Setting Posts without Mixing | QUIKRETE: Cement and Concrete Products
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A great way to view and understand your building or repair project before you get started. Find out just about everything you need to know by watching the video below.

Setting Posts without Mixing

Whether you’re building a fence, setting a mailbox or even a basketball goal, the best way to ensure your posts will stay sturdy and true for years is to set them in concrete.


Project Instructions

Always take proper safety precautions when working with cement-based products, including wearing eye protection, nitrile gloves and a mask.

Step 1
Dig post hole so diameter of the hole is 3 times the width of the post (i.e., the hole for a 4” wood post should be about 12 inches wide). The depth of the hole should be 1/3-1/2 the post height above ground (i.e., a 6-foot tall fence would require a hole depth of at least 2 feet).

Step 2
Add about 6 inches of QUIKRETE All-Purpose Gravel into the bottom of the hole. Then compact and level the gravel using a post or 2x4.

Step 3
Set the post into the hole and attach 2x4 braces to adjacent sides of the post.

Step 4
Use a level to position the post perfectly vertical.

Step 5
Fill the hole with Fast-Setting Concrete up to 3 to 4 inches below ground level.

Step 6
Pour about a gallon of water per 50 lb bag into the hole and allow the water to saturate the concrete mix.

NOTE: mix will set hard in 20 to 40 minutes

Step 7
Wait about 4 hours to begin constructing your fence or applying heavy weight to your post.


Shopping List

(Optional)

  • QUIKRETE Building form
  • Shovel
  • Plastic mixing tub