People often ask
“Can I install a fence over my driveway?”
While most fences installed by Thrive Fencing are set directly into the ground using concrete or a post-pounder, there are situations where a fence needs to cross a driveway, sidewalk, patio, or even be installed indoors on a concrete slab.
This can be to separate warehouse spaces, direct foot traffic in stores, or protect sensitive equipment like fire suppression systems. We’ve installed several indoor fences at Costco in Ankeny, IA
In cases where traditional installation isn’t possible, we use a method called “surface-mounting.” Instead of digging holes and setting posts in concrete or soil, we securely attach the posts to the surface by drilling into the concrete and using specialized anchors.
What is a Surface-Mounted Post?
A surface-mounted post is essentially like any other post, but with a metal plate welded to its base. This plate allows the post to be bolted securely to a flat surface like concrete.
Surface-Mounted Post
Steps for Installing Surface-Mounted Posts
The process for installing a surface-mounted post using a concrete wedge anchor is as follows:
- Position the Post: Lay out exactly where the post will go.
- Mark the Concrete: Make marks for the four anchor holes.
- Drill the Holes: Using a hammer drill, create holes about 3.5-4 inches deep (or deeper for commercial fences).
- Insert the Anchors: Tap in the concrete anchors to the appropriate depth.
- Align the Post: Place the post over the anchors, ensuring the holes line up.
- Level the Post: Adjust the post for level using galvanized or stainless steel washers as needed.
- Secure the Post: Tighten the nuts on the anchors to hold the post in place.
Handling Uneven Surfaces
Even the best concrete surfaces aren’t always level. In those cases, we use washers hidden beneath the baseplate to adjust the height and angle, ensuring the post is perfectly level. For more extreme slopes, we can custom-weld an angled baseplate or use a grinder to even out the surface.
Core Drilling for Special Cases
Sometimes, core drilling is necessary. This involves drilling a larger hole through the concrete so that a post can be installed in the ground in the traditional way. Core drilling is typically used for heavy-duty applications like tennis or pickleball court fences, gate hinge posts, bollards, and other commercial installations. It’s also an option when the existing concrete isn’t strong enough to support surface-mounted posts.
Surface Mounting Options for Different Fence Types
At Thrive Fencing, we use surface-mounting for steel, chain link, and occasionally wood Postmasters posts. However, other post types can also be surface-mounted depending on the project.
So, don’t let a driveway or sidewalk stand in the way of your fence project! Whether standard or custom, we have the solutions to make your fencing vision a reality.
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