Putting in Gate Posts

You may have seen my video about the drilling the post holes for our driveway gate, which was quite a debacle but the holes I made were decent. The next step to getting the driveway gate done was to set the posts in concrete.

For this task, I enlisted my brother to help me again. (Thanks Bro!) Unfortunately, the weather was threatening to rain the entire time we were would there even though the forecast called for sunshine when we check it beforehand. Because of this, we didn't stop the smell the roses or take a bunch of pictures. Still, I managed to get a few of the process.

I think the previous owner was planning on using old telephone poles as gate posts as there is one on each side of the driveway entrance. Since they are further apart than I wanted, I decided to put in new posts but still anchor them to the existing telephone poles for added strength. We started by running a marking string between these existing poles to help us keep everything in line.

We then placed the poles in the holes, squared them up, and braced them so they wouldn't shift while we poured the concrete. I also built a square box at the top of the holes to create top caps.

I decided to use generic quick-crete for this job which sets in about four hours. There are faster setting quick-cretes, even some that mix right in the hole, but they are not as strong and usually don't last as long. We mixed it up in a wheelbarrow. All in all, it was ten 66 lb. bags of quick-crete and about ten gallons of water.

We then poured the concrete into the holes, tamping it down with a shovel as we went. I finished the tops off with a trowel for a more professional look.

I still need to hang the gate though, so stay tuned for an update in the future. At some point, I may also add an automatic gate opener!

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