Labor Cost to Dig and Set Posts

The Labor Cost to Dig and Set Posts formula computes the low-end estimate of time to dig and set fence posts for a length fencing and applies a labor rate to that time estimate to provide a low estimate of cost.

INSTRUCTIONS: Choose units and enter the following:

• (FL) Total Length of Fence
• (DP) Distance between Posts
• (M) Method of Digging (By Hand or Mechanical Auger)
• (DPH) Labor Cost per Hour

Labor Cost to Dig and Set Posts (TLC): The calculator returns the estimated labor cost in US dollars, and the approximate time to dig (T) in hours.  However, these can be automatically converted to compatible units via the pull-down menu.

The Math  / Science

Digging fence posts takes time.  In  ideas circumstances, when the ground is soft and not rocky, the process is fairly uniform.  Using hand tools or a mechanical auger, one can move along fairly quickly.  This formula computes the optimistic (minimum) total estimate of labor costs to dig and set fence posts.

Note: this estimate does not include significant other costs including the following:

• The price of materials
• The price of delivering the materials to the work site
• The time associated with setting up equipment.
• The time associated with adverse conditions including rocky terrain.
• Breakage of equipment
• Time off (breaks etc) of the labor force.

Fun Fact: The U.S. Mexican border is 1,989 miles long.  Using this formula, the cost for a post and rail fence along the border would be nearly $40 Million in materials (posts and 3 rails), and $2.3M in labor if we dig by hand and if we hit no rocks.  When we're done with that fence, we should put one up for Canada too (5,525 miles long).

Post and Rail (Split Rail) Fence Calculators

• Number of Posts and Split Rails: Computes the number of fence posts and rails needed for a length of wood fencing.
• Wood Fence Cost Estimate : Computes material costs for post and rail fence based on the number of posts and rails (above) and unit cost pricing.
• Labor Cost for to Dig and Set Posts : Computes the approximate cost of labor in digging and setting fence posts based on the length of the fence, uniform distance between posts, method of digging (by hand, power auger) and the hourly labor pay rate (DPH).
• Time to Dig and Set Fence Posts:  Estimates the best-case time to dig and set fence posts by hand or using a mechanical auger.
• Perimeter of a Rectangular Shaped Area computes the length of a fence perimeter in a rectangular shaped area base on the length (l) and width (w) of the area.
• Circular Fence Calc computes the diameter, number of posts, rails, perimeter and area of a circular shaped fenced area (paddock) based on the number of sections (sides), length of sections and number of rows (rails).
• Fencing Needed for Circular Area computes the number of posts, number of sections, sides or panels, number of rail boards, perimeter and area of a circular shaped area (paddock) based on a diameter and length of sides and number of rows. 
• Number of Posts needed for a Wood Fence
• Number of Rails needed for a Wood Fence