Building a Light Post
How-to Sheet #170
Light up your yard with a beautiful light post. To get started, you will need the following tools and materials. A square, measuring tape, skill saw with a masonry blade, hand compactor, hammer and chisel, dead blow hammer, safety glasses, and work gloves. You will also need 24 corner blocks, two post caps, a tube of masonry adhesive, crushed rock, and a lighting fixture with wiring.
Building a light post is easy. This project demonstrates how to create a solid base when building on an unfinished surface such as soil. Begin the foundation pad by removing the sod and digging a hole that’s 24 inches square by four inches deep. Poor soil conditions may require alternative foundations. See How-to Sheet #140 for more information.
Next, run the electrical conduit to the center of the foundation pad. Make sure to follow local electrical codes and call before you dig. With the conduit in place, lay in four inches of crushed rock, thoroughly compact with a hand compactor. And level the base in all directions.
Corner blocks have a long side and a short side. Begin the base course by placing four corner blocks with their long sides facing out. Align the blocks with the square and level with the dead blow hammer. Place the second course of blocks by alternating the pattern to offset the vertical seams. Complete the conduit and continue stacking courses to the desired height.
Now, you’re ready for post caps. Make a two-inch notch on the post cap using a steel saw with the masonry blade. Make several one inch cuts. Use a hammer and chisel to knock out the small pieces. You can choose to secure the post caps in place with a bit of masonry adhesive near the outer edge of each corner block. Then place the caps on top of the post making sure that the conduit extends up through the hole in the post caps. To mount the light base, mark the position of the screw holes. Drill the holes for the masonry anchors using a power drill with the masonry bit. Insert the anchors. Add the light base and fasten it to the post caps with screws. Complete the wiring and attach your lighting fixture. In just a weekend, your yard will shine with a beautiful light post that you can build yourself.
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