The Best Concrete Mix for Fence Posts
You can save a great amount of money by building your concrete all by yourself. It is not a hard thing to do and it would make a great DIY project.
A fence with strong support posts makes it more strong. The posts in the fence In some cases are anchored in concrete. Any type of concrete mixture is good for forming the fencing posts.
But some concrete mixtures do better in cases of strength and privacy. Well, there are some alternatives to this. The Sika fence pro mixture is an expanding foam that can be one of those alternatives.
There are three main ways you can buy concrete. The first one is that you can buy a permitted bag. If you do not want to buy a permitted bag then you can mix it by yourself.
If you do not want either of these then you can buy them from a company. If your project is not that big then you should buy premixed concrete. If I had to choose the best concrete mix for fence posts the first one that comes to my mind is the Quikrete fast-setting concrete mix. You can go for a 50lb bag.
The reason for it being the best is that working with this concrete is easier. This concrete mix sets up very fast and you do not need to mix it for use. Just pour the concrete into the hole where you want to build the post and then soak the hole with sufficient water.
Before you choose the concrete mix for building the fence posts you should look into some aspects. These are the weather of the year, type of fence posts, type of soil, job specifications, etc.
All in all the Quikrete fast-setting concrete mix is the best for installing posts for fences. Working with it is easy, it sets quickly, and it is very strong. It is better to work with original concrete instead of synthetic foam.
Quikrete 50lb Fast Setting Concrete Mix
Undoubtedly, the Quikrete 50lb fast-setting mix is the best concrete mix you will find in the market. It can be bought from any home depot so easily. It will cost $6 per bag.
For small-sized projects or even medium-sized projects, premixed bags are the best choice. If you buy a truck of concrete then it will increase the cost, as well as the labor, will be increased.
Though buying concrete in bags will increase the labor and time, it is so cheap that the extra time and labor can be compensated. Quikrete’s fast-setting concrete mix is best because you do not have to mix it with water before pouring it into the hole.
Pour the dry mixture into the hole and then put sufficient water into the hole. The concrete will harden just by getting soaked like this. You need not use any tools or trays or anything else. Just pour the premixed concrete into the hole and add water. And it is done.
It will take twenty to forty minutes for the wet concrete to harden. But to fully cure to 4000 psi it will take nearly 28 to 30 days. This concrete is very strong. The brand demands that after 2o to 40 minutes of soaking the concrete, you can leave it on its own.
This concrete is so stiff and strong that it can support any type of post right away. You can put on the posts without any delays.
One of the advantages of using Quikrete’s fast-setting concrete mix is that you will not mess things up as there is no need of mixing it. Many people overwater the concrete mix and so it becomes weak and does not last long. In this case, it will not happen.
How Many Bags Do I Need?
Concrete bags of 50lb are lighter than 80lb concrete bags. This makes the job easier. For one hole you will need multiple bags as the 50lb bags are small.
The number of bags needed will depend on the depth and breadth of the hole. But in a rough vision, an average-sized hole requires two bags of concrete per hole.
Each bag costs around $6 so per post you will have to expend around $15. It is more than the actual cost so this will equalize if any post needs more concrete in any case.
Concrete Can Be Formed
You simply can form concrete. It is one of the benefits of using real concrete in making a fence post. In some cases, the fence post is built underground. In such cases where the post is completely underground using foam works fine. But if it is outside of the ground then use real concrete.
If you want to give your post a much better appearance then you can pour the concrete into a tube. It will give the concrete a smooth shape and a good appearance.
Quikrete Fast-Setting Concrete Is Real Concrete
Many people all over the world use synthetic foam fence post fillers instead of concrete. But people should use real concrete. Synthetic foam is a great alternative to concrete. Sika makes a great synthetic foam product. But classically doing things has its advantages.
Though the foam is largely used all over the world, I would not make the base of my house using synthetic foam or any other project like making roads or bridges, etc.
Even though foam is lighter and working with foam is very easy, I still recommend people to use real concrete which has been in use for a long time.
Sika Fence Post Mix
This product is specifically formulated for setting fence posts. But the sika fence post mix is not concrete. This is polyurethane resin of two parts and comes pre-mixture.
For this foam to use mix it inside the bag and then pour it into the hole where the post is being built. This mixture produces expanding foam. This foam can support any sized fence post.
All types of posts are supported by this foam be it either PVC posts, steel posts, or wood posts. One important thing to remember is that you do not need to mix water with sika. If water is not available in the place where the post is being built it will be a great advantage.
Compared to concrete, the sika mix is very lightweight. A bag of concrete weighs 50 lbs whereas a bag of sika weighs 2.5 lbs. Sika is designed to support fence posts. So it is more convenient and using it is easier.
It takes only three minutes to install the Sika mix. The process to install it is very easy. This mixture is resistant to water uptake. So if you have a wooden post it will not get rotten over time. Even in cold areas, sika mix can be used easily without using any additives.
Pros of Sika Fence Post Mix
It is lighter than real concrete mixtures. Though the real concrete mix is cheaper, concrete is heavy. Installing concrete is a mess; it requires water and concrete takes a longer time to set.
Another thing to keep in mind while making the concrete mixture is to add water carefully. Adding too much water will weaken the concrete. If you use Sika then you will not have to worry about this.
Using sika mix is very simple. Mix all the components and put them into the hole. Working with Sika is easy. Sika mix is durable in any weather.
Cons of Sika Fence Post Mix
One of the cons is that the sika fence post mixture is too expensive. A 2.5 lb bag costs nearly $14. This bag can be used in place of 50 lb bags of concrete the cost of which is $6. So it costs more than two times as much as concrete.
Sika fence post mix is a chemical product. If you are worried about the soil then there is bad news for you. It harms the soil.
You can not mix the sika fence post mix by yourself as you did with concrete. Mixing concrete is easy because it contains only sand aggregate and cement. You can mix it according to your desired strength of the posts. With Sika, it is not possible.
You can not form or work with sika fence post mix as you can do with concrete. It is good to use it in below-grade fence posts but where the pier comes out of the ground, sika mixture should not be used.
Traditional Concrete
If the job is on a large scale use a standard 3500 psi 80lb premixed bag or if you want to mix the concrete by yourself it is fine. Any concrete mix works nicely for setting fence posts. Just mix the concrete properly so it becomes strong enough.
If it comes to buying a premixed bag then there are a lot of options. But one thing you need to look at is its strength. Generally, a 3000 psi to 5000 psi strength concrete mixture is used for fence posts.
Add the water while mixing the concrete carefully. Do not add more water than what is needed. It will make the mixture weak and the time to harden will increase. Adding more water weakens the concrete though it makes it easier to use it.
It takes a little more time to set up regular concrete than that fast concrete. But that is enough to support fence posts. First, you need to set the posts in the places where you want to build the posts.
Then fill one hole and then move on to the other post. Concrete can hold the post with ease even before it hardens completely but it will take one extra day to be as hard as it takes to hold the weight of the fence. So do not build the fence the same day you pour the concrete.
Build a Strong Post Base
The most important thing to keep in mind is that you are building a base strong enough to hold the fence posts. So it does not matter what concrete you mix as long as it is strong.
Make sure that the size of the base is as it should be. You will need a different-sized base for different-sized fences. So the base should be deep and wide so that it can support the fence posts. If the base is not deep enough and wide then the fence will move and eventually it will fall.
One of the main reasons for considering concrete over foam mix is that concrete is heavy. Even if you do any blunder while mixing the concrete if the hole is deep and wide it would still make 200+ lbs of concrete. It is strong enough to hold the fence posts.
Use a strong post. It is also important to use a strong post along with a strong base. If the post is not strong and prone to damage then it will fail over time.
If you bolt down your fence then do not make any mistakes and use good quality and strong bolts. You need to drill the bolts deep so that it gives more strength.
The strength of the post will be as much as that of the base. The concrete is just an anchor in such cases. It is the metal base that supports the fence and holds the posts.
The bottom of the concrete footing should be flat. And the bottom should be straight down. The bottom should not be down at an angle. There should be no point at the bottom of the footing.
If there is any then the bottom will sink and the post will sink too. And if the bottom is on an angle then it will bend down over time.
FAQ: Choosing the Best Concrete Mix for Fence Posts
What Is the Best Concrete Mix for Setting Fence Posts?
Quikrete Fast-Setting Concrete Mix is highly recommended for its ease of use, fast setting time, and strength. It requires no mixing—just pour it dry into the hole and add water. It sets within 20 to 40 minutes and achieves full strength in 28 to 30 days.
Can I Use Any Type of Concrete Mix for Fence Posts?
While many concrete mixes can be used, some are better suited for fence posts. Quikrete Fast-Setting Concrete Mix is ideal for its speed and simplicity. Traditional concrete mixes can also be used, but they require proper mixing and a longer setting time.
What Are the Advantages of Using Quikrete Fast-Setting Concrete Mix?
Quikrete Fast-Setting Concrete Mix is convenient because it sets quickly without the need for mixing with water. This minimizes potential mistakes, such as over-watering, and speeds up the installation process.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Using Sika Fence Post Mix?
- Pros: Sika Fence Post Mix is lightweight, easy to use, and does not require water for mixing. It is resistant to water uptake and suitable for various weather conditions.
- Cons: It is significantly more expensive than concrete and may harm the soil. It also cannot be mixed to the desired strength like concrete.
How Many Bags of Quikrete Fast-Setting Concrete Mix Will I Need?
For an average-sized hole, you will need approximately two 50 lb bags of Quikrete Fast-Setting Concrete Mix. This typically costs around $15 per post.
Can I Mix My Own Concrete for Fence Posts?
Yes, you can mix your own concrete. However, it requires careful mixing with the right amount of water to achieve the desired strength. Premixed bags are often more convenient for smaller projects.
How Long Does It Take for Concrete to Fully Cure for Fence Posts?
Quikrete Fast-Setting Concrete Mix typically hardens within 20 to 40 minutes, but it reaches full strength (around 4000 psi) in about 28 to 30 days.
What Should I Consider When Choosing a Concrete Mix for Fence Posts?
Consider factors such as weather conditions, the type of fence posts, soil type, and job specifications. Choose a mix that aligns with these factors to ensure optimal performance.
Is It Better to Use Real Concrete or Synthetic Foam for Fence Posts?
Real concrete is generally preferred for its strength and durability. Synthetic foam, like Sika Fence Post Mix, is lighter and easier to use but may not offer the same level of support or long-term stability as concrete.
How Do I Ensure a Strong Base for Fence Posts?
Ensure that the base is deep and wide enough to support the posts. The concrete footing should be flat and straight down, without any point or angle at the bottom, to prevent the post from sinking or bending over time.
