Quikrete Mix for setting fence posts???

[Doug Steckel]

Hello all,

I'm getting some conflicting advice on the best mix to use for setting fence posts for a 6ft vinyl privacy fence. I've been told that any Quikrete mix (like the #1101) will set up if poured dry. I've also been told that the fast setting the fast setting #1004 is far better. Someone even told me that the non-fast setting will only have half the strength of the red bag, fast setting mix if poured dry. I'd like to save some money if possible but don't want to sacrifice strength over the years as this fence will catch lots of wind over the years.

Any advice?

Thanks,

Doug

[- Tom -]

Yes, advice follows: Buy a couple of cases of good beer or mix a few pitchers of margaritas on the rocks, ten to fifteen pounds of beef ribs and get the grill ready to light. Then buy a wheelbarrow and the concrete mix, drag the hose to the worksite (the water hose, that is) and invite your office buddies out to help you install the fence correctly. Make sure the boom box has extra batteries, too. You can't do a half assed job if the fence is going to catch a lot of wind over the years. So, mix the concrete according to the directions.

Tom

[Dan]

Dry pour of quickrete will be sufficient, but for heavy winds and a longer lasting footer, (and piece of mind) I would suggest a wet pour of quickrete

12" diameter and 12-24"deep, depending on your local frost line.

Dan

Dan

[Dan Espen]

Wind?

Sorta funny.

I put in a vinyl fence. The instructions said put concrete around the posts, put 2 pieces or rebar inside the posts, then fill the posts with concrete. These are 4 or 5 inch square posts.

Those posts aren't going anywhere.

[Mac Cool]

a bucket of water in the hole and then pour in the quikrete or vice versa, don't make it complicated. It's vinyl fencing, the vinyl will break a million years before the concrete no matter how badly you botch the job.

[Rudy]

Quickcrete (brand name) is expensive. Use the no name stuff sold by Lowes or HD..about half the price For fencepost "anchors" it doesnt matter..Why do you need fast setting ? Just brace the posts and let it set overnight.

[Stubby]

But you should think about providing bearing surface rather than just a blob on the bottom of the post. Spread it out horizontally a few inches down in the dirt. Or use long horizontal rebar to stablize it.

[PipeDown]

For a fence post, the extra expense of quick setting or high strength is unwarranted. The post hole concrete is a mix with more/bigger/random sized aggregate in it and optimized to make it easier to absorb water from the ground.

The whole concept of putting the mix in dry is a time saver. Not only do you not have to premix the concrete but the dry mix holds the post steady while the ground water permeates the mix and allows the chemical reaction to occur. With mixed concrete you will need to brace the post in place while it sets.

The ground does need to be moist or you can just dump water on top of the mix in the hole. Sure it takes longer, sure it is not as hard, but you do not need this for a post of a lightweight vinyl fence

[Jonny]

Doesn't make any difference regarding the concrete chosen. Cheap fence post will die before the concrete caves in. Just pour it with your choice, dry or wet pour. If you decide to move to something more substantial, please post again with that information.