Numerous projects around the home involve drilling into concrete every once in a while. This includes installing new siding, renovating a basement, installing fence panels, building a deck or pergola, etc.
Each of these tasks requires some sort of anchor in order to avoid having things topple over. The more items that you add to a wall, the more support it needs.
Yes, you can drill through concrete gravel boards with relative ease when using the correct tools and techniques. Hammer drill, rotary hammer and masonry drill bits are the preferred choice for drilling into concrete.
Fencing is a frequently occurring project that requires the use of concrete gravel boards.
I’m sure you’re familiar with how disappointing it is to take the first few steps towards completing a new project, and then discover that there’s no way to attach your materials.
It’s frustrating and usually costs you more time and money as you frantically search for a solution (temporary or otherwise).
If you’re planning on installing fencing as a DIY project around your home, be aware that the fence posts require concrete gravel boards in order to be held down properly.
In this blog post, we will discuss what tools you can use, what to keep in mind, and how to secure a gravel board.
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Gravel boards made of concrete are reinforced
Uneven surfaces and low surface area can make it difficult to execute some DIY projects at home.
This is especially true when you are adding components to the outside of your home like siding, fencing, decks, pergolas, etc.
I know I’ve struggled with this, and it’s always almost like the material falls apart in my hands.
For these types of projects, concrete gravel boards are made to provide additional surface area for nails, screws, etc.
Wet ground and frozen soil are the main culprits for causing issues with uneven ground.
You can also mix your own concrete mix or purchase premixed bags to use with gravel boards.
Concrete gravel boards are reinforced with either rebar or steel mesh. Concrete gravel boards are only as strong as their weakest component, so they have to be durable enough to support the loads that are being placed upon them.
Insect attack can weaken the reinforcement in concrete gravel boards though if left untreated.
This is why it’s important to inspect your new projects for signs of insect activity at least every one to two years.
Slotted concrete posts can be used to replace pressure-treated wood posts, which means you also don’t have to worry about insects or rot.
They are also not susceptible to impact damage from lawn mowers and snow blowers.
Can you drill concrete gravel boards?
Most homeowners and landowners must repair fences on a regular basis.
A fencing contractor will typically use two types of materials: wood and steel.
The workability of such materials allows them to be easily handled by an individual or small work crew.
Sometimes, concrete gravel boards are used in place of the standard materials.
In which case, you need to know whether or not it is possible to drill into concrete gravel boards.
Yes, you can drill into concrete gravel boards.
If it’s your first time doing the job, contact a fencing contractor for guidance.
If you are experienced in the trade, all you need is the right tools and know-how.
More on that in the following section
When using power equipment, always wear safety goggles to protect your eyes.
Drilling gently initially will reduce torque and, ideally, reduce the possibility of cracking the concrete board.
Concrete dust and debris can get into the motor and cause it to seize up, so be mindful of your surroundings and make sure to clear away after each drill.
The best concrete drill to use
On a regular basis, homeowners and landscapers come across various surfaces that require drilling. Some common surfaces are wood, metal, tile, and concrete.
In order to drill holes on different surfaces, one would need to use a certain type of drill bit or attachment depending on the surface being drilled.
The most common drill used by homeowners is the cordless drill/driver because cordless drills are lightweight, easy to use, and relatively inexpensive.
However, if you’re working with concrete gravel boards, a regular drill will not be sufficient. For this job, you’ll need a hammer drill or rotary hammer, which offers a pounding action that can drill holes into even the hardest materials, including concrete.
Before you buy a drill for this or any other task, consider who will be using it and what job needs completing. It’s important to use the right attachments and bits so you don’t damage the surface or drill itself.
For most concrete work including gravel boards, you’ll need a level, an impact driver with a torque bit, and a hammer drill with a six-millimeter by 120-millimeter masonry bit.
Carbide bit and rebar bit are good concrete bits to use with the power drill.
Hitting the concrete with just any drill bit can cause it to break or damage the surface, creating a bigger hole on the other end.
When you need to drill into different surfaces, know what’s best to use and which masonry nail or screw is best for each.
Keep gravel board in place
Wet and dirty fence posts don’t exactly seem like something you’d want to touch without cleaning them first.
In that case, you might be wondering how to keep your fence clean and dry when it’s in disrepair.
The best thing that you can do is to fix concrete gravel boards at the base.
Not only will this solve the immediate problem of keeping your yard clean, but it can also prevent further damage to your fence.
If you have a chain-link fence, gravel boards will add a level of protection from wind damage and help keep the fence in place.
Gravel boards are also beneficial if you have a wood fence. They’ll prevent the posts from rotting and gradually falling apart, and they can help prolong the life of your fence.
To fit concrete gravel boards in place:
- If you haven’t previously done so, put the fence posts in place.
- Remove any existing fence panels that may be obstructing the job.
- Measure the distance between the fence posts.
- Using an angle grinder equipped with a diamond disk, cut each board as needed.
- Insert the gravel boards into the posts’ slots.
- Make sure the boards are level by using a bubble level.
- Attach the boards to the fence post holes with fence clips.
