How do you fix post shoes on concrete?
Post shoes, also known as post supports, are designed to be fixed down onto an existing concrete base or wall and are perfect for fencing, decking, pergolas, or carports. They have the added benefit of offering extra support and protection against moisture and fungal damage as they hold the base of the post above ground level. Post shoes create a quick and easy way to erect fencing and garden structural posts as they require no digging or concreting into place, saving you time and money.
What Type of Post Shoe Do You Need?
At Speedy Fixings, we manufacture a wide selection of post shoes for sale, including heavy duty shoes, lightweight post shoes, elevated post bases, and adjustable post supports. We can also supply bespoke post shoes to meet your specific size and design requirements.
Some of our best-selling metal shoes for timber posts that can be fixed to concrete include the heavy duty stainless steel type 4 post shoes 150 x 150mm which are fully welded stainless-steel posts manufactured from grade 304-A2 stainless steel. For long-lasting post shoes the 200 x 200mm heavy duty galvanised type 4 post shoes are hot dipped galvanised to a minimum of 70 microns after being manufactured to ensure they are corrosion resistant. Or the Light weight Easy post could be an option, which features bolts that tighten and clasp the post firmly into the post holder section to prevent any post movement as well as allow for over/undersized post tolerance. The bolt system also allows for the removal of the post at a later stage if required.
How Do You Fix Post Shoes To Concrete
Follow our step-by-step instructions below to learn all you need to know when it comes to fixing your post shoes to concrete.
You Will Need
- Post shoes
- Wooden posts
- Hammer drill
- Drill
- Masonry/concrete drill bits
- Spirit level
- Concrete anchor fixings
- Adjustable spanner and/ or socket wrench
- Builders line
- Tape measure
- Safety goggles
- Claw hammer or wooden mallet
Steps To Fit Your Post Shoes On Concrete
Step 1. Begin by marking out where your structure will go. You can do this by using a builder’s line tied to bricks at each end to help create a straight line.
Step 2. Place the post shoe in your desired location and mark the four drilling holes onto your concrete base.
Step 3. Next, make sure you are wearing your safety goggles, remove the post shoe, and drill into the concrete using a hammer drill and masonry/concrete drill bits.
TIP: Some hammer drills have a depth control bar or depth guide, a clever feature that lets you drill to the right depth for your fixings. Alternatively, you can measure and mark the required depth of the anchor on the drill bit with a piece of tape and stop drilling when you reach this mark.
Step 4. Make sure you are still wearing your safety goggles and clear out as much masonry dirt from the holes in your concrete as possible. You can do this with a quick blow or alternatively if you have one you can use a can of compressed air or an air compressor.
Step 5. Next insert four anchor bolts into the holes in the concrete. Use your claw hammer or mallet to tap in the anchor bolts so that the top of their sleeves are flush with the top of the paving and the thread sits above the surface.
Step 6. Align the post shoe on top of the drilled holes and fix it into place. Insert the washers and screw down the four anchor bolts using a spanner or for a quicker installation an adjustable spanner and ratchet set.
Step 7. Slide the base cover caps back into position to neatly hide the bolt heads.
Step 8. Insert the wooden post and if the post shoe has side bolts, tighten them to hold the wooden post in place.
Step 9. Use a spirit level to ensure the post sits upright.
Step 10. Repeat the process for each bolt-down post support.
Please note our smaller size Heavy Duty Post Shoes (100mm & 150mm) may require the post to be reduced in size at the base. This gives a neat ‘flush’ finish to the structure. Please check if you are unsure.
We hope these instructions will help to safely guide you in how to fix post shoes on concrete. If you have any queries regarding our collection of post shoes, feel free to contact our team. We can be easily reached at 01206 793100 or at [email protected].