When using concrete as a post hole filler, it’s usually necessary to provide some kind of temporary support, because the concrete won’t normally set sufficiently for the post to stay upright on its own for at least 30 minutes. Related: Solved! How Much Concrete Do I Need Per Fence Post? Concrete takes longer to fully cure, and foam sets in much colder conditions. Typically the cost is around three times the cost of equivalent concrete mix. However, the fact that polyurethane foam is much lighter and considerably less bulky is not reflected in the price. Just add water and pour.īy contrast, the equivalent pack of a popular product like Sika fence post mix (available at The Home Depot) weighs just 2.5 pounds! Using this as an example, it’s easy to picture just how much these products expand. Buying concrete like this is a good idea because it takes the guesswork out of preparation. When setting fence posts in concrete, experts recommend using at least two 50-pound bags of store-bought mix for a 4×4-inch post in a hole 2 feet deep (available at The Home Depot). Concrete is much heavier but costs less than expanding foam. Many people would prefer an alternative, if it was available. That means much more concrete is necessary than seems evident from the surface. To set a fence post so it remains sturdy, a hole 1/3 of the post height is recommended. However, concrete is widely criticized for its environmental impact, both in terms of production of the components, and contamination of the soil when used. When made properly, it can last 50 years or more. It might often seem as if it’s thrown together with little care, but the wrong mix can be weak and prone to crumbling or cracking. Concrete is the traditional material used to set fence posts.Ĭoncrete is made by mixing cement with water, and adding an aggregate that’s usually sand, gravel, or a combination of both. We’ve taken a closer look at the properties of both so we can help explain and settle the expanding foam vs. Going with standard concrete could save you $60!īut remember: Whether you use fast-setting or standard concrete mix, stay safe - always wear protective glasses and rubber gloves.Expanding foam has been around since the 1950s, but expanding foam post hole filler is a relatively new product. Imagine that you’re building a privacy fence that requires 60 bags of concrete mix, and the fast-setting option is $1 more. But if the project’s big, you might be better served to use standard concrete. So, if your project is small, the difference may not seem like much. A bag of fast-setting concrete costs about a dollar more than regular concrete, though prices vary by store and location. While you can use fast-setting concrete or standard concrete for many applications, some projects are better suited for one product or the other.Ĭonvenience comes at a cost. WHAT TO CONSIDER Fast-setting concrete is convenient for individual fence post repairs, but lower-cost, standard concrete mix might be best for large-scale fence projects. So follow the bag’s instructions for the right balance. Remember: While the tendency is to use more water when mixing concrete to make it easier to pour and finish, the more water added to the mixture, the weaker the finished concrete will be. Standard concrete sets in 24 to 48 hours and curing takes about five days in warm weather (70 degrees Fahrenheit or higher) or seven days in colder weather (50 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit).Īfter curing, regular concrete also can withstand 4000 psi. Standard concrete is great for general work, but it’s especially effective for large projects over 2 inches thick - like patios, sidewalks curbs and steps. Simply add 2.8 liters of fresh water to one 80-pound bag of Quikrete Concrete and mix thoroughly. Quikrete Concrete Mix also is easy to use and can be mixed in a wheelbarrow or tub, or a mixing machine.
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