How to Dig a Hole for a Bench Post

Bench posts require holes. Holes generally need to be deep and fare ull of roots and rocks to frustrate your efforts and callus your hands. This article provides step-by-step instructions of how to dig a hole for a bench post.

Things You'll Need

• Work Gloves
• Long-handled shovel
• Pick
• Post Hole Digger (optional)
• Tape Measure

Instructions

Choose your ground

1. Decide where you want your post. Remember that it should sit in the center of your hole.

2. Remove any turf. Cut first straight down into the earth with the shovel's blade and continue until you've sliced a circle in the grass. Change the angle of the shovel to a shallower 30 degrees or so, then carefully lift the turf with enough soil to keep the grass alive.

3. Start digging. A post hole needs to be at least two feet deep. The deeper the hole, the sturdier the post will be. With that in mind, remember that the deeper your hole is, the wider its opening will need to be. If the ground is free of rocks and roots, a post hole digger can make the job easier.

4. Keep digging. If you encounter roots, cut them with the shovel's blade. If you encounter rocks, use a pick to pry them free and then pull them out.

5. Use a measuring tape to determine the depth. Again, you want to be at least two feet into the ground before you set your post. Once the post is set straight in the center of the hole, begin back-filling dirt and rocks around it.

Tips & Warnings

• Oddly enough, adding rocks to your hole can actually be a good thing. The more rocks that surround the post, the better rain water will drain away from the post and slow the process of rot.

• Take the turf you hopefully saved earlier and replace it around the post. The grass should begin to grow normally again and you wont be left with an ugly patch of dirt in your yard.

• Digging is hard work. Be sure you are fit enough for the effort and remain hydrated.

• Working smart is better than working hard. If you encounter a root the shovel just can't cut, grab a saw with a junk blade on it. Wear safety goggles in that case.

• Don't over-exert yourself. Getting a hernia from digging a hole is not only embarrassing, it's incredibly painful. If you're not up to the task, hire some 16-year-old kid to do it for you.