For some homes, the best option for a fence post is made of metal, and a lot of homeowners have wondered what would be the best way to secure them. We've looked into this issue and in this post, we will talk about how you can secure your metal fence posts and if there are alternatives you can use.
Generally speaking, metal fence posts can be installed without concrete. However, if your property is in an area that receives strong winds every once in a while, setting it in concrete is very important. This will ensure that your fence posts will be steady and secure in concrete.
Knowing that metal fence posts can work with or without concrete might be confusing. This is why we will break down when you should set them in concrete, and how you can secure your metal fence posts using different materials. Keep reading as we share with you some tips about setting up your fencing.
Do Metal Fence Posts Need Concrete?
When setting up fences for the property, there are a lot of choices as to what kind of material you should use. One of the most commonly used materials is metal fence posts, primarily chosen for its strength and durability even as time passes.
If you've already decided on getting metal fence posts to use for your fencing project, you might have wondered how to properly set them on the ground. There is a debate on whether or not metal fence posts should be anchored with concrete.
Technically, metal fence posts do not need to be set on the ground with concrete. It is definitely an option if you feel like your fence will be removed after a certain amount of time. However, if you're planning to make it permanent, setting it in concrete is the best way to go.
Setting your fence posts in concrete will assure you that the fencing will not sag and that the structure will not fail over time. Particularly for metal fence posts, setting them in concrete will keep them upright for a very long time.
If your property is also in an area that receives very high winds, it is very important that your fence posts are securely set with concrete. Having the bottoms of your fence posts secured by a durable material like concrete will give you the confidence that the winds will not blow out your fencing.
How To Install Metal Fence Posts Into The Ground Using Concrete
Getting a fence is easier and a lot faster if you get a professional to do it for you, but if you have the experience, you can do it by yourself. Setting the metal fence posts on the ground is fairly easy, but you will definitely need a set of extra hands to help you out.
Before you try doing a DIY project for your fences, make sure that you have all the necessary tools that you will need. It is better to be prepared with a lot of tools rather than stop your project midway because you need something to make things work.
Steps on Installing Metal Fence Posts
1. Dig a Hole
Dig a hole about 2 or 3 feet deep using an auger or a post hole digger. Fence posts are best set 2 or 3 feet deep on the ground to provide stability. As for the diameter of the hole, it should be three times the diameter of your posts, so a 2-inch diameter pole can be set in a 6-inch diameter hole.
Check out this post hole digger on Amazon.
2. Insert the Post
After digging the hole, insert the post and make sure it is level, and plumb on all sides. Use a level to ensure that your posts are not wobbly inside the hole.
Get this post and pipe level on Amazon.
3. Set the Posts
Prepare your concrete mix. Set the posts and fill the hole 2 inches below grade with wet pour concrete. Make sure that you stabilize your fence posts while the concrete is setting.
Get this fast-setting concrete mix on Amazon.
See how it's done, watch the video below for a demonstration of post setting. Note that this technique does not pre-mix the concrete. Rather, the installer uses a fast-setting concrete mix and applies it directly to the post hole, then adds water.
4. Keep it Even
Continuously fill the hole with concrete and make sure to use the level to ensure that the posts are plumb and the fence line is even. A string line will help you keep the fence even as you set up the remaining posts.
Check out this string line on Amazon.
Lay your string lines like a pro! Check out these great tips in the video below:
5. Fill with dirt
When the concrete has finally set, you may now fill the hole with dirt. Repeat the process for all the fence posts that you need to install.
What Are The Pros And Cons Of Using Metal Fence Posts
Now that we've talked about how you can set your metal fence posts with concrete, some of you might still be undecided if they are the best option for you. Here are some pros and cons of using metal fence posts.
Durability
One of the things that metal fence posts do better than most materials is their durability, especially against outdoor conditions. Since fences are placed outdoors, they are bound to face harsh elements and they are always battered by physical wear and tear.
Most metal fence posts are made of galvanized steel, making them very sturdy and resistant to rust. This makes them a better choice in places where the weather tends to be very harsh or if termites are abundant in the area.
Maintenance
Steel is generally very low maintenance because as long as it is securely fastened on the ground, you don't have to worry about them. Most metal fence posts are treated to last for a very long time, so if you're looking for a very low-maintenance to maintenance-free option, then this is the way to go.
Cost
Technically, steel fence posts are much more expensive than other materials. However, this cost compensates for the fact that they are very sturdy and they need very minimal maintenance.
Metal fence posts also last twice as long as other materials such as wood, so by the time you have to set up a brand new wooden fence, your metal posts are still standing strong.
Aesthetics
Fences with metal posts often give that modern and industrial feel to any setting. However, one of the benefits of using metal fence posts is that you can literally use a lot of materials for the fencing itself. Metal fence posts can support wood, chain link, and most fencing materials available.
How Long Do Metal Fence Posts Last?
We all know that metal fence posts are durable, but how long do they exactly last? Do they really last longer than the commonly used wood posts? What makes these metal fence posts more durable than the others?
The answer lies in the kind of material that is typically used for fence posts. When you get posts installed, professionals use galvanized steel for fencing projects. This is because galvanized steel has a layer of zinc coating to it, protecting it from rust, acid, and erosion.
Metal fence posts made with galvanized steel can last for about 50 to 70 years with almost no maintenance. Steel is also virtually indestructible—this material is known to be fireproof and if secured properly and correctly, it can withstand winds of up to 110 mph.
Final Thoughts
Installing a permanent fence means getting to know how to keep it sturdy for many years. For metal posts, having your fences installed in concrete will ensure excellent durability. Don't forget to maintain those fences and your property will be well-protected for a very long time.
Are you planning to use concrete for your fencing projects? Look no further because we have some articles that might help you:
