Over the last few years, I have placed several posts into the ground. I have become well versed in the ways in which we fix them in, trying out, in equal measures, the use of spikes and postcrete. I can answer the above question, quite quickly, but I want to explain the spike, first. Using a spike is simple and straight forward. You don’t need to dig, or even get dirty. As long as you have a heavy weight, most often a sledgehammer, you can work it into the ground and you’re set for the post. But…there is an issue, they bend out in hard ground. I have found that in the mixed substrate, spikes have turned into bananas, curling around stones and rubbish. I have also had some great success with them, having put up the bike store on the side of the shed with them.
Postcrete is the better option, as it will hold fast and keep the post balanced and upright. The downfall, of course, is that you need to dig a hole. If the ground is hard, you may even need a pickaxe for the job. Once down, though, it’s as simple as placing the post and pouring the postcrete powder in. Sprinkle water into the hole and leave it a while. It works great, and despite the hard work, it is serves for a far better build when creating fences, especially longer ones.
I wouldn’t say that spikes are ‘much’ worse than the postcrete, but I would say that the extra effort will provide a more appreciable outcome. That saying, sometimes, the spike is convenient, and will no doubt continue to be used. I know that I have a few set by.
