Light Posts, what to use

[BuickFarmer]

Will be installing barn lights around the yard. What do y'all use for posts for these type lights. I'm considering 4" black steel pipe. Would like to make them somewhat ornate. Pipe and fittings are e x p e n s i v e

 

[Cuda]

I found a good buy on some pine poles at a nearby farm supply store that I put to use.
How tall are you going, and what kind of fixture are you using?

 

[thdewey]

I adapted a plan that I found on the Handyman mag. website which was for a short light post and just made it about 6' tall. You could even make it taller for your application.

http://www.rd.com/how-to-install-an-outdoor-light-and-outlet/article17503.html#intro

Here is my post under construction. I don't have a finished picture for some reason. But here is the basics of its construction. 4x4 post encased by 1/2" x 8" pressure treated wood normally used for deck star risers. I finished it with a couple of larger PT pieces of wood. PT is a lot cheaper around here than the cedar used in the magazine article. A cool feature that I added was an electrical outlet at the base of the post. I'll try to take a finished picture later today.

 

[BuickFarmer]

Good idea Cuda, nice job TH but nooooo, the warden wants iron, to match the wrought iron cemetery fence I put up for her. The dang 4 inch black pipe is $10.50 a foot not including fittings. And they need to be about 10 feet tall to be in scale with everythin else.
I'm thinkin to run a 1 inch PVC pipe (as a conduit and to take up space) inside a 4 inch SCH 40 pvc and then fill it up with sackrete and paint it flat black. How do you think that would look. (I know...probably like a PVC pipe painted black )

 

[kbs2244]

I have one of those horse heads with the ring that are supposed to look like a hitching post by my front steps.
It is in the sun all day.

It has been sitting on a piece of 2 inch PVC painted flat black for about 10 years.

You cannot tell it isn’t steel pipe.
I do not think you will need the concrete.
Remember, you can get PVC in 6, 8, even 10 and 12 inch also.

 

[Cuda]

I wouldn't think pvc would stand up to the sun, but it sounds like kbs2244 has done it.
But at 10 ft tall I would for sure fill it with concrete. PVC will distort when sitting in the sun. And if you are going with an HID light the weight of the ballast would be a concern for me. If you are using incadescent or some other light that requires no transformer.... might work.

 

[rodnok1]

Have you considered burying 4x4 post and just slipping black abs pipe over it, and paint if ness. That way you could always change it out.

 

[Stuart in MN]

Why not just buy a light pole that's made for the purpose? I googled 'light pole' and this is the first one that popped up: http://www.google.com/products/cata...HS5G9IoOsMryRvGM&sa=title&ved=0CCAQ8wIwBjgA#p 10' tall aluminum, direct bury (no concrete foundation needed), $88.00 with free shipping. There are zillions of other light poles out there if you don't like this one.

 

[s_morrison57]

If you live close to a drilling company ask to buy some of there old drill steel, try to get rods from a Diamond Drilling company, exploration mining, they are 10 foot lengths, hollow center, drive shaft quality seemless pipe, it would be a light post or fence post for life, your un-born kids life if painted properly, probably get them for free if you only wanted a few or scrap price for lots

 

[Aceman]

What kind of box are you going to use when you want to mount that light to a steel pipe? 4/0 weatherproof box?

Do you have a box under that light?

 

[Mellotron]

Good idea Cuda, nice job TH but nooooo, the warden wants iron, to match the wrought iron cemetery fence I put up for her. The dang 4 inch black pipe is $10.50 a foot not including fittings. And they need to be about 10 feet tall to be in scale with everythin else.
I'm thinkin to run a 1 inch PVC pipe (as a conduit and to take up space) inside a 4 inch SCH 40 pvc and then fill it up with sackrete and paint it flat black. How do you think that would look. (I know...probably like a PVC pipe painted black )

Did you create that fence? Love it!

Hmmmm. PVC would be clever but you need a way to weld on scrolls, finnials and other goodies. Assuming the "Warden" wants things to match and assuming you wish to remain free from solitary confinement.

It wouldnt be too difficult to get the wrought iron look from steel pipe. I like where you are going so far with the 4" pipe.

 

[BuickFarmer]

You're right Mellotron, I need to stay real, as in an iron post. I found a plumbing supply house that had some short cut pieces of 4 inch black pipe and he is selling me 3 8 footers with bottom flanges for $300 which is only a little more than the "rustic iron" aluminum ones suggested above. (Which I was beginning to consider) I will pour me a base about 8-10 inches round and 16 inches high out of tabby (lime, sand and oyster shells) and mount it on top of that to make up for the short length of the posts. That oughta make the warden happy. (She's from Savannah)

Sorry this is getting off topic, I'll keep the barn in the background of any pictures I take, maybe that will help. Thanks for all the suggestions guys.

Uhhh AceMan, what's a 4/0 weather proof.

 

[mcdtommy23]

+ 1 on the PVC. I use it on my landscape lighting as I kept knocking them over when moving snow or mowing. I painted it gloss black, drilled a hole in the side for the wire, ran it throgh the hole and up to the fixtre. The fixture just sits in the pipe. The PVC protects the wire and has worked great! I've had it outside for 3 years now with no issues except a few scratches near the bottoms where I hit them with the weed-whip.

 

[Norcal]

Ever consider a light guage steel tube / pipe? Rather then Sch 40.

 

[LoneGunman]

...............................

What kind of box are you going to use when you want to mount that light to a steel pipe? 4/0 weatherproof box?



Do you have a box under that light?

 

[Torque1st]

Many scrapyards sell used pipe and structural steel for prices that are near scrap price.

 

[BuickFarmer]

Did you create that fence? Love it!

Hmmmm. PVC would be clever but you need a way to weld on scrolls, finnials and other goodies. Assuming the "Warden" wants things to match and assuming you wish to remain free from solitary confinement.

It wouldnt be too difficult to get the wrought iron look from steel pipe. I like where you are going so far with the 4" pipe.

Mellotron, I need your address. Why??? for to send you the welding bill!!!

 

[BuickFarmer]

Here's what I ended up with.

I ran separate circuit to them with a main switch but added a pull switch with a 100 watt equiv florescent at each one in order to better create "mood" when desired. The Warden is happy. When the Warden is happy, everybody is happy.

 

[Mufrat62]

Those look great- hope you don't mind, might "steal" the idea for a couple around the yard here too.Good Job.

 

[hillbilly1]

You should be able to use 4" EMT conduit, it will be easier to cut, lighter to handle and cheaper.

 

[burleymike]

+1 on the EMT conduit. Forget fittings just weld it. Otherwise go to the scrap yard and see what you can get.