Click image to enlarge.
1. Measure the
projection of your soffits and add 7 in. to accurately position the column
centers near but not too close to the house. Drive remote stakes an equal
distance from the house, attaching a string to help mark and align the outer
post locations.
2. Dig the
postholes a minimum of 2 ft. deep and 12 in. in diameter. Dig 24-in. tubes into
the holes, add your 60-in. posts and pour concrete around them. Plumb your
posts and align them with your outer string line. Allow the concrete to harden
for a couple of days, then trim the posts to 32 in.
Click image to enlarge.
3. Lift the
columns (upside down) over the 4x4 posts to mark the bottoms for trimming.
Attach a story pole to the house to establish a reference point.
4. Attach a
level to a straight 2x4 and mark the bottom of each post level with your height
mark against the house. Remember, there’s still 10-1/4 in. additional
height going onto the tops of the posts.
5. Transfer
your mark completely around the post using a combination square. Cut the post
with a 10-teeth-per-inch wood blade in your jigsaw. You’ll need a fresh
blade for every post you cut.
