How deep should fence posts be set in Georgia clay?

Corner and brace posts generally go three to four feet deep; line posts typically two and a half to three. Depth matters more than concrete — a shallow post in concrete still heaves and leans.

Three-board or four-board fence?

Four-board is standard for horses and gives a more finished look. Three-board is common for cattle and boundary lines where budget matters more than containment of a small animal.

Do board fence posts need concrete?

Not usually for line posts — properly tamped soil and rock actually performs well and drains. Concrete is worth it at corners, gates and in loose or sandy ground.

How long does board fencing last?

With treated posts, braced corners and maintained finish, decades. Failure is almost always at the corners or from posts set shallow, not from the boards.

Structures

Board & Split-Rail Farm Fencing in North Georgia

Four-board, three-board and split-rail horse fencing set on straight, graded lines for farms in Milton, Alpharetta and Ball Ground in Cherokee County.

Board fence is the most visible thing most properties build. Whether it still looks right in ten years comes down to line clearing, post depth in Georgia clay, corner bracing and how the fence handles changing grade — not the boards.

Part of our Farm & Estate Fencing, Gates and Entries in North Georgia work across North Georgia.

What we see most often

Fence lines that wander because they followed the brush
Posts set too shallow, leaning after two wet seasons
Unbraced corners pulling in and sagging the runs
Awkward stair-stepping where the fence crosses grade

Scope of work

What this work includes

Line clearing & layout

Clearing, stump removal and staked, sighted lines so the fence runs true across the whole distance.

Post setting

Pressure-treated posts set to correct depth for Georgia clay and rock, tamped or concreted where conditions require.

Bracing & construction

H-braces at corners, ends and gates, then boards fastened with the spacing and grade transitions the site needs.

Finishing

Painting or staining, cap rail, and electric offset where livestock will lean or chew.

A fence line that reads straight from the road and still latches square in ten years.

How it goes

Our process

Step 01
Clear & sight
Open the line and stake it straight before digging.
Step 02
Set corners
Corners, ends and braces first — they set everything else.
Step 03
Run line posts
Consistent spacing and depth along the sighted line.
Step 04
Board & finish
Boards, transitions, gates, then paint or stain.

Common questions

Board Fencing questions we get

How deep should fence posts be set in Georgia clay?: Corner and brace posts generally go three to four feet deep; line posts typically two and a half to three. Depth matters more than concrete — a shallow post in concrete still heaves and leans.
Three-board or four-board fence?: Four-board is standard for horses and gives a more finished look. Three-board is common for cattle and boundary lines where budget matters more than containment of a small animal.
Do board fence posts need concrete?: Not usually for line posts — properly tamped soil and rock actually performs well and drains. Concrete is worth it at corners, gates and in loose or sandy ground.
How long does board fencing last?: With treated posts, braced corners and maintained finish, decades. Failure is almost always at the corners or from posts set shallow, not from the boards.

Where we work

Fencing & Entries across North Georgia

We handle fencing & entries for property owners across the north side of Atlanta — Cumming, Milton, Alpharetta, Roswell, Buckhead, Sandy Springs, Marietta, Woodstock, Canton and Ball Ground — and up through Jasper, Ellijay and Blue Ridge. Choose your area for local conditions, permitting and recent work nearby.

Regional overviews: Fencing & Entries in North Georgia Ranch & Equestrian Properties.

Also serving Cumming, Alpharetta, Roswell, Johns Creek, Buckhead, Sandy Springs, Marietta, East Cobb, Woodstock, Jasper, Ellijay, Blue Ridge, Dawsonville, Dahlonega, Helen, Gainesville.

Related work

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Tell us about your property

Send the basics and we'll come back with a straight answer on what your site needs, what order to do it in, and what it's likely to cost.

Board & Split-Rail Farm Fencing in North Georgia

What we see most often

What this work includes

Line clearing & layout

Post setting

Bracing & construction

Finishing

Our process

Clear & sight

Set corners

Run line posts

Board & finish

Board Fencing questions we get

Fencing & Entries across North Georgia

No-Climb Fencing

Gates & Automation

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