How deep should a pole be in the ground?

How deep are light poles in the ground?

Most pole standard bases in commercial and retail parking areas are a minimum 6′ deep and they are usually 8′ deep.
In general, holes should be at least 3 feet deep for posts that extend 8 feet or more above ground level.

How deep should a 12 foot post be in the ground?

Dig post hole so diameter of the hole is 3 times the width of the post (i.e., the hole for a 4” wood post should be about 12 inches wide). The depth of the hole should be 1/3-1/2 the post height above ground (i.e., a 6-foot tall fence would require a hole depth of at least 2 feet).

How big should the hole be for a 6×6 post?

10″

Can pressure treated posts be set in concrete?

Simply setting the posts in concrete does create a condition that will accelerate rot in the bottom of the posts. With pressure-treated posts, the rot will be slow. Concrete should be poured around the post – no concrete under the post.

How deep do I need to bury deck posts?

Set footers a minimum of 6” below the frost line for your area to prevent movement during freezing temperatures. Pour about 6 inches of all-purpose gravel into postholes and pack the gravel tight by using the end of a wooden post.

How deep should deck posts be buried?

Footings typically must extend below the frost line to prevent shifting during freeze-thaw cycles. Dig footing holes about 6 inches deeper than required. Fill the bottom of the hole with 6 inches of gravel and compact the gravel with a 2×4 or wood post.

Are 4×4 posts big enough for a deck?

For most decks, post size is overlooked unless an inspector notices the unusual height of a particular deck. A short 4×4 can carry an awfully big load, and many deck builders use 6×6 posts as a standard, regardless of the height or load of the deck.

How many bags of concrete do I need for a 6×6 fence post?

1 – 4 bags

How much can a 4×4 post support?

With the post in the vertical position, total height of 9 feet it is estimated to be around 5000 lbs with a perfect weight repartitions on both 4×4 ends. This does not allow for twist and side loads for posts above 4 ft. if you are building a deck or shed.

Are 2 2x4s stronger than a 4×4?

When used vertically, 4x4s are stronger than two 2x4s. However, if you need a horizontal surface, two 2x4s will be stronger than one 4×4. A 4×4 should not be used horizontally for anything structural.

How much weight can a pressure treated 4×4 hold horizontally?

The amount of weight that a 4×4 can support horizontally will depend on the type of wood you are using, the grade of wood, and the length of the board itself. Your average yellow pine 4x4x8 will be able to hold up to two tons (4,000 lbs), with the correct vertical support beneath it.

How much weight can a pressure treated 4×6 hold vertically?

Assuming it’s “Lodgepole Pine” (Idaho Pine and Ponderosa Pine is slightly less) and it’s grade is a No. 2 and better (no loose or missing knotholes), then a 4×6 spanning 18′ will support about 105 lbs.