inches wide, not 3 feet! And as for gravel, you don't actually need it in the bottom—just fill with concrete directly. Oh, and for those gate posts, definitely use stiffeners to keep them solid. Metal I beams work great for that purpose.