What is a typical consideration for post-hole diameter relative to post size?

• A. The hole should accommodate the post and concrete with adequate drainage and stability, following local practice.
• B. Hole depth should be twice the post height.
• C. Hole diameter doesn't matter.
• D. Use decorative gravel only.

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is that the post hole must be sized to fit the post plus the concrete or other fill, with room for drainage and proper backfill to create a stable anchor. If the hole is wide enough for the post and concrete, you can center the post, pour concrete around it, and leave space for drainage so moisture doesn’t sit against the wood. This combination gives the post the support it needs to resist both vertical loads and lateral forces, and it helps extend the fence’s life by reducing wood decay from trapped moisture. Local practice matters because soil type, drainage, frost depth, and local codes influence what diameter is appropriate for a given post size. The hole shouldn’t be so tight that you can’t backfill and compact effectively, nor so large that backfill can’t be properly stabilized. Decorative gravel alone won’t provide a structural anchor, and fixed rules like always digging depth twice the post height or ignoring diameter don’t reflect the need for a stable, well-drained support.