How to Cure Concrete for Setting a Post Deck

If you are planning to build a deck addition onto your house, you need to pay special attention when you are setting the deck posts and curing the concrete. The deck posts will support a tremendous amount of weight, especially if your deck is high off the ground. Proper curing, or strengthening, of the concrete can take up to a full month. Once the concrete cures, you won't be able to move the posts at all.

Gravel
Hose or watering can
Shovel
Deck posts
Concrete (quick-drying)
Level

Instructions

- 1
  Dig the hole for the deck post.
- 2
  Fill the hole with 6 inches of gravel. The gravel will help drain water away from the post and will help to keep it level while you position it.
- 3
  Spray the inside edges of the hole with a light layer of water. Use a hose or watering can to moisten the soil. The concrete needs the moisture to properly cure, so do not add concrete before making sure the hole is damp.
- 4
  Place the post into the middle of the hole. Make sure it is level before adding concrete.
- 5
  Pour some quick-drying concrete into the hole. Add the concrete directly from the bag into the hole. Fill the hole until the concrete powder is 3 or 4 inches from the top.
- 6
  Add water from the hose or watering can to the top of the concrete. Allow the water to pool on the surface and then seep into the concrete. Continue to add water until no more absorbs. Allow the concrete to sit overnight.
- 7
  Continue watering the top of the concrete for seven days. Most concrete will cure within five to seven days so long as it has adequate moisture. Water the top of the concrete so that there is standing water. The concrete will absorb the water over the course of each day.
- 8
  Place a wet burlap bag over the concrete each day after you water to help the concrete retain moisture.

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