Do You Have to Use Concrete for Chain Link Fence Posts?​

One of the easiest ways to fence off a property is using a chain link fence. This is easy to install and will take only a short time to do so. This creates a physical and visual barrier at an affordable cost. Chain link fences are usually held by buried wooden posts but some professional fence contractors use concrete. Some contractors use gravel or a polymer material to keep fence posts in place for years to come. But do you really need concrete to install a chain link fence?

Factors to consider when installing a chain link fence

The type of soil of the area where you will install your chain link fence plays a huge role in determining whether you need to use concrete or not. Soil that has higher clay usually change in size and shape. Clayey soil tends to expand or contract throughout the day as moisture changes. This means that your fence will likely move over time and using concrete is indeed recommended.
If your soil is sandier or has more sand in its composition then this may not require concrete. This is because sand tends to move down and compact the soil. The result is soil that has the ability to hold the chain link fence posts for years to come.

Installing chain link fences without the use of concrete will save you money. There is no need to buy concrete which will significantly cut your fencing costs and there is no need to rent concrete mixing materials and tools as well. You may still need to buy backfill material to fill the space around the posts. But no matter how much backfill you require, the costs still outweigh the costs of buying concrete.

Installing a chain link fence minus the concrete

Installing a chain link fence without using concrete is not different from installing any kind of chain link fence. If you want to install this type of fence without concrete you must use a hole-digger or auger to create holes for your posts.

To keep your fence sturdy, create holes at least 2 feet deep or at least a third of the height of the chain link fence. Use a fence posts in the hole but do not pound on the posts because this can bend the posts out of shape. Once the posts are inside the holes, add backfill inside the holes to keep the posts strong.

There are a number of backfill materials to choose from. If you have clayey soil, use gravel because this permits water to drain around the posts. To do this bury about one-third of the posts and place 5 inches of gravel around it. Use a spade or a plank of wood to push the gravel around the post.
Call South Atlanta Fence Co. for your chain link fence installation needs. We offer professional and reliable fence installations for all types of properties, homes or businesses. Contact us today for a free quote.