Dig The Footing

• 1). Dig a footing in the required location, 12-by-12-by-12 inches. Mark a pencil line 12 inches in from one end of the wood fence post. Mix the ready-mix cement (at least one standard-sized bag will be needed).
  
  
• 2). Place the pencil-marked end into the center of the hole, holding the post in a vertical position (use a spirit level to ensure it is vertical). If the hole is dug to the correct depth, the 12-inch pencil line will be level with the ground surrounding the hole. Pour in the cement around the post until it reaches the pencil line on the post, and is even with the ground.
  
  
• 3). Insert at least 3 long stakes (1-by-2 inches is sufficient) into the ground at a 45-degree angle to the post, attaching the tops to the post with nails (use the spirit level again to ensure the post is upright before nailing the stakes). Wait for the cement to dry (at least 24 hours) before removing the stakes.