Fence Post Depth Code

Some cities say posts must be set in concrete.

Fence post depth code.

Common construction requirements include post size spacing and depth. As a general rule of thumb you ll need to place at least 1 3 the height of the post in the ground. Check your frost line by zip code or address using this map from the national weather service. It s a lot harder to push over a post that s buried deeply so always keep that in mind.

If the map isn t accurate enough for you. Others leave that up to the builder. If your post is 6 feet tall you will dig down at least 2 feet. That also means that you d need to use an 8 foot post.

The depth of the post hole needs to be 1 3 to 1 2 the height of your fence. Frost line by zip code. The maximum frost line depth is 100 inches as seen near the tip of minnesota north dakota and alaska all the way to zero inches in florida southern arizona and southern california. For example a 6 foot tall wood fence may need 4 x 4 or larger posts spaced no more than 6 feet apart and buried in the ground at least 2 feet deep.

For example if you are building a fence that s 6 feet tall you will need a hole that is at least 2 feet deep. That is why there is a specified depth for building footings. Gates require a hole with a depth of 36 to 40 inches in the ground and with a diameter of at least 12 inches. The depth of your post hole plays a key role in the strength of your posts.

For the width you need to make the hole three times the width of the post you intend to use. Here are a four tips to help you find the correct fence post hole depth. You need to dig a 12 inch wide hole for a 4 foot wood post. If you re setting a post into soft ground or in an area that receives high winds it s always a good idea to bury your posts a little deeper and add more concrete.

Keep the height of your fence in mind when digging your post holes. The code frost depth is meaningless for a fence. Building codes and ordinances in your area may stipulate a legal depth and diameter for fence post holes. For a structure it is important since any cracks caused by heaving will destroy the servicablity and appearance of the structure.