Concreting in a gatepost.

[Jimk]

Yep. Concrete in galvanised post bases are indicated. ideally the bolt up type so you can easily change the posts as necessary...

BIC do a range ...

[Roger Hayter]

If one is setting a wooden gatepost in concrete should one have a bed of concrete underneath the post to keep water out, or should one have it on shingle underneath to let water out?

[Vir Campestris]

Doesn't matter. Posts always rot off at ground level where they are damp and there is lots of oxygen.

Andy

[Harry Bloomfield, Esq.]

Vir Campestris pretended :

Finish the concrete slightly above the ground level and fluanch it so water runs away from the post.

[Chris Hogg]

+1

I've had posts last 20 years by doing that. Then I moved house, so for all I know they're still OK.

[Chris Green]

... and concreting them in usually makes that worse. Set them in gravel, i.e. well drained, and they will last longer.

[Roger Hayter]

Thanks, everyone, fo useful comments. I am using a 6" X 6" post that has been buried in well-drained earth for at least 16 years without detectable softening. If it fails, it fails. And I shall probably substitute a 5" square one to save money.

[harry]

A new post won't last two minutes unless you give it a good soaking in a decent wood preserver these days. The preserver they use now is crap.

[Chris Hogg]

and most probably it's only sprayed over the surface, not pressure treated.