Why Proper Installation Matters More Than You Think
You've invested in a handcrafted wooden light post built with traditional mortise and tenon joinery. But even the finest craftsmanship won't matter if the installation isn't done right. A properly installed post will stand straight and strong through decades of Alabama storms, while a rushed job might leave you with a leaning, wobbly fixture within the first year.
The key? It's all about the foundation — and getting the proportions right.
The Golden Rule: Depth Equals Stability
Here's the most important rule for light post installation: Your concrete foundation should extend underground to a depth equal to 1/3 the total above-ground height of your post.
For our standard 8-foot posts, that means digging down 32 inches. For a 10-footer, you'll need 40 inches of depth. This isn't arbitrary — it's physics. This ratio provides the leverage needed to resist wind loads and settling over time.
Why This Ratio Works
When wind hits your post, it creates a fulcrum effect. The deeper your foundation, the longer the lever arm working in your favor underground. Skimp on depth, and you're asking for trouble when the next storm rolls through.
Step-by-Step Installation Process
1. Call Before You Dig
Always contact 811 (or your local utility marking service) at least 72 hours before breaking ground. Gas, electric, and water lines can run anywhere, and hitting one is dangerous and expensive.
2. Dig Your Hole
- Diameter: 3 times the width of your post (for an 11×11 inch post, dig a 33-inch diameter hole)
- Depth: 1/3 the above-ground height plus 6 inches for gravel base
- Shape: Straight sides, flat bottom
Pro tip: Rent a power auger for holes deeper than 24 inches. Your back will thank you.
3. Create a Drainage Base
Add 6 inches of crushed gravel at the bottom. This prevents water from pooling under your concrete and causing freeze-thaw damage. Tamp it level.
4. Position and Brace Your Post
Place the post in the center of the hole. Use temporary 2×4 braces to keep it perfectly plumb in both directions. Check with a level — twice.
5. Mix and Pour Concrete
Use a high-quality concrete mix rated for fence posts. For our typical installations, you'll need:
- 8-foot post: 4-5 bags of 80-pound mix
- 10-foot post: 6-7 bags of 80-pound mix
Pour dry mix around the post, then add water gradually while mixing with a rod or stick. The concrete should be firm but workable.
6. Slope the Surface
Shape the concrete surface to slope away from the post on all sides. This prevents water from pooling against the wood.
Common Installation Mistakes to Avoid
Rushing the concrete cure: Wait at least 24 hours before removing braces, 48 hours in cold weather. Concrete reaches full strength in 28 days.
Skimping on hole size: A narrow hole concentrates stress and is more likely to crack or heave.
Forgetting drainage: Without proper drainage, even pressure-treated posts can develop rot at the soil line.
Not checking for plumb: A post that starts crooked will only get worse over time as the concrete settles.
When to Call a Professional
While many homeowners can handle light post installation, consider hiring a professional if:
- Your soil is mostly clay or rock
- You're installing multiple posts that need perfect alignment
- Local codes require permits or inspections
- You're unsure about utility line locations
Our network of certified installers knows the local soil conditions and can ensure your Woodly post is installed to last.
Protecting Your Investment
A properly installed wooden light post should last 25-30 years or more. The concrete foundation we've described will outlast the post itself. When it eventually comes time to replace the timber, you can often reuse the same foundation.
That's the kind of long-term thinking that goes into every aspect of our craftsmanship — from the mortise and tenon joinery in the post itself to these installation guidelines that ensure it performs as designed.
Ready to install your new light post? Download our complete installation guide or contact us for referrals to certified installers in your area.