Concrete-Free Mailbox Installation with Fast 2K
A decade-old, heavily rotted wood post supporting three neighborhood mailboxes sent homeowners searching for an easy DIY solution. Their goal was simple: replace the post themselves and have the mailboxes ready for delivery the very next day. Homeowner, Kirsten Thaler, reached out to her trusted home maintenance man, who recommended Fast 2K Post Anchor post-setting foam.
Skip Concrete’s Hassles
The contractor suggested Fast 2K so the homeowner could easily install the new mailbox post while avoiding the hassles of concrete, including:
- Heavy bags that need to be hauled from the store and to the installation site
- The need for water at the job site
- A mixing process that can be messy and time consuming
- Significant cure time required before building
In contrast, Fast 2K is a simple, easy-to-mix product that is quick to install and ready to build on in as little as 15–30 minutes.
The Fast 2K Post Setting Solution
Fast 2K is a two-part expanding foam system used to simplify post installations. Once the two parts are combined, it sets in just 3–5 minutes and is ready to build on in as little as 15–30 minutes. The process is so simple and fast that the contractor volunteered to help the homeowner install the new mailbox post. “I really enjoyed working with the Fast 2K product. It’s easy to mix and pour, and it removes concrete from the installation process,” said Jose Torres, founder of Next Phase Property Solutions.
Step-by-Step Fast 2K Installation
1. Dig the hole to the appropriate depth and width for installing the mailbox post in your region.
2. Set the post in position and ensure it is level before adding material.
3. Mix Fast 2K by rolling the bag to combine Part A and Part B. Immediately mix by moving the contents side to side on a blunt edge (similar to a shoe-shine motion) for about 30 seconds. Timing starts as soon as the components are combined, so work quickly.
4. Clip the corner and pour the activated mixture into the hole around the post.
5. Hold and level as the foam begins to expand; keep the post in place and make any minor adjustments within the first 10 seconds of pouring to keep the post level.
6. Let it cure for 15–30 minutes for the material to fully set.
7. Build your project after the foam has cured. See how quickly this three-family-mailbox post project got done.
Tips from Pro Users
- Read all instructions before starting the installation.
- Gather the materials needed ahead of time and make sure the bag has been acclimated to at least 65°F for 24 hours.
- Make sure to know where the top of the bag is, so you are rolling and mixing from the correct end.
- Pre-level your post in the hole with either a wrap-around level or have a standard level handy. Hold the pole level and steady during the pour.
- Add a small amount of gravel to the base of the hole to help with stability and drainage.
- Use the calculator on the Fast 2K website to determine how many bags you’ll need based on hole size and depth. (Fast 2K Usage Calculator)
- When using multiple bags of Fast 2K (this mailbox project used a 6″ diameter hole at 36″ deep and needed two bags), wait approximately 5-10 minutes before adding another bag on top of an already poured bag of Fast 2K.
Try Fast 2K Today
Fast 2K Post Anchor is a great solution for replacing an old post or installing a new one. It works across a wide range of projects, including mailboxes, fences, decks, outdoor lighting, flagpoles, string line posts, hammock supports, patio sails, sheds and more.
Fast 2K is incredibly strong and helps protect the wood post from moisture-related rot, a huge long-term benefit. “I love design and landscaping and enjoy doing small projects around the house. This was my first outdoor DIY project, and Fast 2K was so easy and satisfying to use on our mailbox post installation project. I’m already thinking about where I can use it next!” said Kirsten Thaler, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin homeowner.
For additional details, watch the how-to video and visit our FAQ’s. They are especially helpful for answering common questions. Try Fast 2K on your next post-project and let us know how your project turned out.
Learn more about Fast 2K, visit our website at www.fast2k.com