How to Build a Light Pole Foundation

Dig a 22-inch deep by 12-inch diameter hole with a shovel or post hole digger.

Dig a 6-inch wide by 18-inch deep trench from the hole to the location where you will connect the electricity for the light pole. Use a trenching spade or a shovel to dig the trench. Place the dirt on a tarp so you can easily move it back into the hole when you are finished.

Cut pieces of 1-inch diameter PVC drainpipe and couple them together with PVC couplers to create a run of PVC pipe that extends from the area where you will make the electrical connection to the center of the round hole you dug for the light pole. Place an elbow to the end of the PVC at the light pole. Place a piece of PVC onto the elbow to extend the PVC pipe at least 6 inches above the ground. Disassemble the PVC pipe, clean the ends with PVC cleaner and glue the pipe together with PVC glue.

Snake the electrical wires through the PVC pipe. The wires should protrude from the top of the pipe at least 12-inches longer than the light pole is tall. Backfill the trench with the soil and replace the sod.

Fill the hole 6 inches deep with crushed gravel. Fill the post hole with cement. Avoid getting cement into the PVC pipe. Chop into the cement with the shovel to expel air bubbles. Level the cement with a trowel when the hole is filled. Check the cement with a level.

Measure 12 inches from the bottom of the light post and place a mark on the post.

Place the light pole over the PVC pipe. Snake the wire up through the light pole and out of the top. Sink the light pole 12 inches into the cement.

Tie four pieces of rope around the middle of the pole and stake them to the ground. Place a level on the side of the pole. Adjust the ropes so that they hold the light pole in a level, vertical position. Wait four to 24 hours before you remove the ropes to give the cement time to harden.