how deep should I bury the post on a split rail fence?

Posted by Joe on September 21, 2008, 11:30 am

I'm trying to replace a post on a split rail fence and I'm having a
hard time digging out the remains of the old post. I've gotten down
about 17 inches and the post is going to rise about 38" off the
ground. Is that enough? I've been reading that I should use gravel as
a base is that recommended or will just backfilling the dirt be good
enough to hold it?

Posted by PanHandler on September 21, 2008, 2:18 pm

> I'm trying to replace a post on a split rail fence and I'm having a
> hard time digging out the remains of the old post. I've gotten down
> about 17 inches and the post is going to rise about 38" off the
> ground. Is that enough? I've been reading that I should use gravel as
> a base is that recommended or will just backfilling the dirt be good
> enough to hold it?

Gravel in the bottom of the hole is needed for drainage. How long did the
old post last at 17" or is it deeper than that? A PT post should last as
long as the original under similar conditions.

Posted by Joe on September 21, 2008, 2:30 pm

> > I'm trying to replace a post on a split rail fence and I'm having a
> > hard time digging out the remains of the old post. I've gotten down
> > about 17 inches and the post is going to rise about 38" off the
> > ground. Is that enough? I've been reading that I should use gravel as
> > a base is that recommended or will just backfilling the dirt be good
> > enough to hold it?

> Gravel in the bottom of the hole is needed for drainage. How long did the
> old post last at 17" or is it deeper than that? A PT post should last as
> long as the original under similar conditions.

don't know only owned the house 2 years. Looks like the fence is at
least 10-15 years old, maybe more. The old post is deeper. I'm having
a hard time removing it so that's why I was wondering if 1/3
underground would give it enough leverage to hold up.

Posted by Me on September 21, 2008, 5:22 pm

33 feet.

Posted by on September 21, 2008, 6:22 pm

Many places 1/3 is the rule, some more some less, it depends on the
stress that the fence may get (holding up a gate, or having kids climb
the fence or containing large animals. It also depends on the local
soil conditions. It is always a good idea to have several or more
inches of gravel in the bottom of the hole to allow drainage and
reduce rot.

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