You can set fence posts directly in the ground or in a concrete collar for added strength. Either way, you should use rot-resistant wood and set the post on a bed of gravel, to aid drainage and to keep the end grain from soaking up excess moisture.
Posts for gates, fence corners or decks, and posts set in loose soil should have a concrete collar. Trowel the top of the collar to shed water away from the post.

Professional tip
Pour the collar around the post; don’t push the post down into wet concrete.

Some woods naturally resist rot. The heartwood in redwood and cedar have their own chemical resistance. These species command a premium price for both their looks and their durability. In many parts of the country, pressure-treated lumber is a more economical choice for fencing and decks. This lumber has been saturated with a chemical that wards off decay and wood-destroying insects like termites and powder post beetles.

Money-saving tip
Buy a less expensive concrete mix—often called fence post mix—to set posts. You don’t need standard strength concrete for this task.

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!