How to Install an Outdoor Lantern Post

An outdoor lantern post is installed to hold an outdoor lantern or lamp. Installing a lantern post outdoors requires you to dig a hole, set the lantern post in place and wire the lantern post. The process for accomplishing this task is explained further in the steps below, including the tools and materials needed for the project.

Step 1: Purchase the Materials to Install the Lantern Post

At a home improvement center purchase the materials needed to set the lantern post into the ground. You will also need to find a posthole digger or auger that you can rent one. The auger will make the work of digging post holes easier. If you cannot find an auger at the home improvement center, a tool rental center located in the community where you live can provide you with an auger for rent.

Prior to moving forward with the next step in the process, check with the local utility company to locate the underground gas and electrical supply lines. You will need to have these lines marked prior to digging, in fact in some communities it is required to have the lines identified prior to digging.

Step 2: Dig the Post Hole

With the auger or posthole digger, make a hole for the lantern post. The hole should be about 3 feet deep, which is deep enough to sink the lantern post inside as well as run the necessary wiring to hook up the lantern.

Step 3: Pull the Electrical Wires Through the Hole

Working carefully with insulated gloves, you need to pull the electrical wires from the main through to the hole that you created with the auger or posthole digger. The wires will need to be connected to the lantern in order to provide light to the lantern. Lay a piece of PVC piping in the hole and run the wires through. Connect the wires from the lantern to the main wires and use the wire caps and electrician’s tape to secure the connection.

Step 4: Place the Lantern Post in the Hole

Once the wires have been connected to the lantern, set the lantern post upright and place gravel in the hole. Pour the quickset concrete in the hole as per the packaging instructions. Use a level to make sure that the lantern is set properly in the hole and is level. Wait for the lantern post to set before you move on to the next step in this process.

Step 5: Test the Lantern Post Connection

Place a bulb in the lantern and turn the main power on to test the connection. Turn the lamp and make sure that the light turns on and off. Once you complete the testing of the light you have completed the installation of the lantern post.