You’ve purchased a new post and panel sign and now need instructions on how to properly install it into the ground. Whether metal. plastic, or wood, Freestanding Sign type does not really change the technical installation. This article will explain the direct burial installation method for signs up to 4′ high x 8′ wide.
Before you start, you need to gather the right tools and materials. Here is a list:
1. Post hole digger
2. Metal Digging Bar or Spud Bar
3. Two stakes in the ground
4. Tape measure
5. Tier 24″ or longer
6. Sakrete or similar product. Typically 40lbs per hole.
7. Five-gallon bucket or wheelbarrow
8 shovel
9. Water
The first step is to assemble your sign and measure the distance from the center of the left post to the center of the right post. This will give you the center points of the two holes you will dig later.
Second, select the proper location for your sign and mark the center point of each hole with a stake. If your sign is going to be parallel to a sidewalk or street, you’ll also want to measure from the street or sidewalk to the center of your holes to ensure proper orientation. If your sign is going to be perpendicular to the sidewalk or street, mark the center of your holes with stakes in the ground, then use your line of sight to see if your holes are oriented correctly. Adjust as needed. Note that most cities and towns have sign ordinances that specify the setback distance for signs from the right-of-way, so be sure to check this beforehand.
Third, use your digging stick and post hole digger to dig your holes to a depth of 24″ to 36″. Smaller signs up to 2′ x 3′ in size will generally only require a 24″ deep hole as they do not carry much wind load. Larger signs up to 4’H x 8″L should have larger holes. deep 30″ to 36″ deep depending on soil conditions. Softer ground requires a deeper hole to prevent your sign from shifting in the future. If you are on a slope, the hole will need to be dug deeper further up the hill to keep the sign level.
Fourth, insert your sign into your holes and place your level at the top or bottom of your sign panel. If your sign is not level, raise a post and add some soil below and check your level again. Add more dirt if necessary. If you have too much soil to add, you may want to dig the opposite hole a bit deeper to correct the problem.
Fifth, mix your concrete with water in your bucket or wheelbarrow until you get the right consistency. You may want to mix only 20lbs at a time to make your job a bit easier. If you are not near a water supply, you may want to consider a collapsible water jug, such as those used for camping, and fill it up beforehand to take to the job site. Once the concrete is ready, have someone place the level vertically on the front or back of a post and tilt the post forward or back until the level indicates it is perpendicular to the ground. Now add your concrete to the hole making sure the post doesn’t move and stays perpendicular. Repeat this process with the other hole.
Lastly, fill the remainder of each hole with soil and flatten it down with the round end of your metal digging rod. Then load the excess dirt into your bucket or wheelbarrow, clean your sign, and admire your finished sign project.