Ultimately, expanding foam is better for setting fence posts than concrete. That is because, with concrete, you can’t always get consistency all the way to the bottom layer even if you mix it well. With expanding foam, however, it more or less does the work for you.
Full Answer
How to set fence posts with concrete?
Project Instructions
- Dig post hole so diameter of the hole is 3 times the width of the post (i.e., the hole for a 4” wood post should be about 12 ...
- Add about 6 inches of QUIKRETE All-Purpose Gravel into the bottom of the hole. Then compact and level the gravel using a post or 2x4.
- Set the post into the hole and attach 2x4 braces to adjacent sides of the post.
What is the best fence post?
What Trees Make the Best Fence Posts?
- Cedar. Cedar is one of the most ascetically pleasing materials for fence posts. ...
- Locust. Depending on price and availability, locust may be your best choice when selecting wood to build a farm or ranch fence.
- White Oak. White oak provides excellent fencing material, and is resistant to insect infestation and wood rot. ...
- Whitewoods. ...
Should my fence posts be set in concrete?
Most use concrete to create leverage. The main reason is the post length of choice for fence companies is often a 4″ x 4″ x 8′. As a result, the fence post is only two feet in the ground on a six-foot in height wood fence. Hence the use of concrete.
How to install a fence post into concrete?
Setting the Post
- Concrete
- Water
- Wheelbarrow
- Hoe
- Shovel
- Level
Which is better foam or concrete for fence posts?
Cost – When comparing price, you will find that a bag of concrete will cost less than a bag of post foam. Heavier – Concrete weighs more than post foam material providing an anchor effect. This is beneficial for those building fences in softer ground.
Is fence post foam cheaper than concrete?
Concrete is much heavier but costs less than expanding foam. When setting fence posts in concrete, experts recommend using at least two 50-pound bags of store-bought mix for a 4×4-inch post in a hole 2 feet deep (available at The Home Depot).
Does fence post foam really work?
7:599:01Does Fence Post Foam Really Work? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt didn't make good contact at all you know again it didn't expand to fill the hole. And it did makeMoreIt didn't make good contact at all you know again it didn't expand to fill the hole. And it did make great contact with the post.
Why you shouldn't use concrete for fence posts?
Concrete can actually hasten the rotting process, too. Because the wood and concrete expand and contract at different rates, a small “collar” will eventually form around the base of the post.
Where should you not use expanding foam?
When NOT to Use Spray Foam InsulationFor areas that are too close to electrical boxes:For areas too close to ceiling light boxes:Open-cell spray foam on your roof:For closed-cavity spaces:If you have a history of skin, respiratory, or asthma problems:
How long does secure set foam last?
Secure Set is a green product and environmentally safe. As an inert plastic foam, Secure Set has an expected life of more than 40 years.
What can I use instead of concrete for fence posts?
Fence posts can be anchored with gravel, resulting in surprisingly strong anchors that also drain away moisture to prevent water damage. Posts can also be secured using fence post spikes – which are specially made metal anchoring spikes that don't require digging to install.
Does Sika post fix work?
1:113:54Installing a Fence Post with Sika Post Fix vs. Concrete Post Mix (feat. Mike ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipActually replaces two bag of post cement they're working like crazy I'm talking I'm playing. YouMoreActually replaces two bag of post cement they're working like crazy I'm talking I'm playing. You just open it up it's a two-part mix nice and simple all you do is follow the arrows lay it down roll.
Should fence posts be set in concrete?
First rule, gang: Do not set wooden posts in concrete. Look, no matter what preventative steps you take (and I'll get to those), eventually wooden posts rot, and eventually you'll have to set new ones. Not only does burying them in concrete make for more work down the line, it actually can speed up the rotting.
Is 2 feet deep enough for fence posts?
The minimum depth that you should dig your fence post holes for panel sections is 2 feet. A general formula is to dig the holes one-third to one-half of the post's aboveground height. The deeper you dig the holes, the more stability your fence has, but you must also purchase longer posts.
How long will a 4x4 post last in concrete?
How Long Will A Treated 4×4 Last In The Ground? (Explained) A treated 4×4 will last 20 to 25 years in the ground if the conditions in the soil and climate are favorable. That number could increase to 40 to 75 years if you install the treated 4×4 in a cement ring rather than the soil.
How deep should a 6 foot fence post be in the ground?
The depth of the hole should be 1/3-1/2 the post height above ground (i.e., a 6-foot tall fence would require a hole depth of at least 2 feet). Add about 6 inches of QUIKRETE All-Purpose Gravel into the bottom of the hole. Then compact and level the gravel using a post or 2x4.
How long does it take for concrete to fill a post hole?
It can take several hours until it feels properly hard on the surface, and anywhere from 7 to 30 days until it is fully cured.
What is expanding foam?
Expanding foam is popular as a gap filler and insulator. It is usually provided in an aerosol can or will be pumped using dedicated equipment in commercial applications. Expanding foam for fence post fixing is a two-part polyurethane resin supplied in a lightweight pack. The two components react when mixed.
How long does it take for foam to cure?
Expanding foam post mix sets hard enough to leave the post unsupported in just a few minutes. It can be fully cured in a quarter of an hour. It’s also much less dependent on temperature, which is different than concrete that should never be made if there’s a risk of freezing. If ice forms in the concrete mix’s water, it will destroy the structure.
How much does a Sika fence post weigh?
By contrast, the equivalent pack of a popular product like Sika fence post mix (available at The Home Depot) weighs just 2.5 pounds! Using this as an example, it’s easy to picture just how much these products expand.
What is a fence post repair spike?
A variety of brackets and fence post repair spikes can be used to secure wooden fence posts that have been damaged, or where there is some decay. Concrete provides a strong support for these products.
When was expanding foam invented?
Expanding foam has been around since the 1950s, but expanding foam post hole filler is a relatively new product. We’ve taken a closer look at the properties of both so we can help explain and settle the expanding foam vs. concrete fence post argument.
How is concrete made?
Concrete is made by mixing cement with water, and adding an aggregate that’s usually sand, gravel, or a combination of both. The proportions are important. It might often seem as if it’s thrown together with little care, but the wrong mix can be weak and prone to crumbling or cracking. When made properly, it can last 50 years or more.
How long does it take for polyurethane to expand?
The two components that are separated in the bag, once popped and mixed for about 20 seconds, form an expanding polyurethane resin that you pour it into the hole; in just 3 minutes, the product expands around the post and stabilizes it.
Can you remove foam from a post?
The foam is easy to remove — I just hacked at it with a reciprocating saw and dumped the pieces. I noticed while removing it that the air pocket around the post was actually more than I thought; somehow, the resin didn’t stick in one spot around the post, which probably contributed to its lack of stability.
Which is better, foam or concrete?
Despite expanding, foam is a better option for many reasons; concrete turns out to be still the better option. In case you want a secured fence post, it’s worth opting for concrete.
Which is better for filling gaps around 4x4 posts?
The expanding foam is better for filling the gaps around 4 x 4 post in the hard ground. On the softer ground, you will find that it is practically useless.
How does expanding foam work?
Expanding foam works as a chemical that rapidly expands and solidifies into a foam formation.
How long does it take to set expanding foam?
The setting takes place in just 3 minutes, and it is durable and highly resistant to infiltration of moisture.
What temperature should foam be stored in?
Always keep in mind that the average temperature in the area should be around 40-degree celsius only. That staid in case the products are stored in the ground it will have the same temperature. 4 degrees can bring in a huge difference in the success of the expanding foam.
What happens when a concrete form expands?
The expanding form starts growing and filling up the hole, including the nook and the cranny. This will be completely different from the concrete that finds use in solidifying on the top, but sometimes it becomes brittle and inconsistent on the bottom.
Can you put concrete on a fence post?
Setting the fence post with concrete turns out to be simple, but there are certain variations that you will have to consider.
What Is Expanding Foam?
Many people aren’t familiar with expanding foam and probably never heard about it until they started looking into how they can install posts in the ground for their new DIY fencing project. However, there are different types of expanding foam, and knowing how to use them is highly recommended.
Best Tips for Using Expanding Foam
If you decide that expanding foam is the best choice for installing and securing your fence posts, then we want to go over a few tips that will help you safely get the job done.
Why Some People Choose to Use Concrete for Fence Posts
One of the main reasons people choose to use concrete to set their fence posts is because concrete is incredibly strong and can last a really long time. There is nothing wrong with choosing to use concrete over expanding foam, and we’ll tell you why below.
Expanding Foam VS Concrete
Like we mentioned above, people are forever debating over which one is better to use for installing fence posts. They both have good qualities and work well for this type of project. However, we tend to lean more towards using expanding foam for various reasons.
The Difference in Cost Between Expanding Foam and Concrete
Some folks will tell you that you’ll spend a fortune on expanding foam compared to using concrete. However, you will spend approximately 25% more on expanding foam than you would on concrete when it comes to cost.
Conclusion
When it comes to using expanding foam and concrete, they both work amazingly well for setting and securing fence posts. We recommend using the expanding foam if you are not highly skilled in using and or mixing concrete. Like we mentioned earlier, the mixture needs to remain consistent throughout the entire job.
How does foam differ from concrete?
Another difference between these two materials is the fact that expanding foam does of course expand sometimes up to 10 or even 15 times its original size, whereas concrete does not expand. The issue here with concrete is that it really won’t fill in all of the small nooks and crannies, and therefore it might not be 100% secure.
What is the difference between expanding foam and concrete?
Another big difference between expanding foam and concrete is that concrete is also a lot more impact and wind-resistant. If you drive into a fence post with your tractor and it has been set with concrete, there’s a chance that it might not get knocked down. However, if you drive into a fence post that has been set with expanding foam, chances are nearly 100% that it is going to get knocked over. This same principle applies to high winds, such as hurricane-force gusts.
Why does a fence post sink?
Over time, a fencepost set with concrete may start to wobble for this reason. Concrete is also quite heavy, so it can compact the ground below, thus causing the fence post to sink .
What is expanding foam made of?
In case you are wondering how expanding foam works, it generally contains components made of polyurethane, and when this comes into contact with the air, it causes that liquid to expand and then quickly harden.
Why does concrete harden?
It is the inclusion of water that causes concrete to harden, due to the fact that water causes the cement to form crystals that bond with each other, as well as the various aggregates in the concrete mixture.
Is concrete a heavy material?
A huge convenience about expanding foam is of course that it expands, which means that the original mixture is not very heavy, and there’s not much of it either. On the other hand, concrete is of course super heavy, and this can make the fence setting process a bit difficult. You really need some muscle to work with large volumes of concrete.
Is foam good for fence posts?
If you are looking to protect the bottom of your fence post from water damage , then expanding foam is probably the better option to go with. Concrete is waterproof as long as there are no cracks in it, but eventually, the surface of it can absorb water, especially if it has not been sealed.
How long does it take for concrete to fill a post hole?
It can take several hours until it feels properly hard on the surface, and anywhere from 7 to 30 days until it is fully cured.
What is expanding foam?
Expanding foam is popular as a gap filler and insulator. It is usually provided in an aerosol can or will be pumped using dedicated equipment in commercial applications. Expanding foam for fence post fixing is a two-part polyurethane resin supplied in a lightweight pack. The two components react when mixed.
How long does it take for foam to cure?
Expanding foam post mix sets hard enough to leave the post unsupported in just a few minutes. It can be fully cured in a quarter of an hour. It’s also much less dependent on temperature, which is different than concrete that should never be made if there’s a risk of freezing. If ice forms in the concrete mix’s water, it will destroy the structure.
How much does a Sika fence post weigh?
By contrast, the equivalent pack of a popular product like Sika fence post mix (available at The Home Depot) weighs just 2.5 pounds! Using this as an example, it’s easy to picture just how much these products expand.
What is a fence post repair spike?
A variety of brackets and fence post repair spikes can be used to secure wooden fence posts that have been damaged, or where there is some decay. Concrete provides a strong support for these products.
When was expanding foam invented?
Expanding foam has been around since the 1950s, but expanding foam post hole filler is a relatively new product. We’ve taken a closer look at the properties of both so we can help explain and settle the expanding foam vs. concrete fence post argument.
How is concrete made?
Concrete is made by mixing cement with water, and adding an aggregate that’s usually sand, gravel, or a combination of both. The proportions are important. It might often seem as if it’s thrown together with little care, but the wrong mix can be weak and prone to crumbling or cracking. When made properly, it can last 50 years or more.
Which is lighter, post foam or concrete?
Lighter – Bags of post foam are going to be much lighter and easier to handle and use than bags of concrete.
How long does it take for a concrete fence post to set?
Pour your concrete into the hole. Once you fill your hole with concrete to secure your fence post, expect around a 20-40 minute wait time before it sets.
How long does it take for expanding foam to dry?
Expanding foam is a two-part polymer that is mixed before being poured into the hole around the post. Be quick with pouring - you have only 20 - 30 seconds before the product begins to dry.
How long does it take for foam to expand?
You will have to be prepared to act quickly and not get distracted as, after only 15-30 seconds (depending on the brand), it will be ready to pour and begin to rapidly expand and set within 3-5 minutes. You will have this 3-5 minute window.
What is expanding foam?
Option #2, gaining more popularity each year, is expanding foam. Expanding foam expands and hardens. Most often found in a canister with a spray nozzle, expanding foam is easy to apply in a variety of situations. It generally comes in a two part mixing bag, requires no water and is mostly mess-free.
What is the best material for fencing?
The first, most common and time-tested option is concrete. Concrete is a composite material composed of fine and coarse aggregate bonded together with a fluid cement that hardens over time. Concrete has been used for years to stabilize and (enhance) the longevity of fencing. It is heavy duty and no nonsense. It’s easy to come by and cost effective for big jobs.
How long does it take for a fence to dry?
Remove the balancing brace and allow at least 4 hours (ideally closer to 24-48 hours) of dry time before putting the rest of the fence up.
What is the difference between concrete and foam?
The big differences are speed and cost. Foam is expensive but fast. Concrete is cheap but takes much longer to cure. In most cases I do not use concrete or foam around fence posts. I tamp in crusher run (crushed stone) around the post in the hole. It can hold the posts rock solid and there is no waiting for curing.
What is the best material to use to secure a post?
Crushed limestone with the down (dust) is cheaper than both foam and concrete and will hold the post secure when tamped. Use 1/2 inch or smaller if available in your area.
What to do if you make a mistake with concrete?
If you make a mistake with concrete all you need do is remove it from the hole and move it to the new location.
Can you use concrete for a metal fence?
Some of us use concrete for a wood or metal fence, some use soil and rock to back fill and tamp the fence posts in place. I do both. Each to their own, as with me I use both depending on the circumstances I am facing.
Do gate posts need more cement?
Gate posts always get more cement. If you are using foam, I gather more foam packages would be needed to fill the same sized hole for the post. That is assuming that the foam provides the same strength as concrete. If not you may need to dig a larger hole and supply more foam.
Can you use foam on a mailbox post?
I would not use the foam on any post or structure that has any type of strain on it. A mailbox post OK, but not a fence post. At our store we set up a display using 4 x 4 post in a 5 gal bucket. I can pick that thing up with one hand. I don't think it can with stand a strong wind or strain.
Is Secure Set cheaper than Quikrete?
going off of the calculators on secure sets website and Lowe's website the secure set fosm is actually a lot cheaper than the quikrete brand concrete from Lowe's. Lowe's says the hole needs to be three times the diameter of the post the secure set website for a 5-in post says 9-in hole.