Materials You Will Need

• Purchase ready-mix concrete. That is concrete that is already mixed together and just requires you to add water to use it. Choose a warm and dry day to install your concrete. Cold and moisture do not ruin concrete, but special precautions need to be taken when pouring concrete in the cold and wet weather that do not make the project easy. You will need enough 2-inch round stone to put at least a 4-inch layer at the bottom of each footing hole. You should mix the concrete in a wheelbarrow with a spade or shovel. This will make transporting the concrete easier once it is mixed, and the shovel can also be used for applying the concrete.
  
  

Mixing The Concrete

• Follow the instructions on the bag for the proper water-to-concrete-mix ratio. Getting this ratio correct is critical to the structural integrity of the concrete. Make sure you have enough time to mix and apply the concrete. Mixing concrete and then letting it sit for a few hours will make it difficult to pour it. Mix the concrete until the solution is smooth and has no large air bubbles. Air bubbles become spaces in the concrete that can crack later.
  
  

Pouring The Concrete

• Pour the layer of stones into the hole and then brace the wooden deck piece in the hole. Make sure the wooden piece is level on all sides before you pour the concrete. Pouring concrete is easiest when it is done by two people. One person tips and moves the wheelbarrow while the other uses the shovel to get the concrete into the hole. Go slowly to make sure you do not wind up with concrete all over the yard. Once the concrete is poured, re-check the wooden deck piece to make sure it is level. The concrete will settle an inch or so before it dries, so fill the hole up to the very top.