You’ve been wanting to install a fence on your property for a while now. You’ve taken the time to research what kind of fence you wanted and you know about where you want it to be. It’ll help you feel more secure on your land and keep your family safe, too. There are a lot of reasons to install a fence, but you still have one question you’re not sure of. How should you install the fence posts?
There are two main ways that people install fence posts, either by driving them deep into the ground or by digging up a spot for the post and utilizing cement to help support it. Is one better than the other? Is one more affordable than the other? Is one easier to install? Which one should you choose?
Our team here at Northland Fence has heard every question imaginable regarding fencing and fence installation. We have over 15 years of experience in the field and want to do our best to answer your most common questions. Our goal is to help you get the fence of your dreams. Today we’re going to answer the question: “Why drive fence posts?”
The Difference That a Driven Fence Post Makes
As mentioned in the beginning, there are two main methods for installing a fence post. One is to dig up a spot for the post and utilize a mix, such as cement, to help support the base of the fence post. The other is to drive the fence post into the ground, without digging up a spot for it. Why do these methods differ? Is one better than the other?
When using a cement base for your fence, you don’t always have to have as much post underground as you do when driving a post. This might seem like a pro, as it could save you money on the cost of your posts. The downside, however, is the lack of stability. Because the post isn’t as far into the ground, cement helps make up for some of the structure. Cement bases are still known to be susceptible to erosion and frost heave, meaning that any potential cost saved could be lost when you have to repair your fence.
Additionally, cement posts are messier to install and take more time to install than driven posts. The process of not only digging up the hole but also waiting for the cement to cure before you can clean up adds to the total cost of time.
When driving a fence post into the ground, it increases the longevity of your fence’s life. The sturdiness that a driven post provides is especially important in the Minnesota climate. Frost heave can really mess up a fence, but driven posts provide a much higher level of strength to your fence’s integrity. Driven posts withstand things like snow being plowed into them on a regular basis, strong winds, and other forces out of your control, too.
Digging and Pouring Concrete vs. Driven Fence Posts
There are always pros and cons to everything. The same goes for concrete-based fence posts and driven fence posts. We’ve already discussed a few of them, but let’s lay them out some more.
- Concrete fence posts require more time to install than driven fence posts. This includes the digging and curing process for concrete versus the one-and-done process for driven posts.
- The average homeowner probably has the tools lying around to install a fence post with a concrete base, but not a driven one. This can add to your cost and some people might not be willing to do that.
- Concrete fence posts are less likely to withstand the Minnesota climate. Between winter with snow plows and frost heave, as well as the rainy season and erosion, cement bases are much more known for upheaval than driven ones.
The Tools for Properly Driving a Fence Post Into the Ground
Many people might opt for cement bases for their posts because of how much more likely they are to have the tools sitting around needed for an installation. Most people have a shovel lying around, but not many people have a post-driver.
While you can buy a hydraulic fence post driver, there are more affordable options with simple, manual ones. They mainly consist of a metal tube in which the fence post fits and two handles on either side. A combination of your efforts and the weight of the fence post driver will help slowly shove the post into the ground.
In order to ensure you install enough of your post into the ground, it’s best to measure it beforehand. You can then mark a spot on the post that indicates how deep it needs to be in the ground. This can help you have a visual to know when you can stop.
Having Northland Fence Install Your Fence
We know many people like to be handy. Other people are concerned about costs when it comes to installing a fence. If you have the materials and tools lying around, it can seem like installing it yourself will be the more affordable option. This isn’t always the case.
If you haven’t installed a fence before, you have to keep in mind the amount of time it might take since you are still learning the process. Additionally, mistakes can be costly, both to your wallet and your watch. These mistakes might not be noticeable right away, either. Sometimes they can show up a few months or a year down the road.
Going with a fence installation company like Northland Fence gives you your valuable time back. It also means ensuring you have a fence that will last you for years to come. We’re so certain of the quality of our product and installation crew that we offer a 10-year labor warranty on all installations and a 15-year warranty on all materials.
With our 15-plus years of experience in the field, we know how to get deals on materials that we pass directly onto you. We know that fencing can be expensive, but we want to help ensure you still get a good quality product for a reasonable price. We are also fully upfront with all costs, never springing fees on you later, and we offer financing options as well.
If you want to get started working with our team here at Northland Fence, you can utilize our online fence planning tool to get started, or give us a call at 763-265-7149 and we’ll be happy to help you.
