Installing Concrete Fence Posts

As a premier concrete fence contractor and manufacturer, we are passionate about what we do and the concrete fence we offer. We have over 23 years of experience in this specific industry and have seen just about everything this industry can throw our way. We hope that this guide to installing a concrete fence post, will not only showcase our expertise but provide self-installers the means for a successful and uneventful installation. If you need assistance with preconstruction or digging post holes, please see previous posts in this blog series, Call Before You Dig, Preconstruction and Hilltop Concrete, and Excavating Concrete Fence Post Holes.

Always make sure you have the tools you need before you start your project. For each post hole, you will need 2 short, flat pieces of wood, approximately 18” long and ¼ to 1” thick. This is to provide a stable base for when the post is set in the concrete footer. We then use 2 more pieces of wood and 2 bolts at least 6 inches long to create a clamp around the post. You want this clamp to be tight enough it doesn't slip off but not too tight that it crushes the concrete. This is to hold the post in place while the concrete dries. 

Once the clamp is secure, simply stand the post over the hole on the wood you laid down earlier. Posts have to be 2-ft into the post hole. In cases with taller fences, a deeper footing is required. For an 8-ft fence (a standard footing size can be between 3’6” to 4’ deep by 12” in diameter). Because the post footing supports the panels, the post height is set from the top of the footing to the top of the post. These measurements are based on an overall 6-ft concrete fence including the panel cap. For any height changes, please adjust accordingly by the variance (e.g.: 24” higher for 8 ft.) from the six foot (72”) height. Check the height before and after you pour concrete.

With the first 2-ft of the post in the hole, using a 1” slump mix, fill the entire hole with concrete. The goal is to create a monolithic pour around each post. You can use a concrete mixer or a concrete truck. While you pour, make sure to pack it around the post. After you are done pouring, stir the concrete to remove any air pockets. Once you've packed the concrete, place an 18-in PVC in the channel of the post to allow drainage under the fence. Finally, check to make sure the post is still level. We clean up the footing packing in the concrete around the post and PVC pipe. You DO NOT need to place any concrete into the PVC pipe at this time. That is completed once the panels are in place

At Hilltop Concrete we are happy to install every one of our concrete fence systems but we are just as happy to help someone install it themselves. We provide a comprehensive installation guide with each purchase of material and we are happy to answer any questions during the installation process as well. As a premier concrete fence contractor, Hilltop Concrete’s customer service is the biggest priority with every project. Call us at 903-630-5465 or email hello@hilltopconcreteco.com today to see how we can help you get the concrete fence of your dreams.