How to Install a Fence Post into Soil

If you are installing a fencing run, you may be considering how to install a fence post into soil. This is a bold choice, as most fence posts are set in concrete. Read on as we explore this topic in detail and provide all the insights you need before you make this important decision.

Editor’s Note [23.07.2024]:

Our article about how to install a fence post into soil was originally published on January 17, 2017. Today has seen an extensive upgrade. Choosing to install into soil rather than the usual concrete is an important decision, so we provide some reasons this might be viable.

We have considerably expanded the tools list, as well as added new equipment and supplies list. We have expanded many of the steps in our fence post installation step-by-step guide, we also added these new steps - identifying a location, treating the post, spirit level testing, and applying finishing touches.

We also added related articles and conclusion sections.

Generally, Buy Fencing Direct would always recommend installing fence posts into concrete. This gives the level of stability most fencing runs need. There are some circumstances though where setting fence posts without concrete the preferred choice may be. These scenarios are:

• Temporary fencing - if you are installing fencing for a temporary purpose, then installing without concrete would make more sense. In scenarios where you intend to relocate posts in a few years, it makes sense as well to avoid the labour and costs of excavating previously set concrete
• Upfront cost-effectiveness - there is a definite reduction in the upfront cost as you save on purchasing concrete and related mixing concrete tools, as well as save on labour time (although this is likely to be your own effort). Long-term though this decision may cost you more as the fence is likely to be less durable and will not last as long

So, you've picked out your new fence. It's time to get those fence posts in and get that garden boundary looking great again.

Here we take you through the essentials for fence post installation directly into soil.

• Fence post spike - a convenient option for securing posts without digging deep holes
• Hammer – for a range of hammering tasks, a claw hammer is preferable if available
• Post level and spirit level – ensure you have at least one of these tools
• Saw – needed to cut wooden fence posts to the exact size and shape required
• Screwdriver - for securing screws as and where needed
• String line – an essential tool when aligning posts to form a perfectly straight line

These other pieces of equipment will also be useful:

1. Bucket – this is ideal for storing and transporting removed soil as well as carrying gravel and during cleanup tasks
2. Paintbrush or roller – this is only needed if you intend to paint or stain fence posts after installation
3. Rake – this will be needed to level the ground after the posts have been installed
4. Tape measure – this is needed for a variety of precision measurement tasks
5. Wheelbarrow – typically used for moving heavier materials, such as soil

Before you begin, you need to make sure your fence posts are long enough for the job. As a general rule of thumb, for a stable fence, a fence post should be 2ft taller than the fence panel. This allows for the extra 2ft to be securely inserted into the ground. Others may state this as being at least a third of the post being underground.

If you are wondering how to install a fence post into soil, these steps explain everything you need to know.

The first task, which is ultra-important is to consider the optimal place for the fence post to be located. Consider this carefully, you will not be able to change your mind after installation is completed (at least not without much effort).

We recommend as a minimum applying fence post timber treatment to the part of the fence post that will be buried during installation. This is especially important when setting fence posts without concrete, as they are massively more susceptible to rotting. You can treat the entire length of the post if you wish, albeit the part above ground can be treated after fence post installation if you wish.

Before you break soil, take a moment to consider this very important question: Will there be any pipelines or cables under the soil which will be damaged if struck? Make sure you know the ground layer and stay well clear of piping.

Use a spade to dig a small hole in the area you want your post to go. What type of ground will you be digging? Hard stony ground will cause issues. A tip is to dig a part hole and pour water in to work and weaken the soil before you start the real work.

Once you are satisfied with the ground, measure your space, and use a flagpole lineup to work out where all the holes will need to be dug (if it is a multiple fence post job). That way you can be sure that the holes you dig are the perfect distance apart for the fence panels.

Thrust your post digger into the ground and jiggle it around before opening the claws and extracting soil. Keep continuing this process until you are deep enough. It is often the case you will experience roots and other hard objects. Use the bladed edges to work the soil to allow for deeper penetration of the ground.

So, you are sure how deep you have reached, a top tip is to measure and mark the desired depth on the post first so you can use it as a measure and identify how deep you need to go. In general, the hole should be 300mm square.

When the hole is the desired depth, add an inch of hardcore or gravel to the bottom of the hole. This will aid drainage and deter rot.

Follow these four steps to position the post in place:

1. Mark the bolt hole locations - carefully mark the precise locations where the bolt holes will be drilled on the ground or base where the fence post will be positioned. To do this use a tape measure and a marker to ensure accuracy and alignment
2. Drill the bolt holes - use a drill (preferably a power drill) to drill the holes at the marked locations. Drill to the correct depth required by the bolts
3. Install the fence post - now carefully align the base of the fence post with the drilled holes. Then lower the post into its position, ensuring that it is perfectly upright and aligned with the remainder of the fencing run
4. Secure the post with bolts - insert the bolts through the base support and into the drilled holes. A wrench is then used to tighten the bolts until the post is firmly secured in place. Avoid overtightening bolts as this could lead to damage

An optional approach, for a quicker and more convenient installation, consider using fence post spikes. These metal supports are driven into the ground and hold the post securely in place without the need for digging deep holes or using concrete. They are ideal for creating a strong foundation in areas with soft or unstable soil and help to ensure the fence remains upright and durable.

Using a fence post driver makes the installation process quicker and easier. This tool allows you to drive the post directly into the ground with force, ensuring a secure and stable placement. It is especially useful for installing multiple posts efficiently.

It is critical to ensure that you test that the fence post is perfectly vertical. Do not do this by eye, instead use a spirit level, otherwise, you will repent your fence not being square for years to come.

Once the cement is set you can apply finishing touches. These might include caps or finials, which add a WOW factor. You could also add sealants to the post.

We also recommend reading these articles from the Buy Fencing Direct blog for extra support and as part of your research about how to install a fence post into soil:

• Concrete vs wood fence posts
• How deep to dig for a fence post
• How to install a fence post into concrete

Head on over to view our fence posts for sale. We have a full range of posts of all shapes and sizes which guarantee long-lasting support for your fence panels at competitive prices.

Browse and shop for fence posts by clicking here.

Deciding whether to install a fence post directly into soil is an important decision. If you need further advice on the topic contact Buy Fencing Direct in these ways:

• Call at - 0333 003 0515
• Contact us – email us at our contact page
• Chat online – we can text chat online when you click on our live chat app