I've been reading about how to secure fence posts and have come across three methods: concrete, gravel and dirt. A friend of mine who grew up on a ranch says just bury it in dirt and it'll be fine. Contractors say use concrete while some on the Internet say use gravel. I'm so confused...
I think if you only use dirt, you would have to put more of the post in the ground. It probably depends on the type of dirt you have, too. Clay might work better than other types.
Seems to me like gravel and concrete would work equally well.
What is the reason for the fence? Right now our property is open and while I do sometimes mind the strays that wander through the yard, for the most part its not a large issue since our pets are inside ones (cats).
I just used dirt on mine except for the gate posts, both sides where cemented in. Someone told me though the code states that every other post should be cemented in though.
A contractor will say concrete because that's probably what the codes say. If you have fine, loose dirt, supplement it with gravel and you should be fine.
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