Explained: How Much Concrete Do You Need Per Fence Post?
Installing a fence raises one big question: how much concrete do you need per post? This guide covers the right amounts of concrete, how post size affects calculations, and why kreitmaker's volumetric delivery makes the process easier.
Cement vs. Concrete: What's the Difference?
Before we get into it, let's define some terms. While the words "cement" and "concrete" are often used interchangeably, they’re not the same thing. Cement is a fine powder made by heating limestone with clay and other minerals, and it acts as a binding agent. When mixed with water, it undergoes a chemical reaction called hydration, which makes it harden and stick to other materials.
Concrete, on the other hand, is the durable building material created by combining cement with water, sand, and aggregates like gravel or crushed stone. Essentially, cement is the ingredient that gives concrete its strength, while concrete is the final product used for everything from sidewalks and driveways to foundations and large structures.
How Much Concrete Do You Need Per Fence Post?
Generally speaking, the amount of concrete you need all depends on the diameter and the depth of the hole and whether the post will be put directly into the concrete or if it is what's called "post out", which means it uses a saddle to rest the wood in/on.
At kreitmaker, we have a number of formulas and standards we use to determine how much concrete you'll need for various projects. If you're pouring a concrete slab for a shed, we generally believe you need to go down at least four inches below grade, with a minimum of 30 MPa and 4000 PSI. For a fence post or a deck post however, we typically recommend going four feet deep, with a minimum 20 MPa and 3000 PSI.
Some people choose to use sonotubes that help make the hole round and make the concrete pour more controlled. Sonotubes are single-use concrete forms made from a durable cardboard that are ideal for columns such as deck pilings, fence posts, mailboxes, or footings. They can be used below grade and up to 3 feet above grade, and are available in diameters from 6 to 12 inches to suit your project needs.
Fence Type & Post Size
The material, height, and thickness of the posts are key factors in determining the amount of concrete required for a project. For instance, standard wood fences with 4×4 posts typically require a moderate amount of concrete to secure each post. Chain-link fences, which rely on thinner metal posts, generally need less concrete per post, though the post holes are often dug deeper to ensure stability. Heavier privacy fences or fences exposed to strong winds place more stress on the posts, which usually means a larger footing and more concrete to provide adequate support and long-term durability.
Getting the right amount of concrete is easy with kreitmaker’s volumetric truck delivery system. Concrete is mixed on site, so you receive the exact amount needed for your project without pre-measuring. This helps prevent delays from running short and avoids over-ordering and unnecessary costs.
If you still prefer to buy bags, our experts at kreitmaker can help you figure out how many bags you may need, and can advise you on the process.
kreitmaker's Concrete Options
Pre‑Mixed Concrete Bags
If you prefer to use pre-mix bags, our experts at kreitmaker offer a wide selection of cement and other bagged products, including masonry cements, Portland limestone cements, specialty pre‑mixes, mortars, and more from well-known brands. You’ll also find tools, aggregates, and other construction essentials, making it easy to get everything you need for your project in one place. With these products, you have the ability to mix and pour concrete on your own!
Volumetric Concrete Delivery
kreitmaker is known for volumetric concrete truck delivery that mixes concrete on-site. These trucks carry separate concrete ingredients and combine them on-site, delivering fresh concrete tailored to your project. Volumetric delivery reduces waste, lets you pay only for what you use, and offers flexibility in mix design, allowing you to adjust slump or admixtures as needed. Same-day delivery is available across the GTA, six days a week from multiple plants.
Traditional Drum Truck vs. kreitmaker's Volumetric Delivery
When ordering concrete, many contractors default to traditional drum truck delivery. This method often requires guessing your order size in advance, which can result in overages you still have to pay for or shortages that delay your project. kreitmaker's volumetric concrete trucks provide a better solution because they allow you to pay only for what you use, with no wasted concrete or unnecessary costs.
The trucks mix on-site, giving you the exact consistency and amount needed for your posts. Same-day delivery is available six days a week throughout the GTA, helping projects stay on schedule, and ordering through the app is easy and convenient for both contractors and homeowners. For fence installations with many posts, volumetric delivery ensures you always have the right amount of fresh concrete without the guesswork.
If you use too little concrete, fence posts can loosen over time, lean under wind pressure, or even topple, which means you may end up redoing the work sooner than expected. On the other hand, too much concrete will certainly secure your fence, but it can lead to wasted material, higher costs, and make future post replacement more difficult. Balance is key.
Since every job is unique, feel free to contact kreitmaker with any questions you may have. We can answer your specific question based on your situation, and help you find a solution that works for you.
Take the next step and make your fence project stronger with the right concrete solution. kreitmaker offers same-day delivery across Toronto and the GTA with flexible volumetric concrete options that ensure you only pay for what you use. Get in touch with our team today, and let’s get your project started.