Hardware to Attach Posts to Concrete

U-Bracket Post Hardware

• Perhaps the most commonly used post hardware is the U-bracket. This is a piece of steel, bent into the shape of a U, with predrilled holes. These holes are for the bolts that will be attached to the concrete to hold the bracket in place, as well as for the screws that will secure the bracket to the post. The U-bracket keeps the post attached to concrete, and it also provides a steel barrier between the bottom of the post and the concrete. This is especially important for outdoor projects using wood posts to keep the posts from becoming wet, which will lead to wood rot and decay.

Post Sleeve

• Another type of hardware that provides a secure way to keep posts attached to concrete consists of a three-sided sleeve design. This post hardware is also a predrilled bracket with bolt and screw holes, with the bolts going into the concrete and the screws going into the post. The sleeve design of this post hardware provides added support where the post is attached to concrete, while still creating a barrier between the bottom of the post and the concrete to prevent wood rot.

L-Bracket

• The L-bracket uses a different approach to keep posts attached to concrete. This post hardware consists of a piece of steel bent into a 90-degree angle with predrilled bolt and screw holes. One side of the bracket is bolted to the concrete and the other side is screwed into the post. You will need two of these brackets per post to provide a solid support on the concrete. Square metal plates may also be placed over the bolted side of the bracket to provide even more stability. A steel plate should also be placed where the post meets the concrete to prevent wood rot.

Additional Post Hardware

• Masonry bolts are always recommended when attaching hardware to concrete. They are designed especially to grip the aggregates used to make concrete. You should also use galvanized screws when working with wood on outdoor projects to provide better protection against rust. Steel post hardware is the best material to use, although galvanized aluminum brackets are available. Of course, you should always use pretreated wood if your posts are attached to concrete.