Do I really need concrete tube forms for what I am doing in my backyard?

[trouthunter]

That is a great idea!

Modular design, could use that for a lot of different things.

Also a very good way to go!

[Doctari]

My Midwest soil is much like GA: 2" of decent top soil & a pretty sturdy clay under it (Nearly waterproof). Not quite as sturdy as GA's red clay, so I would likely need to put a bit of concrete in, AND I'm sure I would go with the 6 X 6 just because I'm paranoid.
And, even with today's pressure treated lumber, I second (3rd? 5th?) the suggestion of a couple scoops of gravel to help keep the foot of your lumber up out of the water. As I said, my clay is nearly waterproof, so IF I ever did something like that, I'd go 4' deep & put a foot of loose gravel in the bottom.

Have fun with your project, & remember: Pictures or it didn't happen.

[Mountain Gout]

Gonna do mine soon as well.. I see Home depot has the 4x6 ers..x 10ft. for 30 bucks..
I do like the pole idea.. I have to go at least 3ft. here..

[WVScouter]

Definitely bring the concrete above ground and slope away from the pole to channel water away

[Z0rst]

+1 on 6x6. I had a 4x4 style and it lasted only a year. I replaced it with 6x6 version using sand and gravel only as recommended on another thread.

I like the idea of the removable posts! Wish I had done that. I have a place nearby that sells aircraft tubing.

[wenestvedt]

I just used 1" pipe last week, and it really is too flimsy for my 190 lbs., even with a steel backstay. I would go for thicker pipe.

[Itsamescott]

It's just a piece of old black pipe. You can get it at Lowes or Home Depot in 10'L sections in the plumbing dept. I grabbed this one for free years ago when they put in a new heating system at work. Not sure how much a they are but this one is 2" ID and about 2.5" OD Probably around $15 bucks by now.

Thanks. The 2"x10' steel pipes are almost $40 each at Home Depot. I need to take some measurements and see just how long I need on my hill.

[wenestvedt]

Yep, that 2" pipe should do.

[Gristlehead]

Just reading through this thread and I thought I'd add my two cents. I did about a weeks worth of research a few months back on fence building. I was about to buy a new home that I was going to have to construct the privacy fence on.

Several things that has come up before that should be restated.

1. Gravel in the bottom of the hole. Do this to let water seep out of the pole.
2. Crown the concrete or foam at the top of the hole to prevent standing water at grade level.
3. Add a topper to the pole to prevent water from migrating down the core.

Note that I said concrete or Foam... Foam a Post The foam has proven to be the winner in all tests of endurance and reliability. Stronger in side loading, stronger in vertical pull out. Easier to administer, and QUICKER To set...I was going to go the foam route on my fence. 45 minutes set time. Something to look at for sure.

An idea would be to foam in the sleeve, and have removable poles.

[NarlocB]

What kind of pipe is that??? I love the idea of being able to remove it. This could save my one tree dilemma.

I just buried a 5 gallon bucket full of cement with a pvc sleeve in it.
That works great for me.


When I'm not using it I take out the pipe and cover it with a flat rock for mowing purposes.

You can do the same with a 4x4. Just grease up a piece real good so that it will come out of the cement in the bucket after it drys. Then use the hole to put yer post into. Not that post! The other one!