Setting a Post in the Ground - Quikrete Post Setting for Beginners

Tools Referenced in this Video:
- Earthquake E43 1-person Earth Auger: geni.us/AudzWB (Amazon)
- DeWalt 20V MAX XR Brushless Impact Driver and Hammer Drill: geni.us/n0yrBB (Amazon)
- Post Hole Digger: geni.us/glyP (Amazon)
- Quikrete Fast-Setting Concrete Mix: geni.us/Ym2AmF (Amazon)
- Johnson Post and Pipe Level: geni.us/kBDj (Amazon)
Whether you need to set a post in the ground for a fence, hose reel, mailbox, or anything else in your yard, there is an easy process you can follow to get the job done right. In this video, I show you how I set posts in the ground in my yard.
Join our community by subscribing to Reluctant DIYers here: / @reluctantdiyers
This video is not sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something we'll receive a small commission that helps us create more videos. We only recommend products we own and love, or those that we would purchase for ourselves.
Our mission at Reluctant DIYers is to help YOU overcome challenging situations, find ideas to help you create new options in your living space, and Do It Yourself with confidence. Whether you want to DIY or not, this channel is for you. From simple tasks to more complex creations, we'll cover it all.
#Quikrete #ReluctantDIYers #FencePost
Credits:
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Song: By The Shore / Tomas Skyldeberg / courtesy of epidemicsound.com

[@jdssurf]

man if i had a backyard that big i would never leave home

[@ReluctantDIYers]

Ha! It’s a lot of grass to mow. 🤣🤣

[@michaelhinton2738]

I'm the king of reluctance 😂 I've never had a father or any male figure to teach me shit! So as a middle-aged dude I'm clueless,thanks for the help

[@ReluctantDIYers]

❤️❤️ This is the reason I created this channel, so we could have a group of people to help each other out. 👍🏼👍🏼 I’m so happy this was helpful!

[@kyleallen1858]

BRO!!! That is ME to a T! Never had a grandpa, I had a dad but he didn’t teach me anything! Thank God for KZbin! I always feel so stupid and clueless when I go to Home Depot to look at/for stuff!! I’d kill to have a mechanically inclined brain!! I’ve made myself start doing light woodworking as a hobby in the last year to help me somewhat!

[@ReluctantDIYers]

YEAH!!! That’s awesome that you’re doing that! I hope you like the videos I’ve created. If you want to see anything specific, please let me know. 👍🏼

[@_illuziun_]

I've probably watched this video a half a dozen times or more in the past week in preparation. I've never done anything like this nor have I ever had a person in my life that could show me how to do this. Yesterday I rented an auger, completely underestimated how difficult it would be to drill through clay soil when I only weigh 150lbs and I got four gate posts in the ground successfully. I mixed concrete in a hole and learned its not an exact science. I may never use those post levels again, but that was a solid $14 well spent (I bought two). Thank you for taking the time to put this out there ❤

[@ReluctantDIYers]

YES!!! 🔥🔥🔥 Congratulations on getting your posts set! I’m seriously soooooo happy for you!! I’m also super happy that this video was helpful. This is why I create these videos. Now go have an awesome day!!

[@tracerx7153]

Thank you for this video. I've never worked with concrete or setting fence posts before and this video was an excellent guide. I now have a new fence in my back yard and I couldn't be happier with it.

[@ReluctantDIYers]

AWESOME!!! I’m so happy this was helpful. Congratulations on your new fence!! 🔥🔥🔥

[@jdssurf]

cool vid thanks

[@ReluctantDIYers]

You’re welcome! Thanks for watching. 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@inspiringbuilds]

Nice tutorial, I followed a similar process on my last build and have the same Johnson post level. These are a game changer!

[@ReluctantDIYers]

Thanks! They really make a huge difference. I finished 6 more posts last night for a fence project (video coming soon). I feel like I get better with this process the more I do it.

[@inspiringbuilds]

@@ReluctantDIYers I’ll have to check it out and I agree with you. More reps makes you more efficient.

[@ReluctantDIYers]

@@inspiringbuilds 👍👍

[@troyweigel3286]

I found it easiest to dig the hole then pour in the already mixed concrete to about half the depth of the hole then jostle the 4x4 down into the wet concrete mix about 6 to 8 inches then adjust the 4x4 to the string line and then level up the post. I then fill in rest of the wet concrete around the post and let concrete set up and then come back later and cut the top of 4x4 post to the correct height.

[@ReluctantDIYers]

I think that’s a great approach! Thank you so much for sharing this! 👍🏼👍🏼

[@johnnys4782]

You don't have to wait 4 hours for it to harden. 30 to 45 minutes is just fine. Add warm water for faster hardening.

[@ReluctantDIYers]

Thanks for sharing!

[@iaf22]

how about installing 4 poles with concrete and have them be level altogether ?

[@ReluctantDIYers]

Two options… 1. Do the math on your hole depth, factoring in the grade of your land (BOOOOO… I don’t like this one). Or 2. Set your posts, then hit them with a laser level, mark the posts, and cut the top off with a circular saw so they are all the same height. That’s what I did. 👍🏼👍🏼

[@kodak_jack]

MAKE SURE you check the building code for your location!! In the south, because of all of the rain they get, you CANNOT bury a post in the ground. You have to dig a hole and fill it with concrete with a metal post bracket in the cement and then the post attaches to the bracket - ABOVE GROUND.

[@ReluctantDIYers]

👍🏼

[@sgilb9471]

When he says "circumference", I'm pretty sure he really means "diameter". Don't try to put a 4x4 post in a hole that has an 8 inch circumference! ; -)

[@ReluctantDIYers]

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! Thank you for the correction. 😉

[@ruggedrickrude1946]

I am putting in a much larger/sturdier mail box Existing box is el cheapo on a 4x4 Going to put (2) new 4x4s back to back from sidewalk to road Will pre-drill horizontal upper/lower new holes into 4x4s attach with carriage bolts washers nuts Take pineapple juice can cut both ends off, cut vertically attach to 4x4s as a weed eater deflector may need (2) cans to cover complete diameter of both 4x4s Then take chain link fence post, install it before the mailbox maybe 5ft as a deflector for vehicle mirrors that get to close to box as it’s been hit couple times and think USPS actually hit it We live on a 4 lane 45mph rd, need to do this on a weekend less traffic Already called 811 to notify utilities to mark grass and I took pics to verify their respective markings Will park vehicle on grass strip and block sidewalk about 50 ft away as a visual for drivers headed my way When 4x4s installed concrete drying I will make the wood support the mailbox will sit on, then attach the following weekend gOOd vid TYVM

[@ReluctantDIYers]

Love the plan! Thanks for sharing!! 👍🏼👍🏼

[@bennym1956]

Check your local county ordinances. My local county requires metal sheathing around post before pouring concrete. If your a DIYer, go for it. When I replaced my wooden mailbox post which had rotted, I just dug hoe deeper, put in post and put in concrete, whatever.

[@ReluctantDIYers]

Thanks for sharing! 👍🏼👍🏼

[@mariebee3146]

How many bags/pounds of concrete did you use?

[@ReluctantDIYers]

1 to 1.5 bags per hole. Due to VERY rocky soil, I was not able to get every hole dug as deep as I wanted.

[@rayjrdibenedetto867]

Hi. Thank you but what about a frost line? 36 inches? Thank you and have a good day

[@ReluctantDIYers]

Thanks for your question! If this was construction that was going to hold an actual structure on posts/pillars, I would go for the frost line. For a basic backyard fence, it’s not a concern IMHO. 👍🏼

[@rayjrdibenedetto867]

Hi. Ok just a question was all-have a good day

[@ReluctantDIYers]

I hope you have a great day also! 👍🏼👍🏼

[@rayjrdibenedetto867]

@@ReluctantDIYers Thank you

[@13squier]

You would want to go 6 inches below whatever your local frost line is. In my area it is 18 inches so I set my posts 24 inches deep. The goal is to avoid frost heave, which will happen to a basic backyard fence. The posts will get out of plumb and the fence will lean.

[@millikenway]

This hole is like 8" in diameter, from my experience, almost 5 out of 5 the concrete crack block cracked on the top surface after a few years. I am thinking there isn't enough concrete from the corner of the 4x4 to the edge of the 8" round concrete, barely like 1.5". Surely it isn't much. I did a hole of 10" diameter, using the same 4x4, that post is the best, holding the 4x4 very sturdy and NO signs of cracking at all. This is in Toronto weather.

[@ReluctantDIYers]

Thanks for sharing! 👍🏼👍🏼

[@ajkeence81]

I know you say circumference in the beginning but I assume you mean diameter?

[@ReluctantDIYers]

You are correct. Sometimes my brain says one thing and my mouth says another. 🤣🤣

[@jdssurf]

@@ReluctantDIYerswell at least you didn't say girth lol

[@ReluctantDIYers]

@@jdssurf 🤣🤣🤣 Yeah, that may have yielded an entirely different set of comments.

[@stickboy9475]

circumference? i presume diameter.

[@ReluctantDIYers]

You are correct… sometimes my mouth doesn’t say what my brain tells it to say. 🤣🤣

[@jalalabad790]

Diameter, not circumference.

[@ReluctantDIYers]

Yup… my mistake. 🤣

[@Xx_nobody_xX]

Looks good except the dirt. DO NOT PUT DIRT BACK IN HOLE. Anywhere the dirt touches the post, it will rot. And fence won't last but few years. Build concrete up above hole and form it around post so post won't be touching the yard

[@ReluctantDIYers]

Thanks for sharing

[@HughGard-rc7cc]

I've set miles of fence posts for corrals and horse pastures..don't use concrete..just use gravel, fill the hole up to 25% and tamp the gravel with a devils stick ( tamp rod).. set the post level and continue filling at about 25% or little less and tamping..you'll discover you can adjust plumb perfectly by tamping ..it will be a "rock" hard set and the post will last twice as long bc water drains away..concrete holds water and lessens the life span..you're fence will be stronger, last longer and more importantly..you will too !

[@ReluctantDIYers]

Thank you for sharing! This is great feedback. 👍🏼👍🏼

[@13squier]

Just set half a dozen posts in my yard with tamped gravel and clay, they are rock solid. The thought of digging up 80lb concrete slugs from under rotted posts in 5-10 years was too much. When the posts rot they will be way easier to replace this way.

[@ReluctantDIYers]

@@13squier Great point

[@HughGard-rc7cc]

PLUS.. THE WATER WILL NOW DRAIN AWAY FROM POSTS..CONCRETE HOLDS ITS ORIGINAL MOISTURE FOR MONTHS AND THEN AS POST SHRINKS ( THESE DAYS THEY SHRINK FAST) FUTURE RAIN IS HELD AGAINST POST BY CONCRETE..NO MORE LABOR TO PACK GRAVEL THAN MIXING CONCRETE.

[@RaymondRichards-fh7yv]

I think I don't actually know for sure but it would probably be to expensive to use concrete on a ranch job cuz those posts probably catch a lot more wear and tear

[@billrobinson198]

It literally says on the Post Mix bag to put all the dry mix in. That will hold the post without braces. The concrete will harden over time from moisture from the surrounding soil and air. No need to add water, which will not make your post any stronger. Put the mix in dry and walk away...

[@ReluctantDIYers]

Thanks for the feedback.

[@alanmatthews9260]

*diameter

[@ReluctantDIYers]

Yup… my words like to mix themselves up from time to time. 🤪

[@jdssurf]

girth

[@georgeblank2648]

A post should be plumb--not level

[@ReluctantDIYers]

Tomato - Tomahto 👍🏼

[@halfcaf1105]

This guy literally just copy pasted the quickrete video. No need for bracing, no need for gravel.

[@ReluctantDIYers]

Thanks for your feedback. I’ve never seen the Quikrete video though. I’d be shocked if they said to mix it and do half and half like I did.

[@jdssurf]

dude be cool, geeez

[@ReluctantDIYers]

@@jdssurf 🤣🤣

[@toyman9642]

Do it right the FIRST time. 6" x 6" pressure-treated posts, NOT 4" x 4". Holes should be on 8'-10' centers and four feet deep. A couple of inches of crushed stone at the hole bottom for drainage. Creosote or other preservative on the bottom three feet of the post. Use wet concrete mix, NOT dry, tamp down well and fill hole.

[@ReluctantDIYers]

Thanks for your feedback.

[@user-cz7yw1oz1f]

Talk about overkill 😂 half the post in the ground with gravel 🤣🤣 , a quarter is way enough also get some 150mm screws put them 90° to the post about a third in to use as rebar for the concrete.

[@ReluctantDIYers]

You’re right… I should have put 3/4 in the ground. 🤣🤣🤣