A fence is only as strong as its posts. When building a fence, the posts are the foundation, so it\u2019s essential to think about each fence post’s size, spacing, and depth as you plan your space. As a general rule, fence posts should be 8 to 12 feet apart and placed at least two feet deep or one-third of the total post height, with a base of soil, gravel, or concrete. Let\u2019s take a closer look at how to set fence posts for a strong, sturdy fence.<\/p>\n\n\n
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Setting fence posts requires some digging. You\u2019ll want to place each post at a depth of at least two feet. However, taller fences may require more stability provided by deeper posts. Gate posts and corner posts also bear the brunt of the workload and may require extra stability.<\/p>\n
For starters, you\u2019ll need to know where you\u2019ll be placing fencing and how large the total area is. You\u2019ll also need an idea of how tall the fence needs to be and what purpose the fence will serve. But we\u2019ll guess that if you\u2019re ready to set fence posts, you already know.<\/p>\n
Take this one step further and specifically mark each post-placement. If you\u2019re using t-posts, plan for no more than an 8-foot distance between posts. Depending on the fencing material, you can generally get away with longer distances of up to 15 or 20 feet for wildlife fencing<\/a>. And if you\u2019re using sturdy wood posts for horses or other livestock<\/a>, stick with the general rule of 8 to 12 feet apart.<\/p>\n Don\u2019t forget to plan for the width of gates, placing posts on either side and adding a little more stability on the corners with a closer placement or stronger bracing.<\/p>\n Setting fence posts requires digging. You\u2019ll use a post-hole digger or t-post driver to set posts at least two feet into the ground. Don\u2019t forget to check for wires, plumbing, and other utilities that might interfere with post-placement. Most utility companies will come to mark their lines for free if you call before you dig.<\/p>\n Digging post holes can be hard work. Before you begin, plan ahead and gather the right tools for the job. If you\u2019re setting wood fence posts, opt for a post-hole digger mounted to a tractor to make the job a lot easier. And if you\u2019re using t-posts for your wire fence, invest in a post-driver to easily get the correct depth. We also recommend keeping a few shovels on hand in case you need to clean up any holes or add depth by hand.<\/p>\n When the day comes to start installing your fence posts, plan a whole day or more to get the job done. It\u2019s hard work, and you\u2019ll want to enlist some help. If you\u2019re using t-posts, digging the holes and installing the posts are all done in one shot. These steel posts do not require any drainage or added stability because they do not rot, and they feature a t-shaped anchor for stability. However, wood posts require a bit more work.<\/p>\n The minimum depth for a wood post is two feet. That doesn\u2019t mean that your fence is good at two feet. First, consider adding gravel for drainage and add at least six inches for that drainage. Then, consider the height of your fence and the animals it will contain or restrict. The posts should be set between three and four feet deep for large livestock like horses or cattle, plus drainage.<\/p>\n Use gravel or crushed rock to add some space for drainage. Allowing water to move away from the posts underground will help prevent rot and keep your fence sturdy for years to come. This is where many first-timers get confused. Perhaps you\u2019re considering footing your fence posts in concrete, but is it really necessary?<\/p>\n A quick bit of concrete is an effective way to stabilize a post underground, but it\u2019s probably an unnecessary step unless you\u2019re building 18-foot-tall fences. For typical agricultural applications, the only posts that need a concrete footing are gate posts and possibly corner posts<\/a> for additional bracing. Remember that these two areas take the most stress on your fence line. Filling the holes with the dirt you previously removed and tamping it firm should be sufficient for all other posts.<\/p>\nCheck for Wires and Utilities<\/h3>\n
Get the Right Tools<\/h3>\n
Installing Fence Posts<\/h2>\n
Check the Depth<\/h3>\n
Add a Drainage Layer<\/h3>\n
Setting Posts in Holes<\/h2>\n