Spent a full day fixing a post that was 2 inches off at the top

We plumbed it perfect at the bottom but the ditch witch kicked the base sideways when we backfilled, so now I always tamp the gravel in 4 inch lifts before adding any dirt on posts over 6 feet.

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the_nathan2mo ago

At least your fencepost has character now, unlike my last one that ended up leaning like a drunk uncle.

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stone.troy1mo ago

Man I feel you on that tamping thing. "Character" is funny but it'll drive you nuts every time you look at it lol. What I started doing is waiting till the concrete is just starting to set up, then I'll give the post a quick check with a level and twist it back if the fill pushed it. Also if you're using dirt instead of gravel for the backfill, try mixing in some crushed rock. It locks together way better and won't shift as much when you tamp. That 4 inch lift method is solid though, that's exactly what I do now too. Learned that one the hard way just like you.

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