How deep should a footing be for a 4×4 post?
Dig post hole so diameter of the hole is 3 times the width of the post (i.e., the hole for a 4” wood post should be about 12 inches wide). The depth of the hole should be 1/3-1/2 the post height above ground (i.e., a 6-foot tall fence would require a hole depth of at least 2 feet).
Can you put pressure-treated wood directly on concrete?
Pressure-treated wood is required whenever you attach framing lumber or furring strips directly to concrete or other exterior masonry walls below grade. Note that this requirement is only for exterior walls, as these may wick moisture onto the lumber.
How much concrete do I need for a 4×4 post hole?
A 4″ diameter fence post needs a post hole that’s about 12″ in diameter. The depth below ground should be about 1/3 the height of the post above ground. For example, a 5′ high post will need about a foot and a half deep hole.
How Much Concrete For A 4×4 Fence Post?
| Depth | 50 Lb Bags |
|---|---|
| 10″-14″ | 2 |
| 16″-22″ | 3 |
| 24″30″ | 4 |
| 32″36″ | 5 |
Can pressure treated posts be set 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.
Can you put dry concrete in a post hole?
Fast-setting concrete is ideal for setting posts because there’s no mixing—you simply pour the dry concrete from the bag right into the hole, then add water.
How do I keep my post level while concrete dries?
You need to level it in two directions with a 4-foot level. After getting it straight in the first direction, hold one of the braces against the post and drive a single screw to connect the brace to the post. You can then level and brace the post in the other direction and begin filling the hole.
What should I put between wood and concrete posts?
In most cases, either pressure-treated lumber or naturally durable lumber (defined by the IRC as the heartwood of redwood, cedar, black locust, and black walnut) is acceptable. In some cases, separating wood from concrete with a water-impervious membrane or vapor retarder is all that’s required.
How long will a 4×4 post last in concrete?
How Long Will A Treated 4×4 Last In The Ground? (Explained) A treated 4×4 will last 20 to 25 years in the ground if the conditions in the soil and climate are favorable. That number could increase to 40 to 75 years if you install the treated 4×4 in a cement ring rather than the soil.
What should you put between wood and concrete?
Anyplace where wood meets the ground or concrete, the lumber must be pressure treated. For additional moisture protection, a gasket or strip of closed-cell foam can be installed between the concrete foundation and the sill plate.
How big of a hole do you need for a 4×4 post?
12 inches
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 4×4-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 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 do you attach deck posts to concrete?
Insert an anchor bolt into theconcrete with no more than an inch of thread showing. To ensure the concrete form stays in place while curing, backfill the surrounding area with gravel. Once the concrete has completely dried, secure the post brackets with washers and nuts, then set pressure plates on top.
How long will pressure treated wood last in cement?
The lifespan of pressure-treated wood in concrete can go up to 70 years or even an entire century. In addition, concrete provides water and moisture-free environment: ideal for pressure-treated poles.
Can you put pressure treated wood directly on the ground?
Pressure-treated wood is softwood lumber, typically southern yellow pine, that’s been chemically treated to resist rot, decay and termites. Lumber treated to “Ground Contact” has a high chemical retention level and can be placed directly on or in the ground with better protection against rot or decay.
How long does quikrete need to set?
It will remain semi-liquid and workable for about an hour and will dry to approximately 50% of its strength in 24 hours. At this point, it usually ready for people to walk on. After 48 to 72 hours, it’s normally ready for small vehicle traffic, and after 14 to 30 days it will harden to its full strength.
Do you have to premix quikrete?
Whether you are building a new fence, setting a mailbox or anchoring a basketball goal or play set, QUIKRETE® Fast-Setting Concrete is the ideal product for the job. With Fast-Setting Concrete there is no mixing or tools required – You simply pour the dry mix right from the bag into the hole, then add water.
How do you keep fence posts from rotting in concrete?
How You Can Protect Your Wooden Fence Posts From Rotting
- Wet Rot Vs. Dry Rot.
- Choose Rot Resistant Wood.
- Dry the Fence Posts Out.
- Consider Adding Posts to Concrete.
- Apply Preservative to the Wooden Post.
- Consider Staining Your Wood.
- Start Digging.
- Fill Up the Hole.
How long does it take for posts to set in concrete?
Typically, you can apply some weight to the posts after 4 hours, but it’s a good idea to wait at least 24 hours before resuming fence construction. Standard concrete mixes may take up to two hours to set and should cure for 24 to 48 hours before any forces are applied to the posts.
Can you attach wood directly to concrete?
Wood can be attached directly to interior concrete using screws, screws with anchors, anchor bolts, nails, or adhesives. There are a variety of different screw-down fasteners, but all require a predrilled hole. Some require anchors inserted into the concrete, and others bite and grip the edges of the hole.
What goes between concrete and sill plate?
Air seal between the sill plate and the sub-floor with caulk, foam, or an equivalent material. Install a foam gasket beneath sill plates that are sitting on concrete or masonry and adjacent to conditioned space to both air seal and serve as a capillary break between the concrete and the sill plate.
Contents