I'm planning to set up a post for a water hose reel and I've got a pressure-treated 4x4 that's 8 feet long, along with a 50-pound bag of Quikrete and a can of spray paint. I have all the tools I need, but I have a few questions about the setup: 1) How deep should I set the post? 2) Is it necessary to put gravel at the bottom of the hole? 3) The post I bought is still quite wet. Should I let it dry before painting it? And should I paint it before or after I bury it? Any tips would be greatly appreciated!
1 Answer
You want to bury about a third of the post’s height, but make sure you go below the frost line for your area. Gravel isn't necessary, but it can help with drainage if you’re worried about it getting waterlogged. Also, definitely consider treating the bottom with something like liquid rubber to help preserve it! As for painting, I'd wait until it’s set and dry; pressure-treated wood often has too much moisture when you first get it, which could mess up the paint job.
I was thinking about that too! My wife wants it painted for looks, but I’m glad you mentioned waiting until it’s dry to avoid problems.