Today’s video will guide you through installing a fence post. We’ll be focusing on installing a chain link fence post, but the information is applicable to most types of fence posts.

The type of cement you use depends on various factors. In this case, we’re using rapid post cement because we want the post to set quickly for another project. Rapid post sets in about 30 minutes to an hour. Alternatively, you could use the traditional sand and gravel Portland cement mixture, which takes longer to set. For this, you would mix four shovels of sand and gravel with one shovel of Portland cement.

Portland cement is traditional but slower to set compared to rapid post. For our purposes, we’ll use rapid post.

Here’s how to use it: Mix the rapid post in your wheelbarrow with water. The consistency should be similar to thick oatmeal—not too watery but still workable. Mix it well and then bring the wheelbarrow as close as possible to the fence hole. Add the cement to the hole first, then place the post into the hole. Never put the post in first and then add cement. Cement should always go in first to prevent the post from heaving.

Ensure you’ve dug the hole properly and belled the bottom to protect against frost. Fill the hole with cement up to ground level without going above it, as exposure to sunlight can cause cracking. The ideal level is just below the surface.

After filling the hole, insert your post and make sure it’s at the correct height. Use a level to ensure the post is straight and centered in the hole. Add soil around the post, tamp it down, and keep checking the level until it’s straight. Once the post is set, let the cement dry before proceeding with any additional work.

If you prefer not to use cement, especially with chain link fences, you can drive the post into the ground. This method involves hammering the post into undisturbed soil, which can be very strong. However, this method is less effective for wood posts or in rocky or disturbed ground conditions.

In summary, for most installations, especially in Ottawa, cementing posts is the standard method. Driving posts is also an option but less commonly used.

If you have any questions or need more information, feel free to reach out. We’ll be posting more videos on this topic, so stay tuned!