DIY Doctor UK DIY Forums

Hello everyone

Is it a good idea to hammer a few nails into the bottom third of a fence
post before placing it into the ground, and then pouring concrete into
the hole in the ground?

I was asking, as I was wondering if using nails will make the wood more
liable to rot, as water could find it easier to penetrate inside the wood
and quicken the rotting process. Would like to hear peoples thoughts on this,
on whether or not to use nails in the bottom of a fence post (to stop vandals from pulling the fence post down).

Regards,
Terry.

Hi Terry

What would be the purpose of the nails ? A post that's concreted in is not going anywhere. If the problem is the vandals, you really need to think of another material, they will attack anything that looks easily damaged, and completely ignore anything that looks solid and immovable.

I think you'll find this will lead to your posts rotting faster and as far as vandals pulling fencing down if you're concerned the beat bet in my opinion is to use oversize posts and increase the dig depth. I.e. 125x125 posts and go 750-900 in ground. Basis for this being that should louts be hauling on your fencing the damage is likely to be snapped posts or them loosening the complete concrete surround in the soil. (other than the inevitable broken rails or panels)