How to Dig Post Holes
With the arrival of warm weather, chances are you might be getting ready to build a fence. In this quick guide from Citywide, learn how to dig post holes in order to construct your fence!
Plus, get some extra tips along the way. For more detailed information about Citywide and post hole digging, contact us.
Before erecting a fence, you’ll need to learn how to dig post holes.
How To Dig Post Holes
Learn how to dig post holes with this quick guide below. For more information, you can also see articles by Family Handyman and Wikihow.
Also, if you have specific questions or need more advice, contact the post hole experts at Citywide.
Before you dig post holes, you must locate any buried cables, pipes and/or wires.
(Image Source: Thirdman)
1. Clear Your Digging Area
Before you begin your project, contact Ontario One Call to make sure that digging is:
Safe
Legal
We recommend contacting them at least a week prior to digging so that you can request a locate for any infrastructure present underground (Electrical Lines, Gas Lines, Communication Lines, etc.).
It is essential that you get this step done prior to any digging so that you do not damage buried cables, pipes or wires and so that you and your family and neighbours stay safe!
You will also need to inquire about any required permits for erecting a fence in your area. Learn about Bylaws in Kitchener.
Make sure you have a post hole digger for this job. (Image Source: Lukas)
2. Gather Your Equipment
Before you start digging, make sure you have all the necessary tools to complete the job with accuracy and the most ease possible. Unless you are using a power auger, here are the basic tools you will need:
Post Hole Digger (alternatively, you can use a hand auger or a power auger)
Post Hole Digging-Tamper Bar (note: some people will choose to use this tool instead of a post hole digger; however it may be more difficult.)
Shovel
String
Stakes
Hammer
Gravel
Other items you will need include a measuring tape, a level, a tarp and gloves. If you plan to set your posts with concrete, you will also need to buy quick-setting concrete.
Before you dig, it’s a good idea to establish some measurements using string and stakes.
3. Set Up
Next, you’ll want to map out where your fence posts will go so that you can make sure your digging is accurate and your fence stands up straight.
Using your stakes and some string, mark the areas where you will be digging
Use your measuring tape to establish accurate spacing (note: average space between posts is 8 feet)
The string should mark the outside of your posts and the center of your posts
Using a hammer, drive stakes into the ground and make sure everything lines up properly
Watch this video to discover the Sharp Shooter Shovel, a Tile Spade.
4. Prepare Soil
Before you use the post hole digger to dig your post holes, you can do a bit of digging to start the outline of your hole. This will make things easier once you start using the post hole digger and will help prevent you from making mistakes in measurements.
Remove string but leave stakes
Using a tile spade, dig around the stake as an outline to center the hole
As you remove any dirt, place it on a tarp nearby to keep your workspace tidy and to preserve soil
Using the tile spade, carve out edges and slice through any roots in your way. The rest of your digging should be easier after this.
You can also use your post hole digging-tamper bar to loosen any rocks in your way
Tip: If you encounter an unknown object as you dig, don’t blindly chop your way through with the blade of your spade. Find out what the resistance is first to prevent damage or danger.
Learn how to use a post hole digger in this quick video!
5. Dig & Clear
Next, you can begin the real excavation!
Now that the soil has been loosened, take your post hole digger and begin to dig with it
Hold the post hole digger with both hands and as you open and close the handles you will grab and release a load of dirt
Continue to dig post holes and remove any rocks along the way
Your hole should be half as deep as the fence is high
Tips:
1. Watch the video above to see how a post hole digger is used.
2. If the soil is too hard, you can moisten it with some water to make the job a little easier
3. If you wish, you can choose to use a power auger instead of a manual post hole digger. Learn more about this by watching the video highlighted in our other blog post, Residential Post Hole Digging.
6. Tamp & Set Posts
In this final step, you will compress the soil, add posts, plumb them and set them.
Using the tamper end of your post hole digging tamper bar, compress any loose soil and pack the bottom of the hole.
Add fine gravel and tamp it down to make it firm
Insert each post
Plumb posts using a level
Gradually backfill holes with a mix of soil and gravel, tamping soil as you go to stabilize each post
You may also need to set posts with concrete for greater stability. Learn about setting posts with concrete here. Also, do note that the video shows a post hole being dug with just a post hole digging tamper bar, an alternative to using a post hole digger.
Let Citywide do the digging for you!
Post Hole Digging From Citywide
Perhaps you realized that to dig post holes effectively and efficiently, you need specialized equipment. If you don’t have the equipment, time or energy, you may want to consider hiring a business like Citywide to do the work for you. With Citywide, you can choose from services like:
Digging of post holes
Setting fence posts
Complete fence and deck construction
Citywide has the equipment and expertise for all types of post setting and protects your posts from heaving for up to 2 years.
Contact Citywide today for a FREE estimate.
“They work hard and do a great job! Post holes are always done great, good pricing and have a great friendly team of workers! They will also do full deck or fence builds if wanted and get the job done quick and looks amazing!”