What Fence Post Should You Get & When to Get It

If you go to the trouble of creating beautiful fencing around your home or garden, then you really want it to stay in place. There are lots of different methods for installing fence posts, depending on the surface and whether you are fitting metal, concrete or wooden fence posts. Our simple guide outlines three of the most popular installation methods and when to use them.

Postcrete

Postcrete or post concrete is a cement which is specifically designed for securing fence posts into the ground and is the most common method used. There are many benefits of using postcrete to set fences in place, not least that it can be used on metal, wooden or concrete fence posts. Postcrete is available in large bags (usually 20kg) and only requires the addition of water. Postcrete is far easier to use than standard concrete and usually sets in as little as 10 minutes. This means that, in contrast to normal concrete, you can work very quickly and won't have to wait too long until your fencing project is complete.

To install a fence using postcrete, dig a hole approximately 600mm deep - remember to account for the additional 600mm when choosing the height of your fence post! Fill the hole around a third full of water and add your post, before pouring in the postcrete. Agitate it using a pole and ensure the post is straight as the postcrete dries.

Bolt down post supports

Bolt down post supports are metal devices used to fix fence posts to concrete, stone or tarmac surfaces. They are available as 100mm Bolt Down Post Support or 75mm Bolt Down Post Support. They are particularly good when concreting with postcrete is not an option, for example, when installing posts close to a boundary wall. Use this type of support too when working on projects such as creating a gazebo, pergola or summer house on a patio. The bolt down post support comes with all the drill holes in place ready for you to screw it down in all four corners. However, you must choose the right fixings and install them well to ensure the security of your fence post. When securing a bolt down fence post holder on concrete, a 8x75mm anchor bolt is recommended for maximum safety and security.

Fence post spikes

Fence post spikes allow you to install posts quickly and without the need for any digging or concreting. These supporting spikes are typically used to install wooden fence posts. They are usually driven into the ground using a fence post driving tool and the fence post is secured into it. A post spike will usually keep a timber fence post above ground level, reducing the chances of rot and water damage to the wood and minimising costly repairs. But if repairs are needed, the spikes make fixing individual damaged posts easier.

Whatever fence post installation method you choose, Mill Timber Direct has the products you need. Browse our impressive selection online and if you have any questions, our friendly and knowledgeable team will be happy to help.