How to Install a Porch Post on Concrete
Posts are used to support upper-level structures such as porches or decks. If you add one of these features over existing concrete, you must properly and securely fasten the posts to the concrete. Modern construction technology has produced efficient metal post bases that simplify this process. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Lumber pencil
- Metal post base (size to match post)
- Electric hammer-drill with concrete drill bit (bit size depends on anchor bolt size)
- Shop vacuum
- Anchor bolt (size depends on post base size)
- Socket wrench and socket (size depends on anchor bolt size)
- Fasteners (nails or bolts; depends on post base type)
- Hammer
Instructions
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1
Mark the location where you will place the post, using the lumber pencil.
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2
Place the post base on the mark made in Step 1 and trace the anchor bolt hole. The anchor bolt hole will be centered in the bottom plate of the post base.
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3
Drill a hole on this mark using the hammer-drill and concrete drill bit, holding the drill as straight as possible. The diameter of the drill bit should be the same as that of the anchor bolt you will be using. Drill the hole about 1/2 inch deeper than the length of the anchor bolt to ensure complete penetration.
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4
Clean any dust and debris from this hole using the vacuum; debris can keep the anchor bolt from working properly.
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5
Center the post base over the hole you drilled and push in the anchor bolt. Use the hammer to tap the head of the bolt until its washer is flush with the post base, indicating maximum penetration.
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6
Tighten the bolt by turning it three to five times with the socket wrench; this will activate the expansion components of the anchor bolt.
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7
Set the post into the post base, then fasten it using either nails or hex bolts, depending on the type of post base you have. You will drive nails through pre-drilled holes in the post base. With hex bolts, you will first need to drill pilot holes through the post.
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