Problem with the support post in the run

[Mominator]

I have dug the holes for all of my pressure-treated 4x4's; all but one hole, that is. All of the holes are approximately 22 inches deep. But this last hole, well, I can't get it any deeper than 13 inches or so due to a gargantuan rock in the way! I am going to be cementing all of the posts into their holes, but i don't know what do do about this one. Is is okay to cement it in at a shallower depth than the others providing it is supported on the top, bottom and middle by 2x4's? The run is 6 feet high, and is 12 ft by 24 feet, and this post is on the long side. Be honest... anyone else run into this issue?

Thanks,
Sandy

 

[Big C]

You could make your hole larger then add some portland cement to your regular concrete mix.
Also you could drill a hole in your post at about 2/3rds the way down and stick a piece of rebar thru it that is the width of your hole.

 

[sianara]

I live in MA and I'm sure our soil is just like yours as we grow ROCKS!

All my posts are usually only 12-16" deep for the same reason. I just dig them, pour concrete in and place the pole in. Voila, so far they've all held up just fine.

 

[Baymen Moe]

Sounds like your run is almost exactly like mine. I too had a problem with just one hole due to a tree next to the run. The feeder root was just to large to work with. I left the hole shallow and cemented anyway, and yes the post is supported by 5 other connected 2x4's and actually this post is connected in a way to the coop itself. It is as solid as the rest that got a full burial of 2ft.

Bill

The post is the one closest to the coop on the right as you look at it. You can see the tree I had to deal with. You'd never know that it was buried shallow. Ignore that post by itself on the right, it has nothing to do with the coop.

 

[sianara]

Mominator,

Sorry, I didn't read your post correctly I thought you were talking about posts for fencing!

All of my runs are above ground and look similiar to Bayman Moes but none have been cemented.

 

[Mominator]

Yes, sinara, we grow rocks here in CT, too! I'd be a wealthy gal if I could sell 'em all for a nickel a piece!

The post is for fencing in the run, so you were partially right!

And yes, Baymen Moe, it will be very similar to yours, though i doubt as beautifully finished. (and is that a Chicken Awning I see? Priceless!)

Big C, thank you for the suggestion on the rebar - that sounds like a great addition for stability without any major investment, either. I'm sure my neighbor/contractor could dig up a scrap for me. If I beg. And plead. And show him my silkie chicks.....

Thank you for the support, and if there any more suggestions out there, i would be glad to hear them!

I love this website.

Sandy