PSA: Why I switched from gravel to concrete for fence posts

For ages, I thought gravel was the smart choice for drainage. Then I did a job where the posts shifted after one wet season. Seeing that mess changed my whole view. Now I use concrete every time, and the fences stay straight for good.

4 comments

4 Comments

angelaw781mo ago

My neighbor insisted on gravel for his fence posts last year, claiming it was cheaper and drained better. After one heavy spring, half his posts were leaning like they'd had too much to drink. He ended up redoing everything with concrete, and now his fence is straight as an arrow.

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faith_hart201mo ago

Saw my dad use gravel for his garden fence because he read online it was better for drainage. After a couple of heavy storms, those posts rocked back and forth like loose teeth. He ended up digging them up and pouring concrete bases, and now the fence is solid as a rock. Gravel just can't handle the push and pull like concrete does.

mianelson1mo ago

I mean I used to think gravel was fine for fence posts too, but hearing @faith_hart20's story changed my mind. Idk, maybe it drains okay but it clearly doesn't hold up like concrete does. Now I'd just go with concrete from the start.

gray87511d ago

Watched a guy at the hardware store last week buy three bags of gravel for fence posts, telling his buddy it was the "pro move." Makes you wonder how many people are about to learn the hard way, like @mianelson said. Seems like a lot of DIY advice online skips the part where things actually have to last through real weather.

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