How to Set Posts for a Porch

Position the bottom section of the post anchor over the area on the porch where you wish to install the posts. Mark each of the post-anchor attachment holes on the floorboards. Remove the post anchor. Drill through the floor at each marked position, using a drill bit slightly smaller in diameter than the galvanized wood screws you will be using.

Replace the post anchors over the screw holes. Set 3-inch galvanized wood screws in each hole, and tighten them completely in place using a drill. Repeat for each additional post location.

Position the upper section of the post anchors against the bottom end of the post. Mark the location of where the post anchor will be installed into the post. Drill a hole in the post slightly smaller in diameter than the post anchor.

Push the upper section of the post anchor into the newly drilled hole in the post. Hammer it in place, if necessary, to make the fit tight.

Spread caulking over the bottom part of the post anchor. Lift the post up and settle its base near the bottom part of the post anchor. Slowly lower the bottom of the post onto the anchor, while sliding the top of the post upward into position at the ceiling. Hammer the post in place if necessary, using a board or a piece of cloth in between the hammer and the post to prevent any superficial damage.

Fit the post into position if it's not tight, by hammering shims into the top of the post between the ceiling and the post. Break off pieces of shim that protrude, and force caulking into the space between the posts and the ceiling.