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Velvet Digest

How far apart do you set fence posts?

Author

Sophia Koch

Updated on May 01, 2026

Determine Spacing for Fence Posts Typically, fence posts are spaced between six and eight feet apart. The corner posts are set first. To align all of the posts in between, stretch a line from each corner post to work as your guide. Mark the exact position where you'd like each post hole dug.

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Keeping this in consideration, can fence posts be 10 feet apart?

Typical spacing is right around 8 feet between each post however different circumstances may call for different measurements and it is not uncommon to have spacing between posts reach up to 10 feet. Dig the hole to be a little bit bigger than the fence post.

Likewise, how do I calculate how much fencing I need? First, calculate the Number of Fence Panels.

  1. Number of Fence Panels = (Total Lineal Feet of Project – Gate Width) / Width of Fence Panel.
  2. Number of Posts = Number of Panels + 1 + Number of Gates.
  3. Number of Fence Sections = Total Lineal Feet / Width of each Fence Section.

Keeping this in view, should fence posts be set in concrete?

Setting Fence Posts in Concrete Concrete is the most secure material for setting fence posts, especially if you have sandy soil. Gravel may be okay with dense, clay-heavy soil, but in looser soil, concrete is the only thing that will truly keep your fence posts stuck in place.

Is 2 feet deep enough for fence posts?

The minimum depth that you should dig your fence post holes for panel sections is 2 feet. A general formula is to dig the holes one-third to one-half of the post's aboveground height. The deeper you dig the holes, the more stability your fence has, but you must also purchase longer posts.

Related Question Answers

How thick should fence posts be?

Hole Sizes for Fence Posts and Other Types of Posts
Post size Height of post above ground Hole size (width x depth)
75mm (3”) 90cm (3′) 23cm (9”) x 30cm (12”)
1.2m (4′) 23cm (9”) x 40cm (18”)
1.8m (6′) 23cm (9”) x 60cm (24”)
100mm (4”) 90cm (3′) 30cm (12”) x 30cm (12”)

How much concrete do I need for fence posts?

Also 1-1/2 bags per hole is about right for a 4x4 fence post. Also remember, the depth of the post hole should be one-half of the above-ground post height. (Example: For a 6' above ground post, use a post with an overall height of 9 feet and place 3 feet in the ground).

How deep do t post need to be?

Half of the T-post should be underground! Just kidding, it should be in the ground past the dog ears that are about a foot from the bottom. If you want a 6' fence, then you need 7.5' or 8' T-posts. You want at least 1' but 18" is better.

How do you measure the diameter of a fence post?

Step 1 - Measure the circumference of the post (distance around the post). Step 2 - Take that measurement and divide it by pi (3.14) to determine the post diameter. Step 3 - Figure your gate frame diameter using the same method.

Will wooden posts rot in concrete?

A: Actually, your point is well taken. Simply setting the posts in concrete does create a condition that will accelerate rot in the bottom of the posts. With pressure-treated posts, the rot will be slow. Concrete should be poured around the post - no concrete under the post.

How deep should a 8 foot fence post be?

2 feet

How deep should an 8 foot post be in the ground?

3 feet

How long will a treated 4x4 post last in the ground?

The Forest Products Laboratory and other research groups have shown that treated wood stakes placed in the ground for more than 40 years remain rot-free. But young pressure-treated decks, many less than 10 years old, are being shoveled into landfills.

How do you keep fence posts from rotting in concrete?

Caulk around the fence post base Apply high-quality exterior acrylic caulk, or silicone specifically designed to adhere to concrete, at the base of the post. If your cedar wooden fence posts are rotting at the bottom, you need to replace them. The rot probably developed because the posts were installed improperly.

How do you protect a wooden post from rotting in the ground?

How to Protect Wooden Fence Posts From Rotting
  1. Remove the wood fence post from the ground.
  2. Dig a hole with a shovel about 10 inches beneath the area where the fence post will rest.
  3. Paint with a paintbrush the entire wood fence post with a waterproofing sealant intended for exterior wood, such as decks and fences.

How deep should a 10 foot fence post be?

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).

Why do fence posts rot at ground level?

The main cause is the wood having prolonged exposure to moisture in soil which means fence posts decay at ground level – just above the concrete base. This means the post will still be solid below and above the damaged area. Insect infestations can also cause rotting in wooden fence posts.

Can you pour concrete directly on dirt?

Prepare the dirt before pouring concrete. If you are constructing a patio, shed or a sidewalk, the process often starts with pouring a solid concrete base to provide sturdy support. Home owners can accomplish the task themselves by pouring the concrete directly on the ground in the installation area.

How much does it cost to install a 6 foot privacy fence?

Cost of 6 Foot Privacy Fence
6 Foot Privacy Fence Costs Zip Code Linear ft.
Basic Better
6 Foot Privacy Fence – Installation Cost $158.40 - $188.40 $199.20 - $211.20
6 Foot Privacy Fence – Total $458.40 - $620.40 $688.80 - $784.80
6 Foot Privacy Fence – Total Average Cost per lineal foot $22.47 $30.70

How much does it cost to fence 1 acre?

Fencing Cost Per Acre The cost to fence 1 acre runs a minimum of $1,050 and a maximum of $33,400 with most homeowners spending an average price of $2,016 to $9,011. The cheapest backyard fence is barbed wire which costs as little as $1,050 an acre, wheres a split rail wood fence costs about $7,000 for 1 acre.

How do you build a 8 foot privacy fence?

Here's what to do:
  1. Check your local zoning laws and restrictions.
  2. Decide where to build your fence.
  3. Dig an 8 to 10-inch (20 to 25-centimeter) diameter hole for each post.
  4. Treat the bottom of your posts with wood preservative so they don't rot.
  5. Connect your posts with three equally spaced 2-by-4 rails.

How much does putting up a fence cost?

According to HomeAdvisor member reported data, the cost to install a fence averages $2,773, with typical cost between $1,643 and $3,989 For the most common materials, you'll spend anywhere from $13 to $50 per linear foot, including professional installation. Labor and materials each make up 50% of the total budget.

Should you leave a gap between fence boards?

When building a solid privacy fence, the fence boards are either butted tightly together, or spaced 3/8 to 1/4 inch apart to allow the wood to expand and contract in wet and dry weather. Thus, 6-inch fence boards would be spaced approximately 3 1/2 inches apart, since the actual width of a 6-inch board is 5 1/2 inches.

How do you calculate the space between fence boards?

Divide the total spaces area by the number of pickets plus one: 33 divided by 18 equals 1.83 (inches). This is the precise width of each space between pickets (and between the pickets and posts).