Ramsey, MN — Northland Fence, a local fencing company, recently published a blog post outlining the amount of concrete needed per fence post for a project. While sticking with a fencing company can make things more manageable and less time-consuming, many people still wish to do the task themselves. For those who want to do it themselves, the blog explains the many factors necessary for determining how much concrete is required for each fence post placed in the ground. These factors include the size of the post, depth of the fence post in the ground, soil conditions, Minnesota’s frost line, and type of concrete.
“Here in Minnesota, we experience harsh winters, which create problems for fences. One such concern is fence heaving, which occurs when the ground freezes. When the ground freezes, it displaces everything in its way, including fence posts. If your fence post is not at the proper depth nor has enough concrete to hold it in place, it can experience this displacement,” the blog post states.
The first thing to consider when determining how much concrete is needed is the size of the fence post. Digging holes are required to use concrete with fence posts. This means that factors such as the weather, knowing where the utility lines and pipes are, and the size of the fence posts are all important things to know before buying the concrete. For 3x3 posts, each hole needs to be at least 9 inches in diameter. The amount of concrete required is ⅓ the height of the post above ground. A 6-foot-tall fence would have at least 2 feet below ground. Regarding 50lb bags, 2 bags of concrete would be necessary to fill each fence post hole. When it comes to a 6x6 post, it equals out to 7 bags of concrete per fence post.
It is also essential to remember how deep the fence post hole will be. This varies depending on the height and diameter of the fence. A 3-foot fence with a 3-inch diameter would need a hole depth of 12 to 18 inches, while an 8-foot fence with a 6-inch diameter would need a hole depth of 32 to 48 inches. The 3-foot fence would need 1 50 lb. bag of concrete, while the 8-foot fence would need 10 bags. Alongside the size of the fence, the soil conditions should also be considered. Dense soil requires less concrete, while sand-like soil requires deeper holes and more concrete. This is because dense soil can easily keep a fence upright, while fine soil may result in the fence posts heaving with time.
In Minnesota, the frost line — how deep the soil will freeze — is also a concern. When soil freezes, it expands and shifts, which can move fence posts. A fence post needs to be at least 6 inches below the frost line, preventing it from moving when frost comes and goes. In Anoka County, the frost line is 3 feet and 6 inches. This means that some shorter fences, like a 3-foot fence, will need deeper holes, which requires more concrete. Different concrete types can vary the time it takes for the project to be finished. Still, the ones with shorter curing times may compromise structural integrity.
There is a better alternative to using concrete for fence posts. Concrete can become expensive, messy, and tricky to work with, especially considering the whole project since this is just the amount of bags per post. Driven fence posts are this better alternative. They are driven into the ground below Minnesota’s frost line. When people use driven fence posts, they don’t have to worry about any mess or concrete mixing, pouring, and drying.
“Due to their depth and installation process, Driven fence posts have little to no risk of experiencing heaving. Concrete bases have a chance to heave, no matter how much concrete you use. In the winter, you won’t have to worry about your fence as it will remain solid and secure all winter. Installation is also faster for driven fence posts, as you don’t have to wait for concrete to be mixed, poured, and dried,” the blog post continues.
Northland Fence uses the driven fence post method for their vinyl, ornamental, and chain-link options. They always have supplies in stock and never have hidden fees. As the best-reviewed fence company in Minneapolis, they offer a lifetime warranty on vinyl, 15 years on all other materials, and a 10-year labor warranty on everything. Their employees are in-house, paid year-round, and will work during the off-season.
To learn more, visit their website or call them at 763-316-4881. Northland Fence has been family-owned and family-focused since 2004.
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For more information about Northland Fence Ramsey, contact the company here:
Northland Fence Ramsey
Kaya Quinn
763-284-9148
info@northlandfenceramsey.com
6390 McKinley St NW, Suite 150
Ramsey MN 55303
