fence post depth


  #1  
Old 09-22-17, 08:40 AM
P
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 114
Received 0 Upvotes on 0 Posts
fence post depth

I am building a picket in front of our house, fence will only be 3-3.5 feet tall. Does the 1/3 post rule apply here as far as setting the posts in concrete because that would mean i only need to dig them 1 foot underground. Thanks
 
  #2  
Old 09-22-17, 10:25 AM
T
Member
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: USA
Posts: 914
Received 97 Upvotes on 86 Posts
The rule to me has always been 1/3 to 1/2. I'd shoot for 1 1/2 or preferably two feet. Keep in mind, the post does more than stabilize the fence it also supports it so you need the depth to handle the span, as well.

BTW, I believe parts of California have frost issues and if you're in that territory you need to be mindful of frost heaves.
 
  #3  
Old 09-22-17, 10:35 AM
P
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 114
Received 0 Upvotes on 0 Posts
Thanks for your input. Im in the bay area so no frost issues that im aware of.
 
  #4  
Old 09-22-17, 11:38 AM
M
Forum Topic Moderator
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: USA - N.E.Tn
Posts: 45,422
Received 786 Upvotes on 689 Posts
While I agree with the 1/3 rule it's never a great idea to set a fence post less than 2' deep.
 
  #5  
Old 09-25-17, 02:19 PM
P
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 114
Received 0 Upvotes on 0 Posts
What I don't get is how u can install fence posts (like mine) with 4 inch concrete fastners using a post base like this above ground one: Simpson Strong-Tie 12-Gauge Black Powder-Coated E-Z Base-FPBB44 - The Home Depot

but if u want to bury the post u have to go pretty deep (fee deep), some of these codes don't make sense.... how can those small bolts will hold the post or not make wobble.
 
 

Thread Tools
Search this Thread
 
Ask a Question
Question Title:
Description:
Your question will be posted in: