Deck Post Tools And Supplies

4x4 KD Post, no cracks: pressure treated is preferred (in a wet climate), but if unavailable, then cedar (perhaps preferred in a dry climate).

[ Do not use PT for railings, decking or any other lateral surface. Do not breath dust when cutting or sweeping. Do not burn scrap. – Cyanide ]

1x2s or such, and perhaps stakes, to keep the post vertical until it is connected to its neighboring posts.

4x4x1 composite footing with about a 1¼” diameter hole in the center (not the kind with 4 holes and a solid center).

Carpenter (or decking) screws: 1 5/8”, 2 ½”.

Ready-mix concrete (more bags then you think you will need).

12” diameter sono tube, whatever length, allowing for a 3' hole. If none available, then a sheet of aluminum you can bend into a tube.

Rebar reinforcing rods if the concrete post is going to project significantly above ground (such as pilings for a dock).

¾” ID PVC pipe which will be cut into approximately 1 ½' lengths or greater, according to need.

3” nails or screws that will pass horizontally through the post and its PVC pipe.

50/50 linseed oil & mineral spirits mixed into bucket for dipping each end of Post and brushing rest.

(Preservative is okay, but oil might be nicer.)

Post hole digger (or concrete bits, coal chisels and small sledge depending on what you're digging into).

A knife or saw to cut the cardboard sono tube, or metal shears for aluminum .

A miter saw and box to cut the post very square and to cut the PVC.

Wheelbarrow, hoe, water bucket (with a hose, it's too easy to mix in excess water), shovel, trowel.

A 1 1/8” barbed blade bit & a powerful drill with embedded level to bore a hole 5” deep into the bottom of the post.

Philips screwdriver, adjustable square, level, measuring tape, pencil.

A plumb bob if positioning below a specific beam, rafter or whatever.