How to Install 4×4 Fence Posts

Tips for Installing 4×4 Fence Posts that will Stand the Test of Time and Wind

By Mark J. Donovan




When building a backyard fence, it is necessary to install fence posts every 6 to 8 feet or so. Installing 4×4 fence posts can be challenging if you live in a rocky area. It can also be dangerous if you do not contact DigSafe first. In many cases underground utilities can be buried where you plan to dig. By contacting DigSafe ahead of time, they can let you know if there are any underground utilities to avoid when installing your fence posts.

It is important when installing fence posts to bury them deep enough so that they don’t wind up leaning over after the first big wind storm.

For best results, you should bury them to a level that is just beyond the depth of the frost line for your region of the country. This said, sometimes it is impractical or too expensive to buy very long fence posts. At a minimum, however, you should bury the post to at least half the depth of the length of post that will stick out of the ground. For example, with a 6 foot high fence, the post should be buried in the ground 3 feet. Even if you do not live in a deep frost-line area it is important to get this type of depth to prevent the 4×4 fence posts from leaning over due to wind forces. It is also important to use 4×4 lumber that is treated and rated for burying.

To install fence posts on a property line it is important to survey the property first, and understand the required setbacks specified by your local building codes.

Once you know where you want to install your 4×4 fence posts, use a posthole digger to dig the holes. Alternatively you can use an auger to speed up the process of digging the fence post holes. Make sure you make the holes sufficiently wide enough for the posts, e.g. approximately 8-10 inches in diameter.

After digging a fence post hole, set a post into the center of it and use a 4 to 6 foot level to plumb the pole. Also make sure it is in line with the other fence posts. Using a string line along the length of the staked out fence line is helpful in positioning each fence post.

To hold the pole in place you can use either concrete or crushed gravel. If you are using concrete, make sure to mix it up after you have dug your post holes and are ready to install them.

While holding the fence post plumb, and in-line with the other fence posts, have someone shovel in concrete or gravel into the hole. If you are using concrete, use an iron bar or shovel to work the concrete around the base of the fence post as you pour shovelfuls of concrete into the hole. 

Fence layout

If you are using gravel, then tamp the gravel down every 6 inches or so, up the length of the hole. This will help to lock the fence post into place and prevent it from leaning later on.

After installing the fence post allow the concrete to fully dry, if using concrete, before installing the fence sections. Note that wind forces can put tremendous stresses on a fence post. Consider installing fences that allow air to quickly pass through the fence, e.g. a split rail fence, or a picket style fence with spaces in-between pickets.


Dress Up Your Home’s Exterior with an Arbor – If you’ve always wondered what to do about a side door entrance to your house or garage to make it more appealing, or just wanted to simply spice up the backyard, building an arbor may be your answer. The “How to Build an Arbor Ebook” provides detailed, step-by-step instructions and pictures on how to build an entrance-way arbor for your home. Order and Immediately Download today!. 100% Money-Back Guarantee if you are not satisfied.

Planning to have a Brick or Paver Walkway Installed by a Landscaping Contractor but not sure what questions to ask to ensure you hire the right one? See HomeAdditionPlus.com’s Brick and Paver Walkway Bid Sheet. The Brick and Paver Walkway Bid Sheet will help ensure that your walkway project goes smoothly and you get the finished walkway you are looking for.


Additional Landscaping Resources from Amazon.com


Free Home Addition Price Quotes with No Obligation!

Fill out our 3-5 minute quick and easy form, and receive a free price quote on a house addition from one of our prescreened and licensed home addition contractors. This process is free and there is no obligation to continue once you receive your house addition price estimate.