Post Hole Digging
Professional fence post digging and setting in concrete, for homeowners, fence companies and builders across Barrie, Springwater, Wasaga Beach and the rest of Simcoe County.
At McNic HOLES Post, Fence & Deck, we specialize in professional fence post digging and setting in concrete to ensure the durability and stability of your fence. Whether you’re installing a new fence or replacing old posts, our experienced team provides reliable, high-quality services designed to last.
Why the hole matters more than the fence
A fence fails at the post, not at the boards. A hole that stops short of the frost line lets the ground lift the post every spring and drop it every thaw, and within a couple of winters the line is out of true, the gates bind and the rails start pulling their fasteners. Nothing you do above ground fixes it.
That is the whole reason we dig to 42 inches where ground conditions allow and set every post in concrete rather than tamped soil or gravel. It is also why we would rather spend an extra half hour on a stubborn hole than leave a shallow one behind.
Simcoe County makes that a real job rather than a formality. Barrie’s older neighbourhoods sit on heavy clay that holds water and heaves hard. Springwater runs from sandy loam near Midhurst to much heavier clay out toward Elmvale and Hillsdale. Wasaga Beach is sand almost everywhere, which drains beautifully and gives a post very little to hold onto. One auger setup does not suit all three.
Our Process
Site setup
We begin by assessing the location and determining the best approach for digging, taking into account soil conditions and fence requirements. The client is expected to mark out the end post locations.
Post hole digging
Using specialized equipment, we carefully dig post holes to 42″ depth where the ground conditions allow, ensuring that your posts will be strong and secure.
Concrete setting
Once the holes are prepared, we set the posts in high-quality concrete, making sure they are perfectly aligned and plumb. The concrete secures the posts in place, providing added stability to your fence.
Curing time
After setting the posts, we allow sufficient time for the concrete to cure, ensuring a strong and long-lasting foundation.
What the job includes
- Locates checked for gas, hydro, cable and water before any auger goes in the ground
- Holes augered to 42 inches where ground conditions allow
- Your posts set in high quality concrete, aligned and plumb down the run
- Spoil raked back and the site left tidy
- Corner, end, gate and line posts all handled the same way, no shortcuts on the ones nobody looks at
We can dig the holes and leave you to build, or dig and set your posts and hand the line over ready for boards. If you would rather we did the whole fence, that is our fence construction service.
Who we dig for
Homeowners putting in a new fence, replacing a rotted line, or adding a gate and a few posts. You supply the posts and the concrete or we can arrange lumber with the seasonal discount, and you get a straight, plumb line to build on.
Fence companies and contractors who want the holes done and the crew freed up. Most of our volume is repeat contractor work, and it is why we run every day from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm.
Builders and developers running post lines through new subdivisions, where the whole block has to be dug and set on the same schedule.
Anyone who needs a hole that is not for a fence, including deck and shed footings, gazebo posts, mailbox and sign posts and clothesline posts. Deck work has its own page, deck piers and footings.
Post Hole Digging across Simcoe County.
Barrie
Barrie is home. The older streets off Essa and Anne sit on heavy clay that heaves hard through a freeze and thaw, and the newer subdivisions on the south and east edges are mostly disturbed fill over clay, which augers fast but needs a full 42 inches to stay put. Barrie also caps rear and side yard fences at about 1.8 metres and front yard fences at about 1.2 metres under its zoning by-law, so it is worth confirming your height with the City before we set the line. Pool enclosures are the one case that normally does need a permit.
Springwater
Springwater is our second busiest area and the most varied ground we dig. Around Midhurst and the County Road 27 corridor the soil is sandy loam that drains well and cuts cleanly. Out toward Elmvale, Hillsdale and Phelpston it turns to heavier clay, which holds water and heaves, so a full depth hole matters more there than almost anywhere else we work. Most Springwater properties are on private wells and septic, so we locate the bed and the well line before the auger goes anywhere near them.
Wasaga Beach
Wasaga Beach sits on a glacial sand plain, and sand behaves differently to everything else in the county. It drains so well that frost heave is less of a problem, but it gives a post very little lateral hold, so the concrete collar and the depth are doing all the work. Add the wind coming off Georgian Bay onto a long privacy run and there is real load on every post. We dig the full depth here and pour generous collars rather than trusting the ground.
Simcoe County
Beyond the three above we dig right across the county, from Orillia and Oro-Medonte down through Innisfil, Essa and New Tecumseth, and west to Collingwood and Clearview. If you are not sure whether you are in range, call and ask.
Questions, answered.
We dig fence post holes to 42 inches where ground conditions allow, then set the posts in concrete, aligned and plumb.
Yes. We check for gas, hydro, cable and water lines in the digging area before any auger goes in the ground.
No, as long as we can get to the yard and the post locations are marked. We will call before we arrive and again when the holes are done.
Usually yes. Heavy clay in the older parts of Barrie and stony ground out in the townships both slow the auger down rather than stop it. Where a hole hits rock or an obstruction we cannot get through, we will show you and work out the best fix on the spot rather than leaving a shallow hole.
For fence post holes, please mark out the desired locations beforehand. Please have lumber on site.
You can supply your own, or we can arrange lumber for you. This season we have up to 15% off all lumber plus free delivery.
Looking for that new fence or deck?
Tell us about your project and get your quote today. Residential or commercial, we take the hard work out of your fence or deck.
- Call(705) 796-7789
- EmailMcnicHolesPHD@hotmail.com
- Office11 Vine Cres, Barrie, Ontario
- HoursEvery day, 7:00 am to 9:00 pm