How to Set a Fence Post in a Driveway or Other Concrete SurfaceIf you want to properly secure a 4" x 4" post in a location where there is a concrete slab, such as a driveway, sidewalk, or patio, the best way to do it is to cut a hole in the concrete first. Read on to learn how!
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These and similar brackets do NOT work. A post connected to concrete with this method will not be sturdy.
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The clients they wanted to claim some of the concrete space at the end of the driveway as extra patio space, a foyer into the backyard, if you will. They did not desire a double-wide vehicular gate, but instead wanted a small, sturdy pedestrian gate. We cut a 8" diameter hole through the driveway in order to set a post there to accommodate their wishes.
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Step 1:
You'll need a hammer drill capable of drilling into concrete. If you do not own one, you can rent one from a tool rental shop. Using your string line to mark where the fence face will be, go over a couple of inches to find where the center of the post should be. Mark that spot or go ahead and drill a hole there. I used a 3/4" drill bit. Draw a circle around that hole to mark the outside circumference of the circle you're going to excavate. |
Step 2:
Drill holes around and along the circumference, spaced an inch or two apart. Drill some more holes throughout the middle area of the circle. |
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Step 3:
Now drill some more holes throughout the middle area of the circle. |
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Step 4:
Now switch the drill bit to a chisel bit to use the drill as a small jackhammer. The reason you drilled all the holes is so that when you jack hammer the concrete, it doesn't split and send cracks out in every direction. The circle of close holes keeps cracks from forming. Jack hammer the concrete into small pieces and remove them.
Now switch the drill bit to a chisel bit to use the drill as a small jackhammer. The reason you drilled all the holes is so that when you jack hammer the concrete, it doesn't split and send cracks out in every direction. The circle of close holes keeps cracks from forming. Jack hammer the concrete into small pieces and remove them.
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Step 5:
The concrete slab should be 4" - 6" thick. Once you clear that, dig down to a depth of 24" using a post hole digger. |
Step 6:
If you've removed your string line while working, go ahead and replace it now. Set some gravel in the base with the post and then concrete to the top of the hole. Be careful to slope the concrete surface with the driveway grade. Don't let a dimple form around the post - you don't want standing water to ever be hanging out next to the wood. |
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All done! Here is what the finished post looks like.
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