Signpost surface-mounting guide
How to install our surface-mounted Triplex powder-coated mild steel signposts:
Materials needed:
- Surface-mounted Triplex powder-coated mild steel signpost
- Concrete anchor bolts
- Hammer drill with a masonry bit (for drilling into concrete or asphalt)
- Spanner or socket set for tightening bolts
- Level tool
- Gloves
Steps:
- Choose the location: Determine where you want to place your signpost. Position the signpost in the desired location on the surface (concrete or asphalt).
- Mark drilling points: Using a marker, outline the holes on the base plate onto the surface. This will guide you where to drill.
- Pre-drill holes: Using a hammer drill with a masonry bit, drill holes into the surface where you marked. The depth of the holes should match the length of your concrete anchor bolts.
- Insert anchor bolts: After the holes have been drilled, clean out any dust or debris. Then, insert the concrete anchor bolts into the holes.
- Position the signpost: Position the base plate attached to the signpost over the anchor bolts. Ensure the bolts align with the holes in the base plate.
- Secure the signpost: Tighten the nuts onto the anchor bolts, thereby securing the signpost to the surface. Use a spanner or socket set to make sure the nuts are securely tightened.
- Check the post: Using a level tool, check to ensure the signpost is straight. If necessary, make adjustments by loosening and retightening the nuts.
- Final check: After making sure the post is level, give all the nuts a final tightening to ensure the signpost is secure.
Remember to always observe safety precautions while handling these tools, especially the hammer drill and bolts.
Signpost sub-surface mounting guide
How to install our Triplex powder-coated mild steel signposts using a sub-surface mounting method:
Materials:
- Signpost
- Postcrete
- Water
- Post-hole digger or shovel
- Level tool
- String line
- Bucket or wheelbarrow (for mixing Postcrete)
- Gloves
Steps:
- Site preparation: Decide on the location of your signpost. Check for local restrictions and ensure there are no underground utilities before digging.
- Dig the hole: Use a post-hole digger or shovel to dig a hole. For a typical signpost, this should be around 2 feet deep, though it could vary based on the height of your post and the type of soil. As a rule of thumb, the post should be embedded in the ground to at least one third of its total length. The width of the hole should be about twice the width of the post.
- Post alignment: Insert the signpost into the hole. Having another person to assist can be helpful. Ensure the signpost is properly aligned using your level tool and string line – the sign should face the direction you want, and the post should be vertical.
- Prepare Postcrete mix: Follow the instructions on your Postcrete mix to prepare it in a bucket or wheelbarrow. The mixture should be roughly the consistency of peanut butter.
- Add Postcrete: Pour the Postcrete mix into the hole around the signpost, filling to about 3–4 inches from the top.
- Check alignment and adjust: Before the Postcrete sets, check again with your level tool to ensure the signpost is still vertical. Make any necessary adjustments.
- Let Postcrete set: Allow the Postcrete to cure completely. This usually takes 24–48 hours depending on the type of Postcrete. Do not disturb the post during this period and avoid installing the sign if possible.
- Backfill the hole: Once the Postcrete has hardened, backfill the remaining space in the hole with soil to cover the Postcrete and provide a neater finish.
- Install the sign: If you haven't already done so, attach your sign to the post. See our separate guide to attaching signs to posts using channels and clips.
Always adhere to the manufacturer's guidelines for the concrete mix. Additionally, take into account any local regulations regarding signpost installation.
Sign-to-signpost fixing guide
Follow this guide to attach a sign with pre-fitted channels to one of our signposts.
Materials:
- Sign with pre-attached channels
- 76 mm round or 50 mm square signpost
- Round or square channel clips
- Bolts and nuts (provided with channel clips)
- Adjustable spanner or socket set
- Level tool
Steps:
- Prepare your materials: Assemble your sign with pre-attached channels, the signpost, your channel clips, and your tools.
- Position the sign: Hold your sign against the signpost at the desired location. Having another person to assist can be helpful. Ensure the signpost runs through the middle of the sign and the sign is level.
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Position channel clips:
- Round posts: take your channel clips and slide one end into the pre-attached channels on the sign. Place the channel around the signpost.
- Square posts: slide the square head of one bolt into the channel and loosely secure one end of the square clip to the bolt using one of the supplied nuts. Then position the channel around the signpost.
- Insert bolts: Slide the remaining bolts into the channel and through the holes in the other end of the channel clips that wrap around the post.
- Secure the bolts: On the threaded end of the bolt, screw on the nut. Hand-tighten the nut, leaving it loose enough to adjust the sign’s position.
- Check alignment and adjust: With the use of your level tool, make sure that the sign is perfectly vertical. If necessary, slightly move the sign and channel clips to adjust its position.
- Tighten the bolts: Once you've confirmed that the sign is properly positioned, fully tighten the nuts on the bolts using your spanner or socket set. Ensure that they're secure but do not overtighten, as this could potentially damage the sign or the channel clips.
- Final check: Conduct a final check to confirm that everything is secure and properly aligned. The sign should be firmly attached to the post and the post should be upright.
As always, follow local rules or regulations for sign installation, and take necessary safety precautions when working with tools and hardware.