Over the last week, we’ve been finishing off our DIY pallet slat fencing. This was a job we started last year but ran out of pallets – typical! We’ve replaced two fence posts for this job, using only concrete/masonry bolts this time – which made the job s a lot easier. So IÂ thought I’d make a dedicated post for using them and share in a bit more detail.
This seriously simple DIY is for anyone looking to install fence posts or gate posts against a brick wall, or into a concrete floor. You can also use this method for anchoring decking joists or other mounting other items against concrete or brick. These bolts are super versatile (well, as long as you’re using them in concrete/brick!), and I think you’ll find them really easy to use.
How to Install Fence Posts Against a Brick or Concrete Wall Using Concrete Bolts
You Will Need:
- Spirit Level
- Hammer Drill (we have this one)
- Masonry and Wood Drill-Bit (Same width as your bolts)
- Concrete/Masonry bolts
- Fence Post
- Ratchet Set
- Optional: Packing shims
- Optional: Damp Proof Membrane & Clout Nails
Step 1 – Drill a hole into your fence post and brick/concrete wall
Depending on what width your bolts are, you’ll need a drill-bit to match. For our fence posts, we’re using 10mm bolts, which means we needed a 10mm drill-bit. Make sure you’re using a wood drill-bit for this job and begin by drilling two/three holes into your fence post, evenly spacing them apart. As we only have a low-level brick wall, we only needed two.
Hold your wood in place against the wall, making sure it’s straight with a spirit level. Whilst holding in place (a helping hand is always useful!), mark up the same holes onto the brickwork behind. The easiest way to do this is by drilling two very small pilot holes through the hole in your fence post.
Once marked, drill out the hole (again using a drill-bit in the same width as your bolt), making sure you go deep enough for the bolt to be inserted into. You’ll need an SDS or hammer drill for this, or otherwise a drill that has a hammer mode and also a masonry drill-bit.
Step 2 – Clear out dust from the hole
Once your holes are drilled, you’ll need to clear out the dust from the back of the hole. You can get the bulk out with your drill by moving it back and forwards. We have this little hole-cleaning brush which also helps too.
Optional: Wrap some damp proof membrane around the bottom of your fence post
If your fence post will be sat slightly in the ground, you can prolong its life by protecting the base from water in the ground. We’ve used a sheet of damp proof membrane for this, wrapping it tightly around the base of the fence post. Use galvanised clout nails to secure (these won’t rust!).
Step 3 – Add your bolts!
Hold your fence post in position against the brickwork once again and simply attach your concrete bolt, through the fence post and into the wall. You’ll need a ratchet set to do this, making sure not to overtighten your bolts. If your wall isn’t perfectly straight, you can use packing shims behind the post to pull it forwards where necessary to make sure your post is straight.
How to Install a Fence Post Into a Concrete Floor using a Metal Base
If you’re looking to install a fence post ontop of a concrete floor, then these fixings are also brilliant. To save yourself the effort of digging the concrete up, why not use metal bases and affix these onto the concrete floor? Providing your floor is level, you’ll be able to simply mark up the four holes you need on the floor, drill out (again using the same width drill-bit to match your bolts!) and bolt in. You can then insert your fence post and voila – job done!
It really is that simple! You can use these bolts for a whole range of different uses. They’re quick, easy to use and so far, they seem really strong and hard-going. We’ve used 1.5 packs to date in a range of different scenarios, including building a platform for the tumble dryer in the laundry cupboard! Hope this was helpful, if you have any tips for us – let us know down below!
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1 Comment
Really useful article, thanks!