Post Pounding vs. Concrete: The Smarter Choice for Central PA Fences

If you grew up seeing fence posts buried in concrete, the idea of just pounding posts into the ground might sound a little odd at first. We get that. At R&S Fence and Railing Supply, we used to do it the traditional way too—dig the holes, mix the concrete, wait for it to set. But after years of fence building across Central PA—from Harrisburg to Hanover—we discovered a better way, and we haven’t looked back.

So what’s the big change? We now drive heavy-duty steel posts directly into the ground and then sleeve our vinyl over them. It’s cleaner, stronger, more efficient—and way better suited for the freeze-thaw rollercoaster we ride every winter here in Pennsylvania.

The Traditional Way: Set in Concrete

Let’s start with what most people know. Traditionally, you dig a deep hole (often below the frost line), drop in your post, and fill the hole with concrete. You wait for it to cure, and boom—fence post set.

It seems solid. It feels permanent. And it works—at first.

But here’s the kicker: in regions like ours where the ground freezes and thaws over and over, concrete can actually become your enemy. That freeze-thaw cycle causes the soil to expand and contract, and all that movement can push a concrete footing right out of the ground. It’s called frost heave, and it’s a major pain for anyone who’s ever had to re-level a leaning fence post in March.

Digging and setting in concrete also removes and displaces earth that has been settling under the weight of gravity for years—sometimes decades. That displaced, settled soil is replaced with a singular chunk of concrete, now surrounded by loose soil. That makes it far more vulnerable to the stresses of the environment, especially frost and moisture.

Enter: Post Pounding (a.k.a. Driving)

Instead of digging a hole and pouring in concrete, we use specialized equipment to pound a steel post several feet into the ground. Think of it like a giant hammer driving a stake. That post goes in solid and deep. Then we slide the vinyl post sleeve over it, and you’ve got yourself a finished fence—without ever touching a bag of concrete.

This method isn’t new. It’s used in farming, road construction, and large commercial fencing projects. But in residential vinyl fencing? It’s gaining serious traction, especially in areas like Central PA with heavy clay soils and wild weather swings.

Post-driving doesn’t displace earth. It actually compacts it. As we drive the post down, it compresses the soil around it—making the post physically part of the already-settled earth. And the deeper we drive, the more stable it becomes. Best of all? There’s nothing for frost to push up against. No concrete “plug” to act as a fulcrum. That means no frost heave.

Why Post Pounding Wins (Benefits List)

Here’s why we’re such big fans of the post-pounding method:

1. Frost-Heave Resistance

The number one reason? It handles our Pennsylvania winters like a champ. Because there’s no rigid concrete base, the post can move with the soil instead of resisting it and getting pushed up. The result: fewer crooked fences come springtime.

2. Cleaner Install, Healthier Yard

No giant holes means less mess in your yard. We’re not hauling out buckets of dirt or pouring wet concrete near your grass or garden beds. It’s a smoother, more lawn-friendly process.

3. Stronger Structure

Pounded steel posts go deep—often deeper than where a concrete footing would stop. The soil grips the entire length of the post, giving it incredible holding power. Once the vinyl is sleeved over, you get a crisp, clean look with serious backbone.

4. Simpler Repairs

On the rare chance a post needs adjusting, a driven post is way easier to reset than a concrete-locked one. That means quicker fixes and fewer headaches.

5. Virtually Eliminate Gate Issues

Here’s a big one: gates. One of the main reasons we moved to post pounding was because we were tired of seeing gate posts shift and gates freeze shut in winter. With the traditional concrete method, a heavy rain followed by an overnight freeze (hello, gutter downspouts) can shift your post just enough that the gate won’t close—or worse, it stays stuck until spring. Driven steel posts dramatically reduce this problem by flexing with the ground instead of fighting it.

This is especially critical around gutter downspouts. When it pours 2" of rain and then drops into the teens the next morning, traditional gate posts can shift or freeze in place. That means the gate may not function properly until spring adjustments are made. Post pounding virtually eliminates this issue.

“But I Thought Concrete Was Stronger?”

Totally understandable. Concrete feels strong. And for years, that was the gold standard. But modern post-driving tools and heavy-duty steel posts have changed the game.

In fact, for most soil types in our area—like the clay-heavy soil in Cumberland County or the rockier sections around York—driven posts hold just as well (and often better) than concrete-set ones.

Think of it like this: concrete sets the post in place. Driving lets the post settle with the ground, without breaking the bond. When done right, it’s not only strong—it’s flexible enough to ride out those rough PA winters without breaking a sweat.

Why This Matters More in Central PA

If you live in Mechanicsburg, Harrisburg, Carlisle, or Hanover, you know how unpredictable our seasons are. A week of 50 degrees can be followed by a hard freeze and an ice storm. That kind of fluctuation wreaks havoc on rigid structures buried in the earth.

That’s why post pounding shines here. It adapts to our conditions instead of trying to resist them. And when your fence flexes with the earth instead of fighting it, it lasts longer—and looks better doing it.

What About Aluminum Fencing?

Right now, our aluminum fence posts are still being installed using the traditional dig-and-set method. Why? Because the technology hasn’t quite caught up for the smaller-diameter posts (like the standard 2" square) that aluminum fences use.

That said, we're keeping a close eye on the advancements in no-dig aluminum post systems, and we’re excited. Our plan is to transition to a no-dig method for aluminum within the next 12–18 months using a steel insert that can be power-driven into the ground. Once that system is fully refined and tested, we’ll be ready—bringing the same low-mess, high-durability benefits to aluminum as we currently offer with vinyl.

FAQ: Post Pounding Edition

Q: Is it really strong enough without concrete? Yes! We use heavy-duty steel posts driven deep into the ground. Once in, they’re solid—and the vinyl sleeve just adds to the structure. These fences have stood tall through snowstorms, windstorms, and the good old Pennsylvania thaw.

Q: Won’t the posts wiggle over time? Nope. The soil compacts around the post during installation, holding it tight. And if it ever needs an adjustment (which is rare), we can re-drive it without tearing up your yard.

Q: Why have I always heard you need concrete? That was the standard for years, and for certain materials or soils, it’s still used. But technology and technique have evolved. In most modern vinyl fence applications—especially here in Central PA—post pounding is not only viable, it’s preferred.

Q: What if I want an aluminum fence? No problem! We still use the traditional concrete method for aluminum—at least for now. But we’re working hard to bring post driving to aluminum fencing in the near future.

Ready to Get Started?

If you’re thinking about a new vinyl fence and want something that looks great, lasts longer, and is built to handle our wild weather—let’s talk. At R&S, we treat your yard like it’s our own. No shortcuts, no mess, just a solid fence that stands the test of time.

Contact us today for a quote or to learn more about how we build better fences, one post at a time.