Deck posts must be plumb, so they must start with square ends. Check the bottom of each post with a speed square and cut it if necessary. Dip cut ends in a preservative before setting them in the anchors and let the preservative soak in overnight. To make the job go quickly, do everything in stages—first, square all the deck posts and set them in the anchors with a temporary brace. Next, plumb, align, and brace all of them, letting their height run wild before marking and cutting them to a consistent height. Setting deck posts will go more than twice as fast if you have someone help you. Two helpers are even better; you won’t have to move back and forth from one post to another to adjust them. Follow along with our steps for setting and cutting deck posts to get started on your backyard makeover. Project tip: Adjustable post anchors are made to be moved up to the last minute. To adjust, insert an open-end wrench in the slot and loosen the nut just slightly. Tap the post into place with a hammer and a piece of 2x4 scrap, and retighten the nut.
