fence recommendation, metal post, wood, concrete
#1
fence recommendation, metal post, wood, concrete
I am replacing an existing wooden fence.
The current fence post are 4x4x5. Each post has 4 panels that are about 12 inches x 3/4 inch.
I have to replace 10 posts and I would like to use steel posts.
I have some questions.
How deep should each post be sunk?
How much concrete should I use for each post?
How long should I wait before attaching the wood to each post?
Should I put a cap on each post?
Are 6 foot steel posts standard?
Should I rent a gas powered auger or get a pole digger?
Should I use 1.5 or 2 inch diameter posts?
What should the diameter be for each post?
Are there any tricks to keeping the posts level?
How long should I wait before attaching the wood?
Can all this material be purchased at the home depot?
Are there any photos out on the web of what this setup should look like or directions on how to do it?
Thanks.
-pete
The current fence post are 4x4x5. Each post has 4 panels that are about 12 inches x 3/4 inch.
I have to replace 10 posts and I would like to use steel posts.
I have some questions.
How deep should each post be sunk?
How much concrete should I use for each post?
How long should I wait before attaching the wood to each post?
Should I put a cap on each post?
Are 6 foot steel posts standard?
Should I rent a gas powered auger or get a pole digger?
Should I use 1.5 or 2 inch diameter posts?
What should the diameter be for each post?
Are there any tricks to keeping the posts level?
How long should I wait before attaching the wood?
Can all this material be purchased at the home depot?
Are there any photos out on the web of what this setup should look like or directions on how to do it?
Thanks.
-pete
#2
Well, first off petecooke, WELCOME to DoItYourself.com and the Fence forum!
Using steel posts instead of wood posts -- you and I are going to get along just fine!!
You can get your posts at HD or Lowes -- look in their selection of shain link fence stuff.
Your posts should be buried at least 18" deep. Set each post in concrete. I use clam shell post hole diggers to dig my holes -- that's about a 6" diameter hole. If things get nasty, or there are just too many holes involved, I hire the holes dug by a local guy who has an auger attached to a Jeep or a Bobcat. I put the post in the hole and fill the hole with concrete, right to the top of the hole. To plumb the posts, you can use 2 torpedo levels (one on the North side of the post -- the other on the East side -- ANYTHING that is 90 degrees apart!), or HD has a plastic fence post level -- a 90 degree thing that will plumb the post in both directions at the same time, and you can SEE both levels at the same time. Use a string at ground level, or slightly above, and a second string near the top to align the posts along your run.
For just 10 posts, I would use the 1-7/8" posts. (That O.D. -- I.D. is 1-1/2"!!)
I let the posts set for at least 4 or 5 days before I do anything. Then go back and install the Simpson brackets and attach the rails. Cut the posts off (a Sawzall works well.) and put the post caps on each post. Then attach the fence boards (or panels if you choose to go that route.)
Your fence is done.
Using steel posts instead of wood posts -- you and I are going to get along just fine!!
You can get your posts at HD or Lowes -- look in their selection of shain link fence stuff.
Your posts should be buried at least 18" deep. Set each post in concrete. I use clam shell post hole diggers to dig my holes -- that's about a 6" diameter hole. If things get nasty, or there are just too many holes involved, I hire the holes dug by a local guy who has an auger attached to a Jeep or a Bobcat. I put the post in the hole and fill the hole with concrete, right to the top of the hole. To plumb the posts, you can use 2 torpedo levels (one on the North side of the post -- the other on the East side -- ANYTHING that is 90 degrees apart!), or HD has a plastic fence post level -- a 90 degree thing that will plumb the post in both directions at the same time, and you can SEE both levels at the same time. Use a string at ground level, or slightly above, and a second string near the top to align the posts along your run.
For just 10 posts, I would use the 1-7/8" posts. (That O.D. -- I.D. is 1-1/2"!!)
I let the posts set for at least 4 or 5 days before I do anything. Then go back and install the Simpson brackets and attach the rails. Cut the posts off (a Sawzall works well.) and put the post caps on each post. Then attach the fence boards (or panels if you choose to go that route.)
Your fence is done.