How to Dig a Hole for a Bench Post

Choose your ground

• 1

  Decide where you want your post. Remember that it should sit in the center of your hole.

• 2

  Remove any turf. Cut first straight down into the earth with the shovel's blade and continue until you've sliced a circle in the grass. Change the angle of the shovel to a shallower 30 degrees or so, then carefully lift the turf with enough soil to keep the grass alive.

• 3

  Start digging. A post hole needs to be at least two feet deep. The deeper the hole, the sturdier the post will be. With that in mind, remember that the deeper your hole is, the wider its opening will need to be. If the ground is free of rocks and roots, a post hole digger can make the job easier.

• 4

  Keep digging. If you encounter roots, cut them with the shovel's blade. If you encounter rocks, use a pick to pry them free and then pull them out.

• 5

  Use a measuring tape to determine the depth. Again, you want to be at least two feet into the ground before you set your post. Once the post is set straight in the center of the hole, begin back-filling dirt and rocks around it.