How to Brace a Fence Post

Below is a step by step guide on how to brace a fence post using different methods.

• Tools Required: Protective gloves, Chain or hand saw, Hole digger or spade, Wire cutter, Hammer, Wrench
• Materials Required: Wooden posts, Tensioning wire, Wire strainer, Staples, Nail or brace pins, Support base, Concrete (optional)

Introduction

• Also referred to as a Horizontal brace, this is one of the most common and popular methods due to its sturdiness and reliability.
• It requires more work since you need to dig additional holes, and it comes with a higher cost due to the need for more poles.

Step 1) Plan Fence Corners

• Plan and figure out how many corner posts are needed by identifying where to strengthen the poles.
• For example, if your fence surrounds a square area, you will have four corners.

Step 2) Calculate Total Holes Needed

• If you have 4 corners, you will need at least 5 wood supports per corner, totaling 20 supports overall.
• Mark the locations where the holes need to be dug for the primary poles.
• Typically, two supports are spaced between 2.4 – 3m apart.

Step 3) Dig Holes

• For a 2.4m wooden pole, you should bury 90cm of the pole underground.
• Dig a 90cm deep hole for each of the primary poles to ensure proper stability.

Step 4) Set Primary Posts

• Set up the primary poles, ensuring they are perfectly aligned with your fence line.
• Typically, primary poles will have a diameter of 20 cm or more.

Step 5) Fill Pole Holes

• Fill the holes by either packing the dirt back around the poles or using concrete for added stability.
• If you choose concrete, make sure to allow it to cure fully according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Step 6) Mark Brace Pin Locations

• Mark the pin locations on the poles at a height between 75% and 85% of the total height where the top of your mesh wire will be.
• This ensures the braces are positioned correctly for optimal support.
• Alternatively, you can cut a notch in the poles.

Step 7) Attach Pins

• Drill holes for pins at the marked locations on both primary and the horizontal poles, then insert the pins.
• Alternatively, notch the primary poles, place the support in the notch, and secure it with nails.

Step 8) Install Horizontal Post

• Install the horizontal pole in place and secure it with nails.
• As a rule of thumb, the horizontal pole should be at least twice the height of the primary pole.

Step 9) String & Attach Wire

• String the wire around the H-support system, running from the top of the support pole to the bottom of the braced pole.
• Use a high-tensile wire system, wrapping it twice around the poles and stapling it securely into place.

Step 10) Install Wire Strainer

• Choose a slack spot on the wire, often midway between poles.
• Clip the tensioner onto the wire, ensuring it sits properly in the channel of the device.
• Turn the toothed wheel to grip the wire securely and tighten it, with each ratchet click increasing tension.

Introduction

• Also known as the Deadman brace, this low-cost method is similarly secure and stable but requires fewer wood poles and less digging.
• The installation process can be simpler and quicker and it allows for easier adjustments and modifications.

Step 1) Plan Fence Corners

• Determine the number of corner posts required by assessing where additional support is needed.
• For instance, if your fence encloses a square area, you’ll need four corner poles.

Step 2) Calculate Total Holes Needed

• Determine how many holes do you need.
• For this assembly, you will need at least 3 supports per corner, or 12 supports total for 4 corners.
• Then, mark the locations where the holes should be dug for the primary poles.

Step 3) Dig Holes

• For a 2.4m wooden pole, bury 90cm of the pole underground.
• Dig a 90cm deep hole for each primary pole to ensure proper stability.

Step 4) Set Primary Post

• Set the primary pole, ensuring it is perfectly aligned with your fence line.
• Typically, primary poles have a diameter of 20 cm or more, while diagonal poles in a floating support assembly are usually 10-15 cm in diameter.

Step 5) Fill the Hole

• Fill the holes by either packing the dirt back around the pole or using concrete for extra stability.
• If you opt for concrete, ensure it cures completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Step 6) Mark Post Notch Location

• Mark the notch location on the primary pole, positioning the support to attach at about 2/3 of the mesh height.
• Avoid setting the reinforcement too high, as this is a common mistake when building corners.

Step 7) Create a Notch 

• Cut a 2-3cm deep notch in the face of the corner pole, ensuring it’s tall enough to fit the end of the support.
• Cut the upper end of the support to fit into the notch.
• Alternatively, drill a brace pin into the corner pole to secure the floating support.

Step 8) Secure Floating Pole

• While you brace posts for fence, secure the floating support to the primary pole.
• The support should be twice the height of the fence.
• Once the support is positioned, fasten it to the pole with sturdy nails.

Step 9) Add a Brace Pad

• Place the end of the support on a support base, also known as a pad.
• Ensure that the end of the support resting on the pad is smoothed off so it sits flat.
• Good options for the base include bridge planks, flat rocks, concrete blocks, or disc blades.

Step 10) Staple Wire to Poles

• Staple the wire to the poles using a high-tensile wire system.
• Wrap the wire twice around the poles and secure it with staples.

Step 11) Install Wire Strainer

• Choose a slack spot on the wire, often midway between poles.
• Clip the tensioner onto the wire, ensuring it sits properly in the channel of the device.
• Turn the toothed wheel to grip the wire securely and tighten it, with each ratchet click increasing tension.