Should all fence posts be set in cement?

Homeowners in Florida often ask us this question before starting a fencing project—and it’s an important one. The stability and longevity of your fence largely depend on how the posts are installed.

Why Concrete Matters for Fence Posts

Setting every fence post in concrete ensures your fence remains plumb and level over the long term. We’ve replaced countless leaning fences across Sarasota, Bradenton, Venice, and surrounding areas, and the common culprit is posts that weren’t set in concrete.

Some believe that concrete causes posts to rot. Scientifically, that’s not accurate and it hasn’t been our experience in more than a decade of fence installation. On the contrary, concrete provides:

• A stronger base: It creates a larger, denser surface area underground, making it harder for posts to shift. Think about the difference between pushing a butter knife into sand versus pushing a flat plate down—the plate holds steady.
  
• Wind resistance: Florida’s coastal storms and strong winds can easily knock posts loose if they’re just surrounded by sand or soil. Concrete adds critical weight and durability.
• Longer lifespan: Concrete keeps posts aligned, preventing sagging or leaning that makes a fence look uneven over time.