How big a hole should I dig for a fence post?
The width of the post hole should be 3 times the width of diameter of the post. For example, if you are erecting a 6 foot high fence using 4 inch fence posts, the posts need to be 6 feet above the ground. 6 divided by 3 is 2, therefore the depth of the hole required is 2 feet.
What to use to dig holes for fence posts?
You can use a post hole digger or power auger to dig the hole. A post hole digger is a manual tool and will get the job done in average soil. If you have hard, rocky soil or a lot of roots – you may want to opt for a power auger. Many home improvement stores have them available for rent.
What is the fastest way to dig a post hole?
There are a few things you can do to make digging a post hole easier. There’s no question about it — the fastest and easiest way to dig post holes is to use a gas-powered earth auger. Fill the tank with gas, position the auger on the ground, fire it up, hold on tight and watch the soil come streaming out of the hole.
How many bags of concrete do you need for a fence post?
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 deep should a 6-foot fence post be in the ground?
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). Add about 6 inches of QUIKRETE All-Purpose Gravel into the bottom of the hole.
How do you dig a post hole by hand?
How to Dig a Hole: Pro Tips
- Step 1: String your line and pound the stakes.
- Step 2: Carve out a soil divot with a spade.
- Step 3: Loosen earth with a tile shovel.
- Step 4: Use your clamshell digger.
- Step 5: Use a reciprocating saw on large roots.
- Step 6: Dislodge rocks with a digging bar.
- Step 7: Tamp the soil with the other end.
How long does it take to dig a 6 foot hole with a shovel?
It takes 0.07 hours (4.24 minutes) to dig 1.23 cubic yards of earth in stable soil. This means it takes 4.24 minutes to dig a 6 foot deep hole of 16 inches diameter.
Do you have to dig a hole for a fence post?
Digging post holes is hard work. But it’s work that’s crucial to the long-term performance of your wood fence. Posts form the backbone of your fence, so they need to be set deep enough in the ground to ensure a sturdy foundation.
What kind of tool do I need to dig a post hole?
You can use a post hole digger or power auger to dig the hole. A post hole digger is a manual tool and will get the job done in average soil. If you have hard, rocky soil or a lot of roots – you may want to opt for a power auger. Many home improvement stores have them available for rent.
Can you use a post hole digger in rocky soil?
Rocky soils are difficult to use post hole diggers in, since a relatively small stone will prevent the cutting edge of the diggers from penetrating the soil. You can use a steel rock bar to loosen the rocks before using the post hole digger.
How do you dig a hole in the ground?
Begin digging by holding the post hole diggers by the handles, one in each hand, with the handles close together. Thrust the blades into the earth so they cut a plug out of the soil (and turf, if there is any present).