Straight top edge despite unevenly high plinths

[runnemo]

Hello,
I've read and thus solved a lot by hanging out here but have never written before.

I have a question, I'm working on a trellis that will eventually become a privacy screen with ivy. I've cast footings with post anchors, and everything has gone well except that the height of the footings turned out a little uneven (in two places I had planned for this because those posts will sit on rock that is higher than the ground level), even though I checked the level and measured between the footings when I cast them. The height difference isn’t more than that the eye isn’t bothered by it, maybe a cm or two. My question now is: I want all the posts to end at the same height for aesthetic reasons and to be able to place a cap on top. What’s the best way to do this? My best idea is to cut all the posts to the desired height I initially intended, then screw in the first post at the desired height and then attach the next with clamps, check with a level what is appropriate, and then cut. How would you have done it?

 

[DaDolly]

The post should not be against the plinth to avoid it absorbing water, so you have a little wiggle room to start with. Set up the first and last post uncut. Then, stretch a line or string between the posts (there's a special mini-level you can hang on the string) when it's straight, position all the posts and draw a line at the string. This way, you get all of them cut to the right height.

 

[runnemo]

The post shouldn't be placed against the base to avoid it absorbing water, so you have some leeway to begin with. Set up the first and last post uncut. Then stretch a string or rope between the posts (there's a special mini-level you can hang on the string) when it's straight, position all the posts and draw a line at the string. That way you'll have all cut to the right height.

Thank you! That's the way to go =) Isn't it wise to place something thin under the post, even if it's treated, to protect it a bit from any water that collects on the base?

 

[Nyfniken]

There should be air under the post. Nothing else.

 

[Nyfniken]

Screw the posts vertically. Attach a board at the top and cut flush with the board.

 

[DaDolly]

Thanks! That's how it will be =) Isn't it wise to put something thin under the post, even if it is treated, so that it is somewhat protected from any water that collects on the foundation?

Thanks! That's how it will be =) Isn't it wise to put something thin under the post, even if it is treated, so that it is somewhat protected from any water that collects on the foundation?

Yes, the post absorbs water even if it is treated. Use a block underneath while marking and then remove it when you screw it in.

 

[runnemo]

Yes, the post absorbs water even if it's impregnated. Use a block underneath while you mark and then remove it when you screw it in place

Yes, that's what I meant. I kept the blocks until I screwed the posts in place. Thanks for the tips, turned out great. As straight as it could be with some slightly twisted beams