I've finally begun construction on my pallet fence which will enable our dog to roam our yard, sans supervision. My two main priorities: Build something the neighbors will approve of and minimize my impact on the environment.
Building a Fence: Alternatives to Concrete Anchors?
My first challenge is to figure out how to anchor the sustainably harvested 4x4 posts I plan on using. Concrete is the standard choice for strong, long-lasting anchors. Concrete is the choice of flooring in many green homes as it is long lasting, generally maintenance free and often attractive.
However, concrete has many environmental pitfalls. For every ton of concrete that is produced, it uses approximately six million BTU's of energy, produces 3/4 tons of Co2, uses copious amounts of water for facility/vehicle cleanup, contributes to increased alkalinity levels in streams and lakes which leads to increased mortality times of fish and has significant inhalation concerns for humans.
In search for an alternative, I came across Peak's Heavy Duty Spike, designed for anchoring 4 x 4's. Oz-post and Impactapost make similar products.
The premise behind these spike anchors is simple: simply drive them into the ground and uses them to support your 4x's. The strength is dependent on your soil. I'm guessing they would not hold up in high-wind situations or for larger fences.
As my fence is only to be pallet height (~3.5 feet), I'm seriously considering using these instead of concrete, I just hope they're strong enough. Anyone have experience with spike anchors?
Information on Concrete from BuildingGreen.com
Comments (4)
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I used 24 inch spikes from home depot (marketed to use for mailboxes) to put up a 117 foot long (4 ft high) fence for my doggies. Also have moved them from one location to another. Did not have problems either time. Finished the fence in a day, instead of a weekend, didn't have to deal with the mess of concrete and love the fact that they are reusable.
Biggest hurdle and key is keeping it square when you are pounding it into the ground.
view lafngirl's profile
If you're feeling innovative, you could rig yourself a pin foundation with some rebar. A fence-scale version of this:
Diamond Pier Systems from Pin Foundations
http://www.screw-products.com/pin-foundation.htm
view fontgoddess's profile
if your local codes allow it, i'd recommend using crushed limestone and tamping it around a cedar or pressure treated post. i did this a few months ago with a dog-eared picket fence between 2-3' deep, and we've had two windstorms since with 50-70mph winds and its stood up. plus, it was much easier than dealing with concrete.
view modnemo's profile
I used these when building a fence in my parents garden almost ten years ago. Finished, the posts stand seven feet tall, with six by six panels between the posts. They live in quite a windy area and the fence is still very solid.
view RobertT's profile