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Guide
No-Dig and Concrete Footings: Choosing for Your Fence
Compare installation approaches for your fence, gates and ground conditions. The right post system depends on the complete design and the property.
Installation methods
Choose the post system for the whole fence.
A driven post or anchor can reduce excavation where the system and site are suitable. Another footing may be needed for a particular fence design, gate, ground condition or access constraint. We review those details before recommending how your fence should be installed.
Fence
Design and connectionsGround
Conditions and accessGates
Openings and loadsCompare the scope
Questions for each installation approach.
| Question | Wood post with a footing | Steel post with a footing | Compatible driven system |
|---|---|---|---|
| What must be specified? | Post, treatment and connection | Post, finish and connection | Post or anchor and connections |
| How is embedment chosen? | According to the design and site | According to the design and site | According to the system and site |
| What sets spacing? | Fence design and loads | Fence design and loads | Fence design and loads |
| What affects durability? | Material, exposure and installation | Material, exposure and installation | Material, exposure and installation |
| What affects movement? | Ground, drainage and foundation detail | Ground, drainage and foundation detail | Ground, drainage and foundation detail |
| What ground review is needed? | Support, drainage and obstructions | Support, drainage and obstructions | Support, drainage and obstructions |
| What is the excavation scope? | Confirm in the written scope | Confirm in the written scope | May reduce excavation where suitable |
| What happens to the yard? | Agree access and restoration scope | Agree access and restoration scope | Agree access and restoration scope |
| How are later repairs handled? | Depends on the installed detail | Depends on the installed detail | Depends on the installed detail |
Site assessment
Look beyond the soil label. Ground conditions, drainage, fill, buried obstructions, exposure and fence loads can change the recommendation.
| What we review | Why it matters | What to discuss |
|---|---|---|
| Support and drainage | Ground conditions affect the recommendation | How the selected design addresses the site |
| Fill and obstructions | Previous work can affect installation | Any areas needing a different detail |
| Fence height and openness | Design and exposure affect loads | The specified fence and post system |
| Gate openings | Width and use affect the supporting detail | Gate posts, hardware and access |
| Equipment access | The crew must reach the proposed line | Access and site preparation |
| Connections | The visible fence must fit its supports | Rails, panels, boards and fasteners |
| Maintenance | Products have different care requirements | Care information for the selected product |
Design questions
Ask how the design addresses the site.
Review ground, materials, connections and access as parts of the complete installation.
01 / Ground & water
Ground and water: discuss drainage, ground movement and exposure along the proposed line.
02 / Materials & connections
Materials and connections: confirm the specified posts, rails, fasteners and finishes.
03 / Gate loads
Gate loads: an opening may need a different foundation or connection from the adjacent fence.
04 / Maintenance & access
Maintenance and access: ask about product care and how equipment will reach the line.
Written scope
Put the installation detail in writing.
- Named system. Identify the proposed post or anchor and its requirements.
- Compatible connections. Confirm how the fence attaches to its supports.
- Site review. Discuss ground conditions, access and obstructions.
- Gate detail. Confirm any different foundation or connection at an opening.
- Access and cleanup. Put preparation and restoration responsibilities in the written scope.
Planning note
Fence appearance and foundation details are separate choices. Confirm the rail layout, visible style and post system in the same written quote.
Project planning
Site-specific details
Where another detail may be needed.
An obstruction, unsuitable support, limited access or a demanding gate or fence design may change the recommendation. We will explain the proposed approach.
- Ground conditions. Review support, drainage and the selected system requirements.
- Fill and buried obstructions. Existing site conditions may change the installation detail.
- Equipment access. Confirm how the proposed line can be reached and prepared.
- Gate and fence loads. Review the openings, height and exposure before choosing foundations.
At your estimate
Ask which post or anchor is proposed, what requirements apply, and whether any gates or sections need another detail.
Bring these questions to your estimate.
Which system is proposed? How does it connect to the fence? What access and restoration work is included? Put the answers in the written scope.