How much concrete do I need for a post hole?

How much concrete do I need for a post hole?

The general rule of thumb when setting a post is that the depth of the post's hole needs to be 1/3 to 1/2 of the actual above-ground height of the post. So, six-foot-high fence posts ideally need to be buried three feet into the ground. The diameter of your post hole should be three times the diameter of your post.

Will fence posts rot in concrete?

Simply setting the posts in concrete does create a condition that will accelerate rot in the bottom of the posts. With pressure-treated posts, the rot will be slow. … This allows any moisture that gets between the concrete and the bottom of the post to percolate through the gravel and away from the bottom of the post.

How do I keep my post level while concrete dries?

Yes, you can pour concrete in water. The water in the hole under the pipe can be sucked out with a wet-dry vacuum before and during the repair job.

How long does it take for concrete to dry in a post hole?

Typically, you can apply some weight to the posts after 4 hours, but it's a good idea to wait at least 24 hours before resuming fence construction. Standard concrete mixes may take up to two hours to set and should cure for 24 to 48 hours before any forces are applied to the posts.

Is 2 feet deep enough for fence posts?

The minimum depth that you should dig your fence post holes for panel sections is 2 feet. A general formula is to dig the holes one-third to one-half of the post's aboveground height. The deeper you dig the holes, the more stability your fence has, but you must also purchase longer posts.

How deep should a 12 foot post be in the ground?

Put metal post bases (or metal posts) in the ground and bolt your wooden posts to them. Otherwise buy 10 or 12 foot wooden posts if you want 7-8 feet above ground and you want them to stay put. Or, bury them 3-4 feet deep and bolt 2×2 or 2×4 lumber to them aboveground to get to 7 feet (or more) above ground level.

How big of a hole do I need for a 4×4 post?

Dig an 8"-diameter hole at least 6" deeper than your area's frost line for each 4×4 post, using a power auger, hand auger, or post-hole digger. A 6×6 post requires a 10"-diameter hole. Shovel a 6" layer of gravel into the hole to provide drainage.

How many bags of concrete do I need for a 4×4 fence post?

Remember, the depth of the post hole should be one-half of the above-ground post height. (Example: For a 6 feet above ground post, use a post with an overall height of 9 feet and place 3 feet in the ground). The calculator will indicate the number of 50 lb. bags of QUIKRETE® Fast-Setting Concrete you need.

Does concrete dry under dirt?

If soil in contact with the concrete is dry, it will dry out the concrete. If the soil is wet, it will add water to the concrete. … Sealing concrete can slow down water evaporation, but will not stop it.

Can you mix quikrete in the hole?

Pour the QUIKRETE® Fast-Setting Concrete Mix dry from the bag into the hole until it reaches 3 to 4" from the top. Pour water onto the dry mix and allow it to soak in. Add water until the powder is thoroughly wet. This will take about one gallon of water for each 50 pound bag depending on soil conditions.

Do wood fence posts need concrete?

Concrete is the most secure material for setting fence posts, especially if you have sandy soil. Gravel may be okay with dense, clay-heavy soil, but in looser soil, concrete is the only thing that will truly keep your fence posts stuck in place.

Can you set post in wet ground?

To properly set wood posts in wet ground, you need to use concrete and pressure-treated wood. There must be enough depth to penetrate below the frost line, and adequate back-fill for drainage. Done right, posts will last for years in any kind of soil.

Is quikrete as strong as regular concrete?

QUIKRETE® Fast-Setting Concrete is the ideal concrete mix for this job. It gains its initial set in 20-40 minutes and reaches strength of 1000 psi (6.9MPa) in 1 day so construction work can continue almost uninterrupted. QUIKRETE® Concrete Mix is another excellent mix for constructing QUIK-TUBE™ footers.

Does concrete set in wet ground?

Pouring concrete is a straightforward job. You dig, form the mix and pour. … A wet ground is not the best base for newly poured concrete. You can do a few things to help the ground dry up just enough for you to pour your concrete.

How do you keep concrete from cracking when drying?

The drying, or "curing," should be gradual, otherwise cracking may occur. To prevent cracks, plastic is placed over the curing concrete to trap the water inside and regulate its temperature, ensuring gradual curing.