Controlled expansion enables QUIK-ROK® to develop "lock-in" adhesion which can withstand loads in excess of 10,000 psi. But to ensure pleasing, long-lasting results, you’ll need to keep a few select considerations in mind and avoid a handful of potential pitfalls. Mixing Concrete - Let DIY Doctor show you how to mix concrete with this Project and Video Tutorial. At the top of the 4x4 post, pre-drill a hole for the C-hook that will hold the string lights. If a fence post fails without any sign of a pest infestation, it’s likely that the failure was caused by moisture that rotted the wood over time. Cement is the ingredient that binds it all together, but doesn't have a lot of strength by itself. For a fence, it’s imperative to start with posts that are arrow-straight. Also commonly used—and considerably more expensive (although prices vary by region)—are beautiful, naturally resistant species like cedar, cypress, and redwood. Repeat the process with the other three posts and flower pots. After you determine how much concrete to prepare, proceed to combine the mix with water, adhering to the precise ratio printed on the package. Cut off the excess post length wherever it exceeds the 77 inches. Position your load over your bucket or tarp and close the handles together to release the load. Does that … Pour the concrete mix into a bucket and dig a small hole in the mix, then add in water according to the package directions. Donna Boyle Schwartz, Bob Vila, 9 Curb Appeal Trends You Might Regret Sooner Rather Than Later, The Dos and Don'ts of Vinyl Fence Installation, What's the Difference? For a PVC pipe with a diameter of 12 in (30 cm) and a post of 4 in (10 cm), estimate about 2 bags of Quikrete per 1 ft (0.30 m) of height. Both will provide insulation value, both will provide an even, smooth surface for the new vinyl to sit properly, and both will provide enough insulation to keep the back of the sheathing warm enough to prevent condensation of moisture in the wall cavity. Enter your post and hole dimensions in any units. Use enough water to saturate the dry mix. Use where a thickness of 2 inches (5 cm) is required. Remember last week when Quincy asked about keeping her vinyl siding from warping from the heat reflected by her neighbor’s windows? Some localities enforce strict regulations. Controlled expansion enables QUIK-ROK® to develop "lock-in" adhesion which can withstand loads in excess of 10,000 psi. You did not state what this for . Do this about a week before you plan to start the work, so the utility company will be able to come and mark the approximate location of any lines that run under your property before you begin digging. Wood vs. Vinyl Fence, The Most Beautiful Chicken Coops We've Ever Seen. I wonder if this is now the source of a new urban legend? Building codes and ordinances in your area may stipulate a legal depth and diameter for fence-post holes. Very easy and quick way to measure out. Also, as you would for any project that involves digging deep down in the dirt, dial 811 (or visit call811.com). At this point, with the post set in place, you can begin filling the posthole with concrete. What about fence post brackets set into concrete? Use separate bucket for cement . Put the post in the center of your hole. Its facts and opinions are those of BobVila.com. Another way is to buy post stakes, steel boxes with a blade that can be driven into the ground. Q. I’ve had two bids to install vinyl siding. Good Luck Step 3 Pour water into the dry mix and allow it to soak in. Apply high-quality exterior acrylic latex caulk, or silicone specifically designed to adhere to concrete, at the base of the post. … Some people like to use heavy steel posts, railroad timbers, or concrete to make a mailbox more permanent, but this does expose the homeowner to a huge liability. Wash with Coca-Cola. Use a utility knife to … Cover the bottom in tape, and fill them with sand. To deliver concrete where you want it use concrete buckets. Essentially there is no difference between the two, insulation-wise. I prefer to scoop the concrete into a plastic bucket so I can control the wet concrete more easily. Typically, in part to ensure that posts lodge below the frost line, experts call for a hole deep enough to submerge the bottom third of the post below ground. QUIKRETE FENCE N POST Concrete Mix is a fast setting concrete used for setting posts and for small concrete projects such as footings. Continue mixing for two or three minutes until you’ve achieved a smooth, lump-free consistency. He has a metal post spike that looks like this: Note: This will seal the gap between the concrete and post that's caused by freeze/thaw cycles. This article has been brought to you by CTS Cement | Rapid Set. -inch difference that important? Most of the projects below use a fine grain sand as aggregate to produce a smoother finish. QUIK-ROK® is a chemically engineered hydraulic cement which when mixed with water forms a pourable mix who self-leveling characteristics make it an ideal grouting material. Over time this moisture could lead to rot—but this scenario isn’t inevitable. One window’s louvers are locked in position, and the crank is not moving them. Although this makes for a lovely adjustable fence, it won't hold up to high winds or inclement weather that can deteriorate the durability of the temporary structure. Remember that different types of wood offer drastically different levels of long-term fence-post performance. Plan to set at least one-fourth to one-third of the fence post underground, and dig the hole accordingly. Expert advice from Bob Vila, the most trusted name in home improvement, home remodeling, home repair, and DIY. Mix with cement mix accelerator for fast set times. Alternatively... (using ballast) 3/4x full (maybe slightly more) bucket of water Pour about 1 ⁄ 2 litre (0.53 qt) of it into a large bucket. Strong, adaptable, and durable, concrete can be used for patios, fence posts, flooring, footers, and slabs.You can even make kitchen countertops, bathroom vanity tops, and sinks out of concrete. One type of concrete works particularly well in such applications—rapid-setting concrete like category favorite CTS Rapid Set Concrete Mix. Be responsible. Then mix concrete and pour in … 2) When people tell me to build a fence, they say to put the wood posts in a bucket of concrete and then put the bucket in the ground. Pour about a gallon of water per 50 lb bag into the hole and allow the water to saturate the concrete … Example Fence Post Concrete Calculation. If you don't put in deep enough the ice in the ground will shift the post. After only an hour, CTS Rapid Set Concrete Mix will have hardened completely. That being the case, it’s only practical to plan your approach. Inspect your posts at least once a year, ideally in spring or fall, and reapply paint or stain as necessary to protect the wood and keep your fence looking its best. Generally speaking, it’s wise to opt for darker, denser heartwood over younger, lighter-colored sapwood, because heartwood harbors better defenses, particularly against wood-boring insects. Holding a Post Level While Pouring Concrete. A good general purpose mix would be 1:2:4 ie cement, sand, stone. Therefore, 2’ of post will be in the ground. There are many odor controls on the market. You mentioned a bolt and washer that is missing its nut. With concrete buckets and combo cement buckets in size ranging from half yard to 4 yards, you can get it done faster and easier. First dig the holes using an auger or a post-hole digger. Q. DO Apply Caulk to Each Fence Post After only an hour, CTS Rapid Set Concrete Mix will have hardened completely. If your mailbox gets hit, it would be pretty easy to simply unscrew the anchor and install a new $25 right next to it. First dig the holes using an auger or a post-hole digger. So my buddy is dealing with a lot of concrete. Pressure-treated wood, which boasts both durability and affordability, ranks high among the top choices. For the tools, remove the rust with steel wool, then oil them lightly with mineral oil or paint thinner before storing. The amount of concrete you’ll need depends on the size of your project. A concrete bucket is a container with movable gates at the bottom that is attached to power cranes or cables to transport concrete material. That bolt makes the louvers move as a unit, which is not happening. And if you’re fortunate enough to have level terrain to work with, there’s really just one tricky step—setting the posts. Caulk Around the Fence Post Base. To deliver concrete where you want it use concrete buckets. In fact, CTS Rapid Set Concrete Mix sets in only 15 minutes. Can this be verified as a legitimate problem?’’. I found steel buckets at the Dollar store (which were $4 a piece-- definitely not a DOLLAR store anymore) and some Quikrete Fence 'N' Post from Home Depot. The latest problem is a number of jalousie windows, the type with large glass louvers that open and close like a Venetian blind. A. Now you don’t have to lose all hope because it’s for certain that the concrete around the post will crack, therefore making it easy to pull out when it starts to rot. Allow the concrete to harden, and remove the 2-by-4's. Whether your goal is privacy, a better-defined property line, or simply a beautiful addition to your yard, a fence can fit the bill. Fixing a concrete spur post involves digging down alongside the old post and concreting in the new spur. The photo on the right shows a post that has concrete poured around it, which can lead to a crack like you see here. Is the ⅛ Pour concrete into the tires around the base of the poles or posts. Does that make sense? After all, there’s a simple means of sealing the opening—caulk. Use for setting mailboxes, fence posts, basketball/game posts, lamp posts and swing sets. Don’t cheat by cutting the post shorter. This isn’t an issue with metal … Two 50-pound bags of fast-setting concrete will set a 4-inch-by-4-inch (or a 4-inch diameter) post in a 10-inch diameter hole 2 feet deep. Place two foot long sections of 6" wide tubing in the concrete where you want the fence to go. For a six-foot-tall post, therefore, you would dig a hole two feet deep. To ensure that your posts are sturdy for a long time to come, remember to make your holes 3 times the diameter of your post and 1 ⁄ 3 as deep as your fence. When the post concrete has hardened (usually 48 hours) use your measuring tape and measure 77 inches up from each post base. Set planter barrel in place and mix the concrete in the barrel. Just be careful not to mix more concrete than you can put in place in 15 minutes, before it begins hardening. Copyright © 2021 Acton Media Inc. All rights reserved. Call 617-929-2930. If you need a lot of concrete price the loose materials against "post mix" and you will be surprised at the difference. Your extra labour is free. With concrete buckets and combo cement buckets in size ranging from half yard to 4 yards, you can get it done faster and easier. Q. I am trying to keep my parents’ old house from deteriorating. If you are asking what is the best fence material, concrete will be the first answer. Now the concrete is like a bucket around the post, filling up with water every time it rains. Didn't have enough to fill the bucket all the way, probably only about 12 inches deep. Once you have added gravel to a depth of three inches or so, use a piece of scrap lumber to tamp down the layer. Explains what sand to cement ratio you need for your Concrete Project. Step 2 Mix the concrete according to manufacturer’s instructions. Finally, no matter what wood you select, be sure that you’re buying lumber labeled as suitable for in-ground applications. Instead, make quicker and easier work of the task by opting for a posthole digger (available for rent at your local home center). Other species, including spruce, oak, and pine, may be used with confidence only if treated beforehand with a brush-on preservative (look for copper naphthenate on the list of ingredients). The ideal diameter, meanwhile, should measure three times the width of the post. Try Febreze, or wintergreen-scented rubbing alcohol. Let’s say we are installing a 6’ fence. Find out how much cement and aggregate you need to buy using our concrete calculator. 3. The Simple Bucket Canopy. Setting Fence Posts in Concrete Set fence posts in fast-setting concrete if you're planning to leave the fence in place for a long time or if you have very loose, sandy soil. Another said he would use ⅜ Apparently, removing the original posts left very large holes, which the previous fence builder filled with concrete. Excavate 12 inches, and add 6 inches of crushed stone for drainage, and pour 6 inches of concrete. How to Set Posts in Concrete (without mixing): This video shows you step-by-step instructions for how to set a fence post in concrete, without mixing. 2) Never put wood posts in concrete; it will guarantee decay within 10 years. For the box, sand off the rust and repaint. Be proactive: Once the concrete has hardened, go ahead and apply exterior acrylic latex caulk directly to the seam, all the way around the post. Concrete fencing is one of the most popular options chosen by homeowners. Go to any hardware store and ask for odor controls. SAKRETE Fence Post mix is not recommended for any other structural applications. I used the ready-mix stuff for fence posts. Set in your posts while the poured concrete is still wet. 2. Use enough water to saturate the dry mix. That will just accelerate the decay of the bottom end of your post. First, consider the size of the posthole in relation to the concrete yield. You might consider the job done, but to further safeguard the fence post against rot, there’s one more important detail to address. Left as is, this seam could invite water to become trapped in any slivers of space between the wood and the concrete. Then mix concrete and pour in … Pour waterproofing wood sealant into a bucket and immerse the end of the wood fence post that will be buried below ground into the sealant. As long as you give a wide berth to any buried lines, you should be perfectly safe. The weight and desired dryness of concrete compacts it into the bottom too much. Next, pour an additional three inches of gravel into the hole, tamping down a second time. Suitable for all types of posts including wood, steel and PVC. That will just accelerate the decay of the bottom end of your post. A quality mixture of sand, coarse aggregate and cementitious materials. A. 2-3 p.m. Thursdays. Treat the Post With Preservatives. A. Instead, dig a hole and put a couple or three inches of crushed stone at the bottom to allow for drainage. Before getting underway with your project, consult with municipal officials to confirm that your planned fence doesn’t deviate from any specifications of relevant building codes or ordinances. The tenant has left my rental unit, but she had a lot of cats and the place stinks of cat urine. It offers great privacy, security, protection, and add so much value to your property. True to its name, rapid-setting concrete doesn’t delay. According to We Build Fences, untreated wood posts buried below ground have shorter lifespans because of rot. Repeat step 3 and this step and work your way down to the required depth, occasionally stopping to measure your depth with the tape measure. Q. What is best and cheapest: poured concrete or hot top (asphalt)? This provides a place for the sun-sail rope to attach to the anchor. Allow the post to remain in the sealant overnight. Setting Fence Posts in Concrete Set fence posts in fast-setting concrete if you're planning to leave the fence in place for a long time or if you have very loose, sandy soil. Putting up a fence is a substantial, satisfying project, and particularly if you’re relying on a kit, an eminently doable one. Allow the concrete to cure completely before using the anchors. Double-check that the post hasn’t fallen out of level, then let the concrete harden. Use a level or plumb bob to set the posts plumb. A standard 60-pound bag of CTS Rapid Set Concrete Mix yields approximately 0.5 cubic feet, so depending on the volume of your hole, you may need to prepare multiple bags at once. Note that 4” posts are actually 3 ½” … Be forewarned that the accumulated effect of freeze-thaw cycles may cause the seam to widen, so you’ll probably need to recaulk every now and then. The posts can be mounted to the brackets and the fence finished from there. Q. I left my tool box outdoors and the tools and part of the box rusted. To participate, go to www.Boston.com. For a 5-foot fence, you’d want an 8-foot post and you’d need a 3-foot hole. Concrete, vinyl, aluminum, and chain link are the fence material wich require easy care. If the urine stains are black on a hardwood floor, the only cure is to sand the stains to the bare wood, bleach the wood, and finish with an oil-based polyurethane varnish. (Alternatively, you can use any silicone caulk that adheres to concrete.) Rather than digging holes for the posts, I used buckets + cement to hold them. Insert a landscaping timber into a flower pot and pour the concrete around the pole. One bidder said he would use ¼-inch Styrofoam insulation behind the siding. I would rather mix on the ground with shovels or even in a wheelbarrow (see FH method for wheelbarrow mixing) over bucket mixing. Why Deck Posts Should Not Be Set in Concrete The photo on the left shows a post set in a bracket that has been mounted to the top of a footer. You need twenty (20) 4” nominal round posts. The Simple Bucket Canopy. If you use a regular shovel, you’ll end up with a cone-shaped hole. Take your pick. A guide on how to mix concrete … By Donna Boyle Schwartz and Bob Vila. I’ve got a bucket with two loops in – it’s about 60-70kg. The Dos and Don’ts of Setting a Fence Post A well-constructed fence can protect privacy, define your property, and enhance curb appeal. Use where a thickness of 2 inches (5 cm) is required. I've set the pole in one bucket of concrete and I'm currently waiti ... How to Fix a Fence Post with Concrete and Ensure they stay Inline and Level and don’t rot; Thank you all for your ideas, and especially to Tom Pantages of Marlborough, who calls himself Doubting Thomas, who wrote: “Although it has been proven that the legend of Archimedes using mirrors to burn enemy ships could be true, it is hard to conceive of several windows melting a neighbor’s vinyl siding. What will happen is the bucket will hold moisture and concrete is porous. Buckets of Stone LLC. Concrete is a valuable building material around the home. This cement is amazing because is doesn't require mixing in a separate bucket and it is quick setting. Peter Hotton is also in the g section on Thursdays. Place a mark here. As for the posts themselves, a little regular scrutiny and maintenance will help ensure a long life for your fence. Step 3 Pour water into the dry mix and allow it to soak in. QUIKRETE FENCE N POST Concrete Mix is a fast setting concrete used for setting posts and for small concrete projects such as footings. A basic canopy consists of a large sheet of material supported by vertical posts or poles. George Murray of Melrose also suggested full black pet screens. Dig the post hole, making it three times the width of the post and at a depth equal to 1/3 to 1⁄2 of … Actually, he thought full aluminum screens on each of the reflecting windows would work, but forgot to mention them. Very affordable and easy to accomplish. As long as the it goes below the frost line. Step 5 - Trim Planted Posts. Do you notice a seam? The good news? Add Hooks. The box will hold a 4-by-4-inch post. Receive free, no-commitment estimates from licensed fence experts near you. What can I do? Conversely, it is equally hard to conceive of any other cause of the melting vinyl. Setting a fence post doesn’t require uncommon skills or expensive tools, and doing it right doesn’t really take much longer than doing it the slapdash way. Plan to set at least one-fourth to one-third of the fence post underground, and dig the hole accordingly. A concrete bucket is a container with movable gates at the bottom that is attached to power cranes or cables to transport concrete material. Anchoring the Sail It is mixed in the bag to produce expanding foam for supporting and backfilling fence, mail box, gate and signage posts. The biggest drawback with wood-in-concrete posts is that the wood rots in the concrete. You have to pour slowly so you don't move the base of the upright out of center and it's hard to control that if you pour directly from the wheelbarrow. Instead, put the posts in the earth, 2 feet deep. Let’s use an example to illustrate what we covered above. This concrete fence looks very modern and elegant. It is always advisable to have, at the very least, 450mm of spur under the ground but 99% of the time the existing fence post concrete stops this happening. Set the end of your post that you’ll bury in the ground into the bucket and let it soak for 15–20 minutes. Here, to prevent pooling, trowel the concrete so that it slopes away from the post. 1 Bucket of Portland Cement; 1 1/2 Buckets Of Gravel ; About 1 Bucket Of Sand; ... You can either mix the concrete in the buckets or use a concrete mixer and then pour it into the buckets. What will happen is the bucket will hold moisture and concrete is porous. A. 1) Both concrete and hot top are good, but you can save money by doing the prep work for poured concrete. The design is very simple yet … 145 likes. You can use concrete, if desired, but the moisture in the concrete can sometimes cause wooden posts to rot more quickly, while the gravel allows water to drain quickly away from the fence post … What Type of Concrete Should I use to Make Planters? So, for a standard 4×4, the ideal hole would span twelve inches across. Their tops should be level or just slightly below where you want the top of the concrete. The calculator will give you the results in cubic yards and number of pre-mixed bags of concrete (40 lb, 60 lb, and 80 lb bags). Read on for the full details. As they say, a fence is only as strong as its posts. Disclosure: BobVila.com participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for publishers to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Hotton (photton@globe.com) also chats online Giving your posts a thorough soaking in a wood preservative will go a long way in preventing them from rotting. Just add water. The main reason for the melting is that the houses are too close together. We filled the barrel with about 8”-10” of concrete to a make a 16”-18” planter.