You have purchased a new post and panel sign and now need instructions on how to properly install it in the ground. Whether metal. plastic, or wood, the 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 begin, you need to gather the proper 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. Usually 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 pole to the center of the right pole. This will give you the center points of the two holes that 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. Keep in mind 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 bar and post hole digger to dig your holes 24″ to 36″ deep. Smaller signs up to 2′ x 3′ in size generally only require a 24″ deep hole as they do not carry much wind loading. 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 moving 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 isn’t level, pick up a post and add some dirt underneath and check it’s level again. Add more dirt if needed. If you have to add too much soil, you may want to dig the opposite hole a little 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 20 pounds at a time to make your job a little easier. If you’re not near a water supply, you might consider a collapsible water jug, like those used for camping, and fill it 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 that 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 in the rest of each hole with soil and flatten it out with the round end of your metal digging stick. Then load the excess dirt into your bucket or wheelbarrow, clean your sign, and admire your finished sign project.