around 4 feetDepth Capacity Most manual post hole diggers have long handles that enable digging down to depths of around 4 feet, which is code in many areas for deck and fence posts. A depth of 4 feet will also bring you below the frost line in all but the most frigid climates.

How deep will a post hole auger go?

Most augers dig about 3 ft. deep, but for deeper holes, ask for an extension rod (Photo 5), usually for no extra fee. Deeper holes are typically required for footings for decks or other structures attached to houses located in very cold climates where frost depths exceed 3 ft.

How do you dig a deep 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.

How deep will a 3 point auger dig?

It’s the perfect tool for creating accurate holes quickly. Simply attach the post hole digger to your 3-point hitch for heavy duty hole digging, and get your jobs done fast. You can dig deep, too, since this equipment can drill to a depth of 40 inches.

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 deep should fence posts be dug?

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.

Is a post hole digger worth it?

While that won’t make a lot of difference if you have loamy, soft soil to begin with, for those who have hard-packed clay soils it certainly does. If your soil is very solid, or has a lot of rocks, a post hole digger is an essential tool to have.

Do fence post need to be in concrete?

Do Fence Posts Need To Be Set in Concrete? No, fence posts don’t need to be set in concrete, and there are plenty of other ways to fix your posts if this feels a bit too permanent. If you are using wooden posts, concrete may actually be the worst option.

How deep should you bury an 8 foot post?

In general, holes should be at least 3 feet deep for posts that extend 8 feet or more above ground level. Posts that extend 6 feet above ground level should have holes at least 2 1/2 feet deep.

Is 1 foot deep enough for fence post?

The general rule of thumb when setting a post is that the depth of the post’s hole needs to be one-third to one-half of the actual above-ground height of the post. So, a six-foot-high finished post ideally needs to be buried three feet into the ground.

How deep should a 5ft fence post be?

Lawsons experts recommend you should dig a hole which has a depth of 2 ft (24 in / 600mm) to ensure you have a stable timber or concrete fence post.

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.

Can I pour concrete in a hole full of water?

You can place concrete in up to 1 inch of water-concrete is 2½ times heavier than water, and it will displace the water. You might want to thicken the footings in that case, because the bottom of the concrete may absorb some water and be a little weaker than normal.

How Long Should concrete Cure fence posts?

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.

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

1 – 4 bags of concrete per fence post are typically what’s needed. This depends on the type of soil, fence design, height, post size and bag weight. In general the depth of the post’s hole needs to be 1/3 to 1/2 of the above ground height of the post.

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.