Setting up a fence can be hard work and expensive. Fortunately, there are other ways to set up a fence that are cheaper and require less labor.
The best option is to use a metal spike and a sledgehammer to set the fence post. A metal spike will stick in the ground, while the sledgehammer gives the power to get the spike deep enough to set the post. There are 4 additional ways as well.
Each yard and each fencing area is different, so one way to set a post without digging may not work for you. To set your specific fence post, keep reading to see which way works for you!
1. A Metal Spike Anchor and a Sledgehammer
If you are not wanting to dig to set your fence post, a metal spike anchor might be the easiest option.
- Instead of digging a hole to put the post in, you take a metal spike anchor like this one (Amazon link) and place it where you would like the hole for your fence post.
- Then, you take a sledgehammer and pound the metal spike in the ground until you get a nice hole for your fence post.
- After you have a hole for your fence post, you can take your piece of wood and place it in the ground.
- Then, you will want to set the post with whatever you decide to set the post with. Cement is used most commonly.
When you have the first post set, you will continue the process until you have all of the holes for your fence posts. The process is still strenuous, but it is less work than digging holes.
These metal spikes can also be called “post holders” or “post anchors.” Whichever name they are called, just know you will take a metal spike and use a sledgehammer to create the hole for your fence post.
2. T-Post Driver
A T-Post driver, or sometimes known as a fence post driver, is a tool that will help anchor the post in the ground without digging. This way, your fence post is sturdy, but you do not have to dig.
Typically with a T-Post driver, you would use a metal pole rather than wood as the fence post.
The video below gives a great tutorial on how to use a T-Post driver when building your fence.
It is important to note that this way may be hard to use if you are building your fence in a rocky area.
3. E-Z Spike
The E-Z spike is similar to the metal spike, but instead of taking out the spike before placing the wood, you keep the spike in the ground.
- When setting your post, you will first place the spike around the fence post you are using.
- Then, you will take a sledgehammer and pound the E-Z spike and fence post into the ground.
- As you pound the post into the ground, the E-Z spike will start to separate from the fence post.
When the fence post is as deep as you would like, you then are able to take the E-Z spike out of the ground to use for the other fence posts.
This tool is an easy and quick way to set your fence posts without digging.
4. Steel Posts in the Ground
If your terrain is rocky, steel posts are a good option to help set your fence post.
When you have rocky terrain, wood posts will shatter or struggle to stay steady.
With steel posts, they are able to push past the rocks and create a solid foundation for your fence.
Steel posts can be inserted with a t-post driver or with a sledgehammer.
Rocky terrain can be tricky when trying to set a fence post, so be patient and do not get discouraged.
5. Above the Ground Fences
If none of these ways seem like the best option for you and your fence, you may want to consider building an “above the ground” fence. It is just like it sounds–a fence but above the ground.
It is not as accommodating to rough terrain or large yards, so keep that in mind before deciding on an above-ground fence.
How does this work, you may ask?
Well, it depends on the type of fence you want.
For example, there’s a jack fence that leans on itself while there’s a zigzag fence that creates almost a 90-degree angle for the two pieces of fences to lean on each other.
If you are looking to build an above-ground fence, it is important to research all of your options.
Jack Fence
A jack fence, also known as a jackleg fence, is basically putting two posts in an “x” position so they lean on each other while also leaning on the horizontal beam.
These fences are common for cabins or anywhere that follows a more rustic look.
There are many names for this fence. For example, in the video below, they call the fence a “buck and rail” fence.
The video gives a good idea of what the jack fence looks like and also gives a DIY of how to make the fence.
Snake-Rail Fence
Like the jack fence, the snake-rail fence also has many names, such as:
- Split-rail fence
- Log fence
- Round-pole fence
The snake-rail fence goes all the way back to the American Revolution and is still used today.
Below is a video of a man explaining the history of the fence and also giving you an idea of what the fence looks like.
Pallet Fence
Another above-ground fence idea is a pallet fence. This type of fence is easy to build because the pallets are already put together.
A pallet fence is basically several pallets nailed together to create a fence.
This type of fence works best on even ground.
If all else fails and you do not want to do any of these styles, you can always call a professional.
At the end of the day, professionals can build you a fence that will be solid and you will not have to do the work. Make sure you do what’s right for you.