How to Install an Aluminum Fence Post
- 1). Dig the holes for the end posts, using the post hole digger. The holes should have a diameter equal to three times the width of the post and be at least 30 inches deep. If the fence will be higher than 6 feet, dig down more. Try to keep about 1/3 of the entire post length below the ground.
- 2). Remove dirt from the sides of the bottom of the hole, using the spade. The goal is to get the bottom of the hole wider than the top so that when the ground freezes, it does not push the concrete foot out of the ground.
- 3). Place 6 inches of gravel into the bottom of the hole and place the aluminum post into the hole. Have a helper hold the post upright.
- 4). Alternate pouring water and quick-setting concrete into the hole according to the instructions on the bag of concrete. If the concrete is not pre-mixed, mix it first with mason's sand before adding water. Fill the hole with concrete up to 4 inches below the top of the hole.
- 5). Stand the post upright and make sure it is level. Backfill the rest of the hole with dirt and tamp it down.
- 6). Dig up to eight more holes for line posts in this stretch of fence. If you reach the place for another end or corner post, dig the hole and stop there. The distance between the holes is determined by the size of the aluminum fence and provided by the fence manufacturer. Make sure that the holes are in a completely straight line from the side of the first post. If necessary, tie a piece of string to the first post and run it directly over all of the holes. Place a few inches of gravel into the bottom of the holes.
- 7). Slide the aluminum fence rails into the punched holes on the post that you already set up. Place a line post into the next hole and slide the rails into the post.
- 8). Pour concrete into the line post hole up to 4 inches below the top. Adjust the line post so that it is straight up and backfill the top 4 inches of the hole with dirt. Tamp the dirt down to keep the post in place. Repeat the process for each line post in this section of fence.
- 9). Align the aluminum fence with a level, and look at the fence from different angles. The horizontal rails should look like one continuous rail and the posts should all line up when looking at the fence from the side. Make any necessary adjustments before the concrete becomes too tough to work with. Wait 24 hours for the concrete to set.
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