How to Pour a Concrete Lamp Post Base
Introduction
Lampposts can add a lot to a yard. They are decorative and they provide safety during dark nights. In order to install a permanent lamppost, you will need to place the post in a hole and fill the hole with concrete. You can find most of the tools that you will require at your local home improvement store. The whole procedure of installing lampposts is not very time-consuming and the end result is very useful and satisfying.
Difficulty: Moderately Difficult
Things You'll Need:
- Post-hole digger
- Shovel
- Gravel
- 24 inch piece of plastic pipe
- Lamppost
- Level
- Concrete mix
- Water
Instructions
Step 1
Dig a hole with a post-hole digger. The hole needs to be about 18-30 inches deep. The bottom of the hole should be deep and wide in ratio to the length of the uncovered lamp post. The greater the height of the uncovered post, the wider and deeper the excavation needs to be. The hole should be around 2-3 inches in diameter around the post.
Step 2
Shovel gravel into the bottom six inches of the hole. The gravel will help water drain from the lamppost. This will prevent rotting of the post.
Step 3
Dig a channel alongside the excavated area. Place a 24 inch long piece of plastic pipe into this small trench. This is where the wire inlet that will power the lamp will be placed.
Step 4
Position the lamppost into the dug out area. Make sure that both sides of the lamppost are level. Pour more gravel around the post to keep it steady while you prepare the concrete.
Step 5
Prepare the concrete by following the manufacturer’s directions. Many quick concrete mixes tell you to first pour the dry concrete into the hole and then they tell you to add in water. Mix the concrete with your shovel.
Step 6
Wait for the cement to dry. Check periodically that the post is drying evenly by using the level. The lamppost will usually be ready for use in less than half an hour.
Tip
Find out if there are any electrical codes that you will need to follow while installing your lamppost.
Warning
Try not to move the lamppost while it is drying or it will dry unevenly.
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