DIY Network

Posts: Positioning and Setting Posts: Positioning and Setting From "Hardscapes" episode DHSC-105

With the patio slab sealed and the posts cut to length, it's time to determine the exact positions of the posts and anchor them in place....

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D

• If you were setting all your posts in footers in the ground, you'd lay out the location of your arbor using stakes and twine to check the squareness -- but with this particular project, the concrete patio butts up directly against the house. So, half the posts will need to be secured in or onto the concrete patio, and the other half will need to be placed in footers directly in the ground. Because of this, we can't lay out location so we'll be checking squareness at each step along the way by checking distances, checking for a plumb line and levelness.

• Let's start with the posts just off the edge of the patio: The first step is to dig footings to the frost-line depth (the frost line varies from region to region).

• To dig the footers, you can use a manual post-hole digger (figure A). We've decided to use the gas-powered auger to save time.

• Each post needs to be at a distance of 4 to 6 feet away from each other. Measure from the first hole, dividing up the remaining distance between each of the posts. Here we just need two more posts.

• Once the holes are dug, fill each with about 6 inches of gravel (figure B). Tamp the gravel down. Place the post in the hole, and make sure it is plumb.

• Next, pour fast-setting concrete around the post in the hole and check for plumb again. Tamp the concrete to release any air bubbles. Then pour more concrete to fill the hole approximately 2-inches above ground level, and slope it away from the post to divert water.

• While those posts set up, the focus is directed to the other posts that need to be secured on the concrete patio. One way to handle this is to remove the concrete patio entirely; another way to handle it to remove the concrete slab and re-lay it.

• Now, it's important to place these post anchors at least 2 inches away from the edge of the concrete slab. This will allow for the maximum load on the concrete without causing the slab to crack.

• After measuring from one of the posts in the ground and marking location, use a hammer drill and drill a hole into the center of the marked location on the concrete slab.

• Apply a masonry expoxy to a masonry screw, then place the screw in the drilled hole (figure C). Next, post anchors attach to the masonry screw with the washer that came with it. Simply place the anchor over the screw then using the washer, tighten until the anchor is secured.

• Now, set the post onto the anchor (figure D). Check for a plumb position using a level; if the post isn't plumb, place some wooden shims under the low end of the post until the level shows the post is exactly plumb.