How to Build a Footing & a Post?

Measure

• 1

  Calculate the dimensions of the hole for the footing. If you are using 4x4 inch posts, the hole must be 12x12 inches and 2 feet deep. If you are using 3x3 inch posts, dig the hole 9x9 inches and 2 feet deep. Increase the whole width if the soil is sandy. For example, increase the 12x12 inch hole to 14x14 inches. The depth remains the same.

• 2

  Mark your hole on the ground with white paint. Dig the hole for the footing with a garden spade. As you dig deeper, digging may become awkward. Make sure the top of the hole does not widen. A post-hole digger - resembling a hinged pair of spade blades - can accomplish a neater, straighter hole.

• 3

  Measure the depth of the hole to ensure the 2 foot depth. Flatten the bottom of the hole, and make sure it does not have rounded sides, otherwise the concrete base could be prone to movement during high winds.

• 4

  Choose a general mix of concrete from the hardware store, and mix it according to its instructions. Test the consistency of the concrete by picking up a handful and squeezing it. If it sticks together in a ball, it is correct. If it crumbles, it is too dry. If it runs or won't hold shape, then it is too wet.

• 5

  Put the post in the hole, aligned in the center. Put a few handfuls of concrete into the hole around the post. Compact the concrete using a length of 2x4 board

• 6

  Level the post vertically with a spirit level. Put the spirit level vertically against the post, and use the vertical indicator to assess whether the post is level.

• 7

  Repeat the process of adding handfuls of concrete, compacting and vertically leveling the post. Stop when the concrete just below ground level.

• 8

  If your post is not vertically level, ram down the concrete on the side towards which it is leaning.

• 9

  Use your hands to slope the concrete downward, away from the post. This prevents water from collecting around the post and causing it to rot.