Replacing fence post

[Leif]

I removed the concrete at the base of a rotten fence post, which has left a much bigger hole in the ground than the original one. I intend to put in a new wooden post with concrete, or postcrete at the base. However, the hole is now quite large. Should I just fill the larger hole with concrete, or use some wood to box it in, pour the concrete, then when dry, remove the wood and pack with soil? It also occured to me that I might be able to use a trowel to shape the concrete, wide at the base, narrow at the top.

Also I have loads of unwanted flints from my garden and some sharp sand lying around. Presumably I can just mix up some sharp sand, flints and cement to create a home made concrete that will suffice for a fence post? That will get rid of the flints.

[dewaltdisney]

Set the post in position and pack hard core around 18 inches of the post base to hold it firm. Soak with water and pour postcrete over that. The postcrete binds it in position, back fill and put a ring of gravel around the post at ground level for drainage.

DWD

[Leif]

Thank you for the suggestion. I should have added that my reason not to fill the hole as is with concrete is that I don’t want to create a giant hard to remove lump. That said, the existing concrete came out easily enough with a cold chisel and hammer.

[dewaltdisney]

Hard core compacted around the base of the post makes it very firm, the postcrete on top just secures it and the surrounding ground keeps it tight. The biggest problem with wooden posts is that they rot at ground surface level and a bit of gravel around the post stops water from being sucked into the post and causing rot, for a time. Wooden posts fail at some point and having a 'donut' of postcrete is easy to chop out as is the hard core under. It makes it easier to do next time. Do yourself a favour and buy one of these https://www.screwfix.com/p/titan-ttb653 ... 240v/6846h you can turn off the rotary action and use it as a breaker. Best tool ever for a multitude of tasks, it beats a hammer and chisel.

DWD

[Leif]

Thankyou, I will do that, I can reuse the lumps of concrete, stones and flints that came out of the hole.

[dewaltdisney]

Yes, just pack it tight. I used my SDS to break up the old concrete posts I replaced and that gave me a load of clean hardcore. Let us know how it goes.

DWD

[Someone-Else]

and Flintstones

Yabba dabba doo


Sorry, I will close the door on my way out.

[Leif]

Yes, just pack it tight. I used my SDS to break up the old concrete posts I replaced and that gave me a load of clean hardcore. Let us know how it goes.

DWD

Thanks, I used the lumps of old concrete as packing and poured in the postcrete, it seems to have worked a treat. I’m no fan of postcrete but it is convenient and strong enough. I have two more posts and panels to do.

I also bought that SDS drill, that is a good price as it includes drills, chisels and a chuck. I got the second post out and the concrete broken up in 30 minutes, no digging needed, easy work. I could have done it in minutes, but for removing the rubble. The first post took a lot longer. Very pleased.

[dewaltdisney]

Glad it went well, it is surprising how firm the packed hardcore holds the post, the postcrete merely binds it. I am sure you can now appreciate the SDS, they are great tools to have. Thanks for the update

DWD