Calculating Your Fence Post Hole Depth

[@MrRamman04]

Just buy little longer post and set them fast, use a tight string at the height you need, mark them and cut with a portable band saw, you just saved yourself hours of wasted time, I put up over 400 fences a year, this is the way to get it done fast and accurate

[@LocalHero55]

Definitely. I can't imagine trying to set a post exactly 33" deep. What about changing ground levels? And who starts with 84" posts?

[@shkhamd]

Length above the fence for a post cap (add if you have it in your fence design, e.g. 4 inch) Fence panel height (add fence height e.g. 4ft, 6ft fence) Ground clearance for panels (e.g. 3 inch above ground clearance) Below ground post depth requirement by local code (e.g. frost depth + 6inch) Figure out and add all these numbers and you will have you total post length and round that up the next Ft. E.g. if all of these numbers add up to 9ft 6in, you should buy 10ft posts. Keep the excess height above the ground and cut it off once the fence build is complete before adding the post cap. Pretty basic.

[@Brian-bl8il]

Rule of thumb, height of post / 3 for depth. Thickness of post x 3. 2000mm high, thickness 100x100 post, so 2000/3 666mm deep. 100x 3 =300mm square.

[@kevinm8865]

This was helpful but I was hoping for discussion about how deep post holes should be. I'm looking to use Postmaster posts and they come in 6' - 12' lengths and I don't know which height to go with. Your calculation method helps me out but what is a good minimum depth of hole? I'll keep searching but thanks for sharing this!

[@Ironfenceshop]

Hi Kevin. We didn't delve into specifics since there are so many variables on what size and how deep the post should go. Even in our in-house lines it can differ greatly depending on the part, its application and where you are in the country. Thanks for watching!

[@kevinm8865]

@@Ironfenceshop I understand. I did confirm with a couple reputable sources that my frost depth is at the back-breaking height/depth of about 53 inches. At 130-140 linear feet of fence I'm in for it. Dear God 😭😭😭🦺🦺🦺⛏️⛏️🏳️

[@oscara8136]

@@kevinm8865 frost depth is overly exaggerated, i work for the county and install street lights 30 feet tall and our foundations are 33 inches deep. If the soil your digging on is somewhat firm and rocky you should be ok.

[@kevinm8865]

@@oscara8136 Good to hear. It's 100% clay + 100% rock chunks lol. More like 98% clay and 2% rock. Last week I almost had a heart attack digging a 3-4' post hole (about a foot wide) for a Pecan tree transplant. It was bone dry clay.

[@FLATEARTHPERTH]

1/3 below the ground for fencing and 1/2 below for retaining

[@brendageslois7761]

Den, After looking at video, I get post holes should be 33” deep. 9’ 9x 12= 108” Panel is 6 ft high 12x 6= 72” 3” from ground gap 72+ 3”= 75 108- 75= 33inches Is that what you get?

[@Ironfenceshop]

Hi Brenda. For a detailed question like that, it would be best to call us at 800-261-2729 or send us an email at [e-mail]. I have some questions on what you have typed up.

[@MatthewMiller-vy7hj]

My only question is Why? you didn't answer why the post is that deep. All I saw is someone doe elementary school math. Did not help. How do you adjust your calculation for longer posts or higher fences??

[@Ironfenceshop]

The calculation will adjust for longer posts or taller fences. As for why they are that depth, that can be for several reasons regarding weight, height, frost line and special circumstances. This video is going over the rule-of-thumb basics for a DIY installer to understand the factors that go into coming up with your post hole depth in a majority of situations.

[@kayemm7925]

Yes, it's entirely useless. I'm baffled anyone made this video.

[@brianheppell4506]

@@kayemm7925 i have a 10ft post , my gate is 3 ft high , i think i better start digging now ;)

[@roxiesworldoffun2135]

Videos are overkill. 1ft in concrete will break ur back trying to get it out😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@Jim-vi5wi]

@@kayemm7925 PART 2: "What to do if your Post is too Short to Reach the Bottom of the Hole..

[@ScottStonefield]

Looks like great content bug the audio mix is bad. Too loud on the music and not high enough on the voice. UPDATE: Well put my headphones on and it was better.

[@aglight63]

Why not cut 12” off pole and only dig a 24” hole?

[@Ironfenceshop]

You may need more than 2ft in ground depending on the fence/ gate and your location. However, we have had folks trim the post tops level after the fact rather than trying to get each one set perfect. However, that only works if its too tall or taller than the fence.