Hey everyone! I'm currently working on tearing down a section of my fence, which has stood for over 25 years. When I pulled out the old fence posts, I noticed they weren't even set in concrete. I've come across advice suggesting that I should use two 50-pound bags of cement for each post. However, I'm wondering if I could manage with just one 50-pound bag, along with some fine gravel and sand. My neighbor's father, who used to own a fence business, says that two bags might be overkill. I'd love to hear your thoughts on this!
4 Answers
When I installed fences years ago, I found that using at least one bag per post worked well. Just make sure you're not overdoing it with the holes; otherwise, it becomes a lot of work to remove the concrete if you ever need to replace a post!
Considering your old fence lasted without concrete, maybe you could get away with less. I'd suggest trying one bag or using gravel instead, especially if you're digging deeper holes! But remember, using concrete might save you a headache in the long run if you want that extra support.
True! If you've got a wooden fence, it might still last the same time even with less concrete. Just don’t forget about digging it out again if you ever need to replace it!
In Michigan, I was told by a city inspector to avoid concrete at the bottom of posts. Instead, go for pea gravel, letting the frost expansion disperse without pushing the posts up. Just something to think about for winter!
I get where you're coming from, but honestly, it's better to err on the side of caution. Bags of concrete are pretty cheap, so why not use two? This way, you won't have to worry about the stability of your posts down the line. It’s a small price for peace of mind!
Exactly! Why skimp when it comes to something that holds up the whole fence? Spending a little extra now can save you a lot of headaches later.
Totally agree! Cutting corners on concrete could lead to instability, and you might regret it later.
Yeah, but if you're adding gravel, make sure to pack it well! That can help with stability too.