Not every homeowner wants to spend a weekend digging holes, hauling concrete, and lining up every fence post. That’s why we introduced our new, no-dig fence posts. It’s a great option for inexperienced DIYers. It’s a cleaner, faster, and less stressful way to install your fence.
How do Drivable, No-Dig Fence Posts Differ from Traditional Fence Posts?
Traditionally, you install a fence by digging post holes about a foot to a foot and a half deep. Then you place the post and pour in the concrete. You have to keep the post straight and level as the concrete cures.
For many DIYers, this is no big deal, but it is tedious. It takes time and muscle. And you probably have better things to do than work in the heat.
How do Drivable, No-Dig Fence Posts Work?
Instead of digging a hole, you can just hammer an impact post into the soil with a manual or pneumatic post driver. The rest of the installation stays the same.
- First, lay out your fence. Mark your fence runs, corners, and gate. You can use string and wooden stakes to keep everything straight.
- Set the internal support posts in at each marked location. Then using a post driver, drive them into the ground. The posts need to be plumb and deep enough to be stable (around a foot to a foot and a half.) Use a level to check your work.
- Slide the aluminum post over the driven insert. Remember, the aluminum post could be an end, corner, or gate post depending on your layout. So keep track of them.
- Attach the fence panels and hardware once the posts are set.
- Always check the alignment and stability before completing the run.
You will need a Post Driver.
A post driver is a power tool that can hammer a post at about 1,000 to 2,000 beats per minute. Many of them include internal dampening springs to lessen the vibrations.
Now, we have seen DIYers use mallets and sledge hammers to literally hammer in the drivable posts. You can do that but we don’t recommend it. You’re not taking manual labor out of the equation, you’re just changing the type of work you’re doing. And it opens you up to human error like leaning fence posts.
With a post driver, you easily ensure that your posts are plumb and deep enough to be stable.
You can rent post drivers from your local hardware store. Of course prices vary by location, but they should be around $100 to $200 a day. If you want to buy one outright, expect an initial investment of around $2,000 to $3,000. Just be sure to follow all of the instructions and safety requirements.
Post Drivers are often gas powered tools so they can be loud! Wear ear and eye protection. Don’t forget safety shoes and gloves. Safety shoes are close-toed, non-slip shoes like steel-toed boots.
Are using Drivable, No-Dig Fence Posts Really Worth it?
That depends on your priorities, but we recommend them for the following benefits:
- Drivable Impact Posts and L-Impact Posts save 5-10 minutes per post (depending on the soil). If a typical fence project has 32 posts, then you can save around 2.65 to 5.33-man hours per project.
- It can save you money because you’re not buying concrete. You’re saving approximately 2 bags of concrete per post. And at $5 a post, 32 posts per project, you could save around $320 per project.
- It’s easier on your back. Drivable impact posts can decrease the likelihood of injuries. You’re not carrying heavy bags of concrete or breaking your back digging.
- If your soil is heavily compacted or solid like clay, then these drivable posts provide a more stable base. Concrete is prone to shifting as it cures, potentially leaning your posts.