W hile the outdoor living trend continues to grow, many homeowners are electing to

do projects themselves — and

opting for simple and costeffective outdoor improvements.

According to a 2010 American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) survey of residen tial landscape architects, larger scale projects such as outdoor kitchens remain popular, but the appeal of more basic projects homeowners can perform themselves has increased.

Here are some of the projects homeowners are interested in tackling this year that could be done over a weekend and on a budget:

 Ornamental water features such as fountains

or splash pools — 86.7 percent

 Decks — 83 percent

 Fencing (includes gates) — 82.9 percent

If your to-do list includes any of these improve ment-related projects, here’s what you need to know to get some of them done in just one weekend.

Setting Posts Fence posts, deck footings, trellises and arbors they all require solid posts set into concrete to make them stable. This project guide will show you the basics for your post project.

Required Tools and Materials

 Quikrete Fast-Setting Concrete Mix —

poured dry from the bag and into the hole  Quikrete All-Purpose Gravel or

crushed stone

 Plumb line or level  Shovel or post hole digger

 Pressure treated wood posts or

galvanized steel posts

 Wood braces and nails (if needed)

 Deck or fencing hardware (if

needed)

Note: To figure out how much concrete you will need for your post project, visit quikrete.com/calculator.

1. The diameter of the posthole should

be 3 times the post diameter. Hole depth should be 1/3 the overall post length, plus 6 inches (150mm) for the gravel base.

When the post is to be used for structural support, such as for decking, the hole must extend at least 6 inches (150mm) below the frost line. Deck hardware, if applicable, should also be kept away from water as a safeguard versus rust and other corrosives. When installing basket ball goal poles or other equip ment that requires a solid footing for safe use, follow the

manu facturer’s recom mendations con

cerning mount ing hole depth and size.

2. Tamp the sides and bottom of the hole

until firm and place 6 inches (150mm) of gravel or crushed stone in the hole

to aid in drainage. Tamp it down with

the post, a 2 x 4 or tamping tool.

3. Position the post, checking that it is

level and plumb.

4. Pour the concrete mix dry from the

bag into the hole until it reaches 3 to 4 inches (100mm) from the top.

Recheck the post for plumb and brace

as needed.

5. Pour water onto the dry mix and allow

it to soak in. Depend ing on soil condi tions, you will need about 1 gallon of water for each 50 pound bag of con crete mix placed in the hole. Dig

larger, dish-shaped holes for posts set

in loose or sandy soil.

6. Fill the remainder of the hole with

soil dug from the hole.

7. The concrete sets in 20 to 40 min utes.

Wait 4 hours before applying heavy loads to the post, such as a basketball back board. (If the tem perature is

below 72 degrees, additional time for

curing will be required.)

For Best Results Use pressure-treated lumber or apply creosote equivalent to prevent belowground deterioration. Galvanized metal should also be used to prevent rust. More Weekend Project Ideas

With no mixing or tools required, fast setting concrete is a versatile material that can be used in any number of landscaping and home improvement projects, including:

 Concrete patios and

sidewalks

 Fences and trellises

 Garden water

features

 Garden walls

 Concrete landscap

ing borders

Get step-by-step guides for these and other home projects at quikrete.com.