**Myth #1: Posts only need to be buried 4 feet.** WRONG!
Standard 4×4 and 6×6 posts are 10 feet long. Why? Your fence is 6 feet tall, plus a 2×4 top cap, plus a bit extra for the cap itself. That’s 6.5 feet above ground, leaving about 3.5 feet underground for stability.
**Myth #2: Concrete must be above ground to prevent soil contact.** Wrong !!!
Not quite! Many posts are designed for some soil contact. The main stress is on the above-ground portion, bearing wind load and the fence’s weight. Concrete and soil work together to secure the base, but the biggest stress is at the ground line. No amount of concrete eliminates that stress point.
**Myth #3: Using cardboard tubes for concrete forms.** Wrong & Bad idea!
This prevents soil-concrete contact, reducing stability. Soil helps anchor the post against wind. Cardboard tubes are for decks (vertical pressure), not fences (lateral pressure from wind).
Avoid these mistakes! For more fence building tips, check out my full video!