Set Posts & Footings: the full procedure

Dig, set, and plumb posts or footings to our standard depth, spacing, and alignment after locates and permits clear.

• Applies to: Field crew, lead installer
• Frequency: Per job
• Scope: Covers our consistent process for setting posts and footings. Required footing depth, frost-line depth, structural footing sizing, and load-bearing design DEFER to local building code & a licensed contractor/engineer. Never dig until the 811 locate and required wait time are complete.

What you need

• Post-hole digger/auger
• Shovel
• Gravel
• Concrete mix
• Level
• Mason line
• Tamping bar

The procedure, step by step

1. Confirm locate and permits are cleared — Verify the 811 locate is complete, the wait time has elapsed, and permits are on site before placing any auger in the ground.
2. Dig holes to the spec depth and shape — Dig each hole to the depth and width called out on the job spec. Required depth (including frost-line depth and footing size) DEFERS to local code and a licensed pro — follow the spec, not a guess.
3. Add a gravel drainage base — Tamp gravel into the bottom of each hole to provide drainage and reduce moisture at the post base, per the job spec.
4. Set and align the post or footing — Place the post or footing, pull a mason line corner-to-corner, and align each post to the line so the run is straight and spacing is consistent.
5. Plumb and brace — Plumb each post on two faces with a level and brace it so it holds position while concrete sets.
6. Pour and finish concrete — Pour concrete per the spec, sloping or crowning the top to shed water away from the post, and keep the finish below grade where the spec calls for it.
7. Re-check plumb and alignment before cure — Recheck plumb and line on every post before the concrete sets, adjusting bracing as needed.
8. Allow full cure before loading — Let concrete cure per the manufacturer's time before hanging panels, framing, or applying load.

Quality check before you finish

• No digging occurred before locate and wait time were complete
• Hole depth and width match the job spec
• Gravel drainage base is present in each hole
• Every post is plumb on two faces and on the line
• Post spacing is consistent across the run
• Concrete top sheds water and sits per spec relative to grade
• Concrete fully cured before any load applied

This is a free, source-anchored standard operating procedure (SOP) you can print and hand to staff. It documents the work sequence for a Fencing & Decks business — not safety or regulatory rulings, which defer to the cited authorities, the applicable code, and your own health-and-safety plan. Open the tool above to print it, toggle ink-saver, or (with a free ToolFluency Business account) edit it to match your own workflow.

Sources

• American Fence Association (AFA) (americanfenceassociation.com)
• International Code Council / IRC (iccsafe.org)
• American Wood Council (AWC) (awc.org)