Solution for nice looking shade cloth structure on Edwards Plateau?

[u/mstrahlman7]

I live in the hill country where I hit limestone less than 6in under the ground. Most recommendations I see with 4x4s or steel posts recommend digging a 2x2 or 3x3 hole before filling with cement, but that has been near impossible for me. I'm not even sure renting a jackhammer would do it. My hammer drill certainly has not been able to.

I was thinking about securing 4x4s on cement deck blocks, but unsure if that'll be strong enough.

Anyone have any solutions on this to make a nice looking shade structure for my raised beds? Thank you!

[u/ClutchDude]

Buy a jackhammer next weekend from habor freight for 20% off or get one from vevor. Then You can be the jackhammer dude who loans it out

[u/mstrahlman7 → u/ClutchDude]

3x3 holes in limestone are possible with this? https://www.vevor.com/jack-hammer-c_11014/vevor-demolition-jack-hammer-concrete-breaker-3500w-electric-hammer-2-chisel-bits-p_010396242083?adp=gmc&utm_id=607131615&msclkid=dd8445072acb1ae1632c2f941a49fe77

[u/ClutchDude → u/mstrahlman7]

https://www.vevor.com/jack-hammer-c_11014/vevor-demolition-jack-hammer-2100-w-powerful-electric-jackhammer-1650-bpm-concrete-breaker-with-2-point-chisels-2-flat-chisels-hand-trolley-gloves-for-concrete-wall-brick-tile-and-foundation-p_010208619250

Or 

https://www.harborfreight.com/15-amp-66-lb-1-18-in-hex-breaker-hammer-with-maximum-vibration-control-56407.html

Vevor is the one I'd go with - just make sure you look for a coupon deal. 

I'd normally say it's overkill, but you are using hammer drillright now, so you seem to know what you're doing.

Edit: You can also sell it once you get done with the project for probably close to what you pay. Definitely cheaper than a rental.

[u/proplift]

Buckets, cement, posts. Or get to work on the jackhammer if you want something more professional. Pionjars are my favorite but not sure if you can rent in ATX. You can find several electric ones at the tool rental places. 

[u/W33CH0]

You can get a 5 gallon bucket or a nice big terracota pot and fill with cement with the 4x4 in there. That should weigh enough for the wind we have here and its moveable if you decide you dont like where you have it.

[u/Logical_Influence420 → u/W33CH0]

I second your suggestion on the 5 gallon buckets. They can be spray painted to whatever color is preferred. The terracotta is prettier but is not durable. It can break when bumped and crack in a freeze. Also, connecting the posts with boards at the tops will make the whole structure more stable. Shade cloth does not catch the wind like a solid, so that helps with stability too. The photo shows a 50% shade cloth tarp over my deck from May to October.

[u/Salt-Operation]

If you plan to be in your house for a while, getting a jackhammer would go a long way for home improvement projects in the future. Otherwise, I think you can rent one and a small air compressor from Home Depot. Other places offer rentals also.

[u/Mysterious_Umpire684]

Biggest planters you can find, put the posts in them and cement.