How to add a post to extend a fence?

Question

Hi team,

Got a problem. For whatever reason (I suspect shortcutting) my existing fence when originally put in, stopped about 150mm short of where it should be. I now need to extend it out so that it will line up with something else. I was thinking of just building it out by adding another 2x 125x75mm cypress pine posts next to the existing end pine post.

Just bolting them onto the existing end seems like it would add too much weight and risk lateral movement.

However, digging down any more than about 150mm to set a new post isn't an option because of the existing concrete for the misplaced post, and I don't really want to dig the whole post and its concrete out, because of the effort. Obviously 150mm is nowhere deep enough for a post

I was thinking of pouring a concrete pad up to ground level and then dynabolting in some post anchors, and sticking the posts into those. Is this the best I can do, or is there a better solution that doesn't involve tearing down part of the fence?

Nailbag · Answer

Hi @mg2

I would simply batten screw another post to the existing. There will be no issue that I can imagine with putting any lateral pressure on the existing post.

Nailbag

Dave-1 · Answer

Good Afternoon @mg2

I dont see a problem with attaching a length of timber to the post. If you think about what a posts supports then having anothet post or two bolte dto it really should not effect it.

If it was wider I would use a spacer style deal and long bolt through the lot of them. So original post. Block of timber at rail height and maybe one in teh middle and then another post. With a long bolt or threaded rod through all pieces.

Dave

JacobZ · Answer

Hi @mg2,

Thanks for clarifying, I do understand what you were saying and I agree that it is good to be cautious, but there really is very minimal risk.

If the new posts are directly in line with the old one, and attached with bolts, there would be little to no perpendicular load applied to that post. The only load applied to the fence would be in line, which would also have minimal impact as the post is attached to the adjacent post which will brace it plumb.

In saying this, if you were concerned, adding a small concrete pad and then attaching a new post to it with a post anchor and solid masonry anchors would minimise this risk even further.

Personally, I wouldn't go to the trouble, but it is certainly an option if you are concerned.

Jacob