🔧 Chain Link Fence Post Depth Calculator
Calculate post hole depth, diameter, and concrete needed for a solid fence installation
| Fence Height | Min Post Depth | Terminal/Gate Depth | Total Post Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 ft (0.91 m) | 18 in (46 cm) | 24 in (61 cm) | 4.5 ft (1.37 m) |
| 4 ft (1.22 m) | 24 in (61 cm) | 30 in (76 cm) | 6 ft (1.83 m) |
| 5 ft (1.52 m) | 30 in (76 cm) | 36 in (91 cm) | 7.5 ft (2.29 m) |
| 6 ft (1.83 m) | 36 in (91 cm) | 42 in (107 cm) | 9 ft (2.74 m) |
| 8 ft (2.44 m) | 42 in (107 cm) | 48 in (122 cm) | 11.5 ft (3.51 m) |
| 10 ft (3.05 m) | 48 in (122 cm) | 54 in (137 cm) | 14.5 ft (4.42 m) |
| 12 ft (3.66 m) | 54 in (137 cm) | 60 in (152 cm) | 17 ft (5.18 m) |
8" hole × 24" deep
8" hole × 36" deep
10" hole × 36" deep
12" hole × 42" deep
12" hole × 48" deep
10" hole × 42" deep
14" hole × 48" deep
14" hole × 54" deep
| Post OD | Min Hole Dia | Recommended Hole Dia | Annular Space |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-5/8 in (4.1 cm) | 6 in (15 cm) | 8 in (20 cm) | 3.2 in each side |
| 2-3/8 in (6.0 cm) | 8 in (20 cm) | 10 in (25 cm) | 3.8 in each side |
| 2-7/8 in (7.3 cm) | 8 in (20 cm) | 10 in (25 cm) | 3.6 in each side |
| 3-1/2 in (8.9 cm) | 10 in (25 cm) | 12 in (30 cm) | 4.3 in each side |
| 4 in (10.2 cm) | 10 in (25 cm) | 12 in (30 cm) | 4.0 in each side |
| 4-1/2 in (11.4 cm) | 12 in (30 cm) | 14 in (36 cm) | 4.8 in each side |
| 6-5/8 in (16.8 cm) | 14 in (36 cm) | 18 in (46 cm) | 5.7 in each side |
| Region / Climate | Frost Depth | Min Post Depth | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southern US (FL, TX, AZ) | 0–6 in (0–15 cm) | 24 in (61 cm) | Frost rarely a concern |
| Mid-Atlantic (VA, NC, TN) | 12–18 in (30–46 cm) | 30 in (76 cm) | Moderate frost zone |
| Midwest (OH, IN, IL) | 24–36 in (61–91 cm) | 42 in (107 cm) | Must go below frost line |
| Northern US (MN, WI, MI) | 42–60 in (107–152 cm) | 48 in+ (122 cm+) | Deep frost, check local code |
| Mountain West (CO, MT, WY) | 36–48 in (91–122 cm) | 48 in (122 cm) | Varies by elevation |
| Pacific NW (OR, WA) | 12–24 in (30–61 cm) | 30 in (76 cm) | Mild but wet soil |
| Canada (Southern ON, BC) | 48–72 in (122–183 cm) | 54 in+ (137 cm+) | Always check local codes |
| Soil Type | Depth Adjustment | Hole Dia Adjustment | Concrete Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Normal Loam | Standard depth | Standard diameter | Standard fill |
| Heavy Clay | +10% deeper | +2 in wider | Add gravel base for drainage |
| Sandy / Loose | +20% deeper | +2–4 in wider | Use more concrete, wider footing |
| Rocky | Standard (may need drilling) | As possible | Anchor bolts if bedrock near surface |
| Wet / Marshy | +25% deeper | +4 in wider | Extra gravel base, 6–8 in |
The 1/3 rule is what Ive found most reliable for chain link post depth: bury a third of total post length underground, so a 6 ft fence needs roughly 36 inches buried. Sandy soil pushes that 20% deeper. Corner and gate posts?
Add another 6 inches minimum since they handle all the tension.
Chain Link Fence: What It Is, Cost and How to Install
The information below does not come from some computer program used on this page. It is based on real research, discussions in forums and experiences of the community, that one finds spread on the net.
Fencing from chain link fence knows many names. One sometimes calls it woven wire, fence with wire net, chain wire fence, cycle net or diamond net fence. No matter the name, it ranks between the most popular kinds for fencing of areas.
It works for various uses, since lightweight home garden until massive commercial farm, including everything between those extremes.
That fence is made up of knitted net, usually from galvanised or PVC-covered steel wire. The wire forms a diamond pattern and sets itself on vertical poles. Globally one installs millions of metres of that type of fence.
Vinyl covering allows chain link fence to adapt to different colours, for matching with the look of the property.
Price is one of the main reasons for the big popularity of chain link fence. It belongs to the cheapest types of fences available. Wooden fencing commonly costs much more, especially for large gardens.
One can buy chain link fence at discount and install it without big trouble. Moreover it shows durability and requires little attention. Wind does not easily enter it.
It serves for long time. For instance, fence laid fifty years ago yet stands around the house, where one erected it.
Chain link fence does not darken the sight, which helps both sides. From the interior one easily observes outside, and none can conceal beside it. On the other hand, it does not belong to the nicest fences.
It lacks also maximum privacy. If one wants privacy, chain link fence does not work best. One can weave slim strips through the net, or plant vine on it to well cover the surface.
For a DIY person it is not entirely hard to install fence from chain link fence. Important is the precise design and the line, that one follows. First one should set the corner post poles, later stretch string between them for leading the line.
During the tying of the net to the post poles, two or three helpers will bee necessary. A strainer is used at the finish, while big zip-ties secure every post and cross beam. Thicker wire requires more time for the work, but it is more costly to install.
With heavy wire, upper net one must have. Lightweight wire can work with simply cable or strong wire up, even so nine-gauge wire will fall inwardly without that upper protection.
Fencing by means of chain link fence helps to keep intruders away from the area. It also keeps children and pets in the garden, so that they do not flee outside. It works on farms, because it confines goats, pigs and chickens in their space.
Even so for goats galvanised fence can rust and slacken after only some years because of the rubbing of the creatures. Some systems with chain link fence even allow to feed the animals without opening the gate.
Black covered chain link fence blends well into wooded places. One way is to combine black fancy fencing in front with black chain link fenceleft.
