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PREPARING THE BASE:
 A
solid concrete base is important for firmly setting wood or metal
posts. Below-ground areas of wood posts should be coated with a
creosol equivalent. Metal posts should have a coat of rust inhibitor.
Dig hole about three times the diameter of the post. Hole should
go deep enough to encase one third of the length of the post (no
more than 3 feet for most posts). If soil is loose or sandy, dig
larger, dish-shaped hole. Tamp the sides and bottom so that the
hole walls are firm. You may want to use a QUIK-TUBE™
Building Form. QUIK-TUBEs are rigid fiber forms for setting posts
for projects like deck piers, patio footers, dock pilings, heavier
fence post bases, etc.
POURING THE CONCRETE:
Place post in desired position. Braces are helpful
in keeping post upright. Place 6 inches of gravel around base. Mix
QUIKRETE® according to directions, and pour enough into hole
to cover gravel, working it in and around gravel with shovel. Then
fill the balance of the hole.
WHEN USING FAST-SETTING CONCRETE:
Posts set with Fast-Setting Concrete will set in 20
minutes. Wait four hours before hanging heavy objects from poles
(such as basketball backboards)
USING DRY FAST-SETTING CONCRETE DIRECTLY OUT OF
THE BAG:
Excellent results can be achieved under certain circumstances
by pouring dry fast-setting Concrete Mix around the post directly
from the bag, allowing ground moisture to finish the job. Pre-wetting
the hole and pouring in a small amount of water after the dry mix
will hasten setting.
FINISHING AND SMOOTHING THE SURFACE:
When standing water has evaporated from the QUIKRETE®
Mix, smooth the surface, tapering slightly downward toward the outer
edge of the concrete so rain water will drain away from the post.
A level or plumb line should be used to ensure the post is straight.
Leave braces in place while QUIKRETE® is setting. Concrete should
be allowed to harden thoroughly before post is subjected to any
strain.
CURING:
Proper curing of all cement mixes is necessary for
maximum strength to be achieved. Concrete which has been moist-cured
will be approximately 50% stronger than that exposed to dry air.
Concrete reaches 98% of its strength in 28 days.
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