A warning about that new 'quick set' concrete mix for fence posts

I had a job in Oakdale last week where I had to pick between the regular 50lb bags of concrete or this new 'fast set' stuff the supplier was pushing. The fast set said it was ready in 30 minutes, which sounded great for a tight schedule. I went with it for six posts on a backyard privacy fence. Big mistake... it set up way too fast, like in 15 minutes. I barely had time to get the posts plumb and braced before it was rock hard. Two of them ended up just a hair off, and now the whole section looks a little wavy. I spent more time fixing it than I saved. Has anyone else had a bad run with these quick-setting mixes, or is there a trick to using them?

3 comments

3 Comments

derekcarr1mo ago

My crew used that Quikrete Fast-Setting mix on a job in Modesto last summer. We lost three posts completely because it hardened before we could even get them straight. The time you save mixing is just time you spend fixing mistakes later.

holly631mo ago

Eh, a slightly wavy fence section? That sounds like contractor perfectionism talking. Most people just see a fence, not a laser level. Unless it's leaning into the neighbor's yard, you're probably the only one who notices.

the_hayden3d ago

Right? I'm pretty sure my neighbor's fence looks like a roller coaster track and I've never once lost sleep over it.