Things You'll Need:
- Shovel
- Prefab concrete pier
- 60 lb bag ready mix concrete
- Wood deck posts
- Caisson tubing
- Cardboard cylinder
- Level
- Screw gun
- Screws
- Gloves
- Bucket for mixing
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Step 1
There are two effective ways to set a deck post. Instructions for the first method include the purchase of a pre-fab concrete pier which has metal post anchors attached to each side. Dig a hole and pour into the hole a concrete base; preferably using a 60 lb bag of ready mix. Set the concrete pier into the wet concrete inside the hole. The concrete will cure around the pier adding stability.
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Step 2
After the concrete dries, attach the post to the pier using a screw gun and screws. Following this procedure the post is neither inside the concrete nor underground exposed to the elements. The post is attached above ground between the metal anchors attached to the pier.
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Step 3
The second method to setting a deck post requires the purchase of caisson tubing and a cardboard cylinder which is manufactured strictly for post setting purposes. The cylinder comes 1/8 inch thick, round, treated, water resistant and in different diameters depending upon the size of the intended deck post.
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Step 4
Dig a hole. Place a 2 foot piece of caisson tubing inside of the hole. Plumb the tubing with a level. If added strength is desired, include a re-bar grid inside of the hole also. Fill the hole with fresh concrete and place a prefab post anchor, purchased at any hardware store, on the top of the wet concrete. Let the concrete cure. This method provides a stronger foundation than the first, although either method will provide a solid setting for a deck post.











