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A big problem with a wooden gate post is that it can start leaning towards one side due to the pressure used on the gate.
The leaning causes unnecessary problems and does not look good. Fortunately, it is straightforward to stabilize the gate post to fix and prevent the leaning altogether.
There are two methods to stabilize the gate post: one using concrete and one without. In this article, we will be mentioning both ways.
How to Stabilise a Gate Post Using Concrete
To stabilize a gate post using concrete, you can be having a concrete base previously or not. The wooden post should not be rotten.
If the post is rotten or spoilt at places, there are other ways to stabilize it, mentioned later in the article.
Stabilizing for Posts in Good Condition
Step 1- Take the leaning post out of the ground and out in the sun for all the damp portions to dry completely. Step 2- Buy (available at home improvement shops) or make a few tapered surveyor stakes of about 24 inches
Step 3- Push the stake into the ground where you want to secure the fence gate post or at the earlier concrete base. The top of the stake should be just above the ground level.
Step 4- Pull the stakeout. Now there will be a pit that will help secure the post.
Step 5- Fill this pit with water and carefully place the post into the pit. Using a Carpenter’s Level, make sure the post is 90 degrees, i.e., vertical.
Step 6- Add dry premixed concrete into the pit. Some excess water will come out of the pit.
Step 7- Take a break and let the concrete set for about half an hour. It is essential to wait so that the concrete and the post settle properly to prevent it from shaking in the future.
Step 8- After this wait, check if the post is stable. If the post is still not stable, repeat the earlier steps, and add a little more concrete. Let it rest longer.
Stabilizing for Posts That are in Bad Condition
The best way to re-use rotten posts is by using steel splints or braces. Fix-A-Fence brace is a very efficient brace to use for posts with concrete.
The steps are essentially the same; the difference is when making a pit using a surveyor stake, you also need to make a hole 8 inches away for the pipe section of the brace using a clamshell post hole digger.
After making this hole fit the pipe section and place the brace of the Fix-A-Fence against the post and follow steps 5 to 8.
How to Stabilise a Gate Post Without Using Concrete
Stabilizing a gate post without concrete is having strong support against it, preventing it from leaning towards the door.
Stabilizing for Posts in Good condition
Step 1- Remove the pot from the ground and into the sun for all the damp parts to dry.
Step 2- Get a thick and significant piece of wood in good and healthy condition. Mark a line in the place where your post will be placed. This line needs to be on the side where the gate will be.
Step 3- Mark the width of the post and make a pit according to it. Make a pit for the thick wood of half the depth as the post. The thick wood will act as a wedge and prevent it from leaning towards the gate.
Step 4- Place the post and, using a Carpenter’s level, make sure it is vertical and make sure the pit is tight by filling into the soil into the post pit.
Step 5- Place the wedge in an angular manner with the top of the wedge facing the gate or away from the post. The end of this wedge is pressed against the post. Secure this pit tightly.
The wedge and the post need to be secured tightly. For rotten posts, E-Z Mender can be used. The brace needs to be placed against the post, and after that, all the steps are the same as mentioned above.
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