How to Dig, Set and Concrete Fence Posts

In the first of my 'Essentials' series I explain the best practices of installing wooden fenceposts and take you through the progress start to finish.

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[mburton]

I put a piece of tape at 24" up from the bottom of my post hole digger handles, quick and easy way to let me know when I am at the correct depth.

[ofwoden]

For digging post holes in gravelly soils I've had success with using one of those long iron digging bars to loosen up the soil/rocks.

[kathrynkenyon]

Thank you for making it short, sweet, and informative! Getting ready to put up my first ever fence at age 60!

[brantdanger]

This is the clearest video I've seen on properly setting posts. Nice job mate.

[Sunnyblueskies]

Hello Proper DIY presenter, I discovered your DIY videos by chance and you are a Godsend the way you explain things. I have seen lots of videos from America which are good but the American presenters are so affected . It’s great to see your DIY explanation videos without you saying “ What’s Up Guys “ and other American sayings. I have to see all your videos and forward them to my friends. Cheers Steve

[joed]

Absolutely no intention of doing any DIY but this is my favourite channel on YouTube. Likeable presenter, great editing, great production. I love the way you find solutions to problems. Watched all your videos, just wish there were more.

[harrietblake]

That you so much for sharing, Start this Job on Sunday & had yet to find a clear easy to follow non patronising guide, :)

[PaulBednall]

I appreciate your tips, advice and explaining both the pros & cons of how to achieve a good result.

[damienkilloran]

Great video and well explained, you certainly know what you are doing, from my own experience I wouldn't paint the very bottom of the fence, so as to let moisture escape through the grain into the gravel at the base, also it would add years to the fence to seal the top of them with a cap to prevent moisture holding in the grain and moss etc growing and rotting the timber through time.. hope you don't mind my input.

[killbill]

Good man using a manual post hole digger. I just used one to dig six 2-ft holes into rock hard clay in my backyard. It stood up amazing I expected it to crack in half after the first hole

[davidcann]

Once again, a really precise video on how to set your posts in concrete, thoroughly described and shown from start to finish - really useful for me as I am going to be doing this very task pretty soon for our new driveway gates!

[aaroncecil]

Not often I fully watch a video like this, but it's really informative and straight to every point. Thank you!

[lewisbrown]

Brilliant video.... done a few fences and always struggled digging the holes with a cheap fencing spade... usually holes dug too wide and loads of concrete in... worked so far, touch wood.... if I do it again though I think I'll invest in a decent quality trench spade and post hole digger.

Good work again, thanks for sharing!

[martinmorgan]

On the subject of concrete vs. Postfix, I've used ballast and postfix pre-mixed 50/50 when putting in 30+ posts in school grounds due to the limited time available during out-of-hours periods. It was more expensive but enabled work to progress quicker. This still allowed haunching of the top of the mix above ground level.
As an aside, I took the Damp Proof Membrane 2" above that to ensure protection against decay.
Glad to see you used gravel under the too. 👍
As an aside

[captainbarnes]

Another good video with lots of sage advice.
One discussion point is the extent of bitumen paint. Rot tends to start where air/damp earth meet, I think I'd only go down the sides with the paint, otherwise you are making a cup. The "Ham Shanks" have a heat shrink system that seals the sides of the post only and I would try to emulate that with the bitumen. Each to our own.

[marcioduarte]

Congratulations on your channel and videos. You are really a pro! I've become addicted to your videos, have learned loads!

[boofuls]

Great idea with the blackjack (so few people seem to do this ) but shouldn't it come above the concrete slightly 🤔

[reepham]

I came across a video of yours by accident and I must say that I am a fan. Thanks

[Showing_the_car_]

Another really well presented video, thanks. Very professional, clear and easy to follow. I'll add my name to the list of interested viewers for the concrete shed base.

[DevilbyMoonlight]

this one looks quicker and than the way I was taught back in the 80's, I remember putting 100's of post's in while on a council run YTS - back then wooden posts always had to have plenty of 9 inch nails knocked in around the base of the posts and the mix had to go in semi-dry with carefully placed large stones trapping the nails, a wet mix to result in the wrath of the supervisor - and I remember it well! - there was no ballast back then but the mix was stronger than the usual 247 cement sand chippings mix - if I hadn't seen this I would be putting the post the way I was shown nearly 40 year ago - thanks