How Much Concrete Do You Need for Your Gate Posts?

Learn the right amount of concrete to keep your driveway gate upright and secure. From small aluminum gates to heavy privacy gates, Busanti Gate Company explains footing sizes, bag counts, and tips for lasting strength in Florida’s sandy soil.

When you’re installing a driveway gate, the concrete footing is what keeps everything standing straight. If the posts aren’t set in the right amount of concrete, the gate will lean, sag, or even fail after a strong storm.

Why Concrete Matters

Your gate posts act like levers. When the wind pushes on the gate, or when the opener pulls it open, all that force transfers down into the ground. A deep, solid concrete footing spreads that load and keeps the post from shifting.

General Rule of Thumb

• Gate size up to 10–12 feet wide, picket style (lots of air flow):
  12″ round hole × 36–42″ deep → about 4–5 bags of 80-lb concrete per post.

• Heavier or semi-solid panels (wood, composite, slats):
  14″ round hole × 42–48″ deep → about 6–7 bags of 80-lb concrete per post.

• Solid privacy gates (solid aluminum, wood, etc.):
  16″ round hole × 48″ deep → about 9–10 bags of 80-lb concrete per post.

(South Florida soils are sandy—err on the larger side to stay secure during high winds.)

Quick Tips

• Dig holes straight-sided, not wider at the top. A “bell” shape at the bottom helps lock it in.

• Always brace posts plumb (perfectly vertical) before you pour.

• Crown the top of the concrete so water runs away.

• Don’t hang the gate or run the opener until the concrete cures (at least 2–3 days).

Bottom Line

A strong gate starts with strong footings. If you skimp on concrete, the gate will remind you every time it leans or drags. Invest in the right size footing up front, and your gate will stay upright for years.