How big of a hole do you need for a 4x4 post?

The diameter of your post hole should be three times the diameter of your post. So, if you're planning on using a four-inch round or 4x4-inch square post, your post hole will need to be 12 inches in diameter. For a six-foot-high fence post, we would need a hole that's 36 inches deep and 12 inches in diameter.

How big should the hole be for a 6x6 post?

Dig, align, and finish the job

Dig an 8"-diameter hole at least 6" deeper than your area's frost line for each 4x4 post, using a power auger, hand auger, or post-hole digger. A 6x6 post requires a 10"-diameter hole. Shovel a 6" layer of gravel into the hole to provide drainage.

How long does it take to dig a post hole?

Post Hole Digging Tools

In such soil, it can dig a 4-foot-deep hole that is the perfect size for a fence post in a matter of minutes.

Are post hole diggers hard to use?

A clamshell digger (also called a post hole digger) is a good tool for this type of work. The clamshell digger is essentially two shovels hinged together at the top of the blades. ... Clamshell diggers are difficult to use in deep holes because the narrow width of the hole makes it awkward to spread the handles apart.

Why is my auger not digging?

An auger that is slow to cut through soil or does not cut at all may indicate an issue with the auger itself. Damaged blades on the auger will prevent it from properly cutting through the ground and moving the dirt up and out of the hole. ... A local small engine shop or the factory can sharpen the blade on an auger.

Will an auger go through tree roots?

The most effective method of installing a post through a root is to drill through it. There is a power tool available known as an auger that will drill through the root, and allow you to put the post right where you need it.

Is 2 feet deep enough for fence posts?

2 feet is the minimum depth that you should dig your fence post holes for. To dig the holes one-third to one-half of the post's aboveground height, is a general formula. The deeper you dig the holes, the more stability your fence has.

How many bags of concrete do I need for a post hole?

Most fence post holes will need between 1 - 4 bags of concrete to securely hold the post in place. The best way to determine the size of the hole is: Diameter of the hole is 3 times the width of the fence post. Depth of the hole is one-third to half the above ground height of the fence post.

How long will treated post last in ground?

The length of time that you can keep a treated post in the ground depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, in the optimal conditions, it can last as long as 40 years. More commonly, though, it will last around 20 years.

How do you put the T post in rocky ground?

If terrain is too rocky to set wood posts, you can usually put steel posts in deep enough to hold, using rock baskets every so often for braces. Another strategy for rocks or frozen ground when using a post-pounder is to create a pilot hole.

How do you attach T posts to rock?

Set steel T-posts in rock by drilling a hole slightly larger in diameter than the T-post. Knock the spade off the bottom of the T-post. Drop the bottom end of the post in the hole. If it is snug, tap the post down with a hammer.

Will wooden posts rot in concrete?

Simply setting the posts in concrete does create a condition that will accelerate rot in the bottom of the posts. With pressure-treated posts, the rot will be slow. ... This allows any moisture that gets between the concrete and the bottom of the post to percolate through the gravel and away from the bottom of the post.

Should wood fence posts be set in concrete?

Concrete provides a strong foundation for wooden fence posts, but can rot them more quickly. Setting them in dirt, with or without gravel or crushed rock depending on your soil type, can help the posts last longer before going rotten. You can also use metal fence post anchors to prolong their life.

How deep should fence posts be Ohio?

All fence posts should be cemented in the ground below frost level. Check your local frost level and dig deeper by at least 6". Here in Ohio a typical 6' high wood fence would have a minimum 9" diameter x 36" deep hole.

What happens if fence posts aren't deep enough?

Anything less than 24 inches will put your fence at risk of blowing over in adverse weather conditions. Remember, these are wood posts that have been set in concrete, if your fence post isn't deep enough, it is prone to snapping and collapsing all of your hard work.

How do you keep fence posts from rotting in concrete?