What Should I Set My Fence Posts In? (Dirt, Gravel, ...

Is dirt, gravel, crushed rock or concrete the best to install my fence in? This is a common question most people ask regarding fence installation. After all, you want to ensure that your fence will withstand different weather conditions. Let us look at these methods to understand where you should set your fence.

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Setting Fences Posts in Dirt

If you follow the right procedure, you will have no issues setting your fence post in the dirt. The first step is digging the hole. As a general rule, the depth of the hole should be a third of the post’s height. You will need a trowel to loosen the soil and a clam digger to dig down. Once the hole is dug, place a flat rock or broken concrete inside. This is to create a base for the post. Insert the post and ensure it remains straight as you backfill around it with a mixture of sharp gravel and soil. You might need a second person to help you with the job. Once the hole is full, create a mound with the mixture around the post to allow water to run down.

Setting Fence Post in Concrete

As a fencing contractor will advise you, fence posts do not need to be set in concrete. Even if you aim for something long-lasting, setting in concrete is a bit too permanent. And if you are installing wooden posts, concrete is the worst alternative. Keep in mind that with time, wooden posts will rot. Picture rotten posts stuck in holes filled with concrete. Not to mention that concrete can hasten the rotting process. To overcome this challenge, first treat the wood, and when everything is in place, caulk around the post’s base. Also, you are not restricted to wood posts only. You can avoid the risk of rotting by using corrosion-resistant metals like stainless steel.  

Setting Fence Post in Gravel

Gravel is also a good alternative and does not cause any issues with drainage at the base. However, the soil underneath will also be a determining factor. Gravel works well with heavy, clay-type dirt. Avoid setting your fence posts in gravel if you have loose sandy soil. The process is similar to the one used in setting up fence posts in the dirt. You can even go a step further and grow some plants or grass at the base of the posts. Instead of filling the hole with gravel up to the top, leave a space of about two inches and use soil to fill it up, leaving room to plant foliage.

Setting Fence in Crushed Rock

Just like concrete, crushed rock allows water to drain, reducing the risk of rotting. Plus, since the particles are tiny, they will fuse together, interlocking and forming a strong foundation. The process is simple. Dig the hole, layer it with crushed rock, place the post, then fill the hole with crushed rock as you tamp.

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If a fence is not well installed, it will be down in a week or two. You can prevent this risk by working with Guadalupe Mountain Fencing LLC. Whether you need commercial or residential fencing, we can help you. Get in touch with us today, and we will be happy to install a fence that will stay in place for a long time.

Hello everyone,

I am building a wooden privacy fence in northern Alberta. Our soil is a few inches of top soil and then clay. I have been researching and reading a lot of different ways to set the posts. I am planning to go 4 feet down and the fence to be 6ft tall.

Sounds like the concrete actually retains water when then wood shrinks and can rot the 6x6 out. It is also prone to frost heaving. Gravel let’s the water drain away and makes replacing fence post down the road easy.

I do plan on adding 2x 8 foot gates to make one large gate for a RV. The other end of each gate will be supported by a trailer jack with a large wheel. But I am worried gravel around a post won’t support the gate posts and corner posts

I am looking for some advice on which route I should go. I like to think projects through and utilize the best technique to not have to re do them down the road.

Spoke with a few local fencing guys and they seem to all have different ways. One company suggested only 3’ deep and 2 bags of concrete per post? Frost line is 4ft

It’s also interesting that the power companies around here use crushed gravel on there large power poles?


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