Table of contents
- Preparation
- material list
- hole depth
- types of wood
- Costs
- Instructions
- alternatives
The posts serve as the basis for erecting a fence or shed. However, simply burying them in the ground does not bode well for their durability. It is much more worthwhile to set posts in concrete, but how is it done correctly?
Preparation
A wooden post buried in the ground as well as the later finished construction is exposed to wind and weather as nature's plaything, so that a certain durability is given. There are a few things to keep in mind as early as the planning stage so that the later project is successful.
Tip:
It is worth making markings in advance, as once concreted in, wooden posts can only be removed with a great deal of effort.
It is also important to ensure that the temperatures play along and that the soil is frost-proof. There must not be any lines or cables under the ground.
material list
A post is quickly set in concrete in your own garden. All tools and materials are available at hardware stores:
- mortar
- precast concrete
- gravel
- gravel
- post
- Water
- shovel
- spade
- hammer
- level
hole depth
Universal rules of thumb have been established when setting a post in concrete. So the height of the post is related to the depth of the hole. This ensures the stability of the object later and guarantees a certain durability. The minimum depth, however, should be around 80 centimeters. A drainage layer of gravel or crushed stone also takes up another 10 centimeters. It lies directly under the concrete layer. In cold areas, a foundation of up to one meter is the norm. The responsible building authority can provide more precise answers and recommendations on local conditions.
types of wood
Numerous local types of wood are suitable for setting in concrete and ensure the stability of the object erected with them. There are qualitative posts made from the following types of wood:
- fir
- larch
- Jaw
- Spruce
- elm
- hornbeam
- Black Locust
- Oak
Irrespective of the type of wood you choose, it is recommended to treat the wood with a wood preservative beforehand. Glaze or a special wood varnish is suitable for this.
Costs
Without knowing the exact dimensions of the project, no general answer can be given. The more complex the type of installation, the higher the cost point, although there is no upper limit here. A simple construction keeps the costs manageable, since elementary tools such as spades are already available and not too many materials are required.
Additional costs arise, for example, from concrete mixtures, which cost around 15 euros per 25 kilograms. The amount of concrete required can be calculated using a simple rule of thumb and depends on the number of wooden posts.
rule of thumb:
A hole with 30 by 30 centimeters and the usual depth of 80 centimeters is served with about 50 kilograms of ready mix. Since the underlying layer consists of gravel, there are additional costs for a 25 kg sack of gravel of almost 5 euros.
Instructions
1. After the markings have been made, the holes are to be dug. The depth depends on the construction and the size of the posts. A depth of 80 centimeters is recommended, as this ensures a certain durability and stability of the wooden post. The cross-section should be 30 by 30 centimeters. The turf must be carefully cut off so that it can be covered later.
Tip:
A garden spade is helpful, but a perforated spade makes digging narrow holes much easier.
2. Underneath the concrete layer, a layer of gravel or crushed stone serves as drainage, preventing water from accumulating. The posts are then placed in the holes.
3. The concrete mix can be mixed with a conventional spade or shovel. A good foundation consists of a 4 to 1 ratio of gravel to cement. How much water you need can be found in the manufacturer's information. A falsified result leads to disadvantageous results.
4. The pit is now to be filled with the mortar. The mixture can be compacted with a stick. At this point, a subsequent correction of the posts is still possible. The grass floor can then be returned to its original place.
alternatives
Concreting posts has proven itself and ensures a durable and stable construction. However, this type of assembly is time-consuming. As an alternative, there is the use of special impact sleeves, which enable posts to be fastened quickly. This requires pure muscle power. The construction also loosens over time. This type of installation is therefore less suitable for high fences. Screw-in sleeves have also proven their worth, especially on softer soils. The sleeves can be screwed into the ground using a rod. If the post base is only screwed onto the foundation, there are no direct points of contact with moisture.
Tip:
In this way, wooden posts are protected from the weather, which increases the durability of the wooden posts.
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