Setting a strong foundation for your fence starts with the anchoring down the posts.

How Deep Should a Fence Post Be?

For an average fence post, about 6 to 8 feet tall, prepare to dig a post hole about 2 feet deep. To install a fence post, you’ll need a shovel or post digger, a 6-foot level, soil, and gravel or crushed stone. For gateposts, you’ll need concrete too.

How to Install a Fence Post in 5 Steps

1. Begin by digging the post holes with a shovel or posthole digger.
2. Space holes between 6 to 8 feet on center and, for most picket or lattice fences, dig them 24 to 30 inches deep.
3. Set posts on a 6-inch base of ¾-inch crushed stone to encourage drainage.
4. Then fill around posts with the soil from the holes, minus the topsoil, and packs it down every 6 inches.
5. In sandy soil, mix in gravel so that it will pack more firmly. In clay soil, which doesn’t drain well, pack only gravel around posts.

Related

How to Replace a Rotted Fence Post

Should Fence Posts Be Set in Concrete?

Pro2Pro Tip: If the fence is long and you have to create lots of holes, consider renting a power auger or hiring a landscape contractor who has one.

You’ll need to pour a concrete footing only for posts that support a gate, are freestanding at the end of the fence, or when rock stops you from digging deep enough, one-third of the post’s length.

Concrete is costly—each post requires two or three $5 bags—and slow, as posts must be braced until the concrete sets.

Related

How to Replace a Decayed Fence Post

Tools You’ll Need

How deep do I need to dig my Fence Post?

How deep do I need to dig my Fence Post?

How deep should I install my fence post into the ground? A common question which we get asked all the time and our expert team are always happy to assist instore at one of your Lawsons branches.  However, there may be times where you might not be able to come instore and that’s why we’ve teamed up with our experts to give you advice on the matter. 

Read this article on how deep you need to dig your fence post to ensure longevity and durability of your fencing and what post you should purchase for your fencing project. 

The 2 ft Rule 

Lawsons experts recommend you should dig a hole which has a depth of 2 ft (24 in / 600mm) to ensure you have a stable timber or concrete fence post.  

Height Matters

Following our 2 ft (24 in / 600mm) rule recommendation for any fence post hole in the ground, you need to ensure you measure the overall height of your fence. 

Here’s a simple 4-step guide to help you measure your fencing and choose the correct fence post:

1. Measure the height of your fence panel 
2. Measure your gravel board height 

For any fencing project, Lawsons highly recommend that you include a gravel board, which comes in either a timber or concrete option, because it will increase the durability of your fence panels and will save you money in the long run. Moreover, gravel boards add height and give your fence panel a cleaner and neater finish.   

1. Adding Trellis to enhance the look of your fencing? Make sure you measure the height of the Trellis too
2. Add the fence panel height, gravel board and trellis (if using) with our recommended 2 ft depth to calculate the fence post you need. 

Lawsons Fence Post Size Recommendation:

If you still need further assistance on finding the right fence post size, we’ve put together a handy guide to help you find the right Lawsons fence post you need. 

The table below reflects standard panel, gravel board and post sizes sold here at Lawsons:    

Download our Fence Post guide here.

Download our Fence Installation guide here.