How do you build a wood sign post?

Buy a 12' pressure treated 4 X 4. Buy a post holder at the local home center. This is a 36" steel stake with a square box at the top. The post holder is driven into the ground with a sledge hammer after inserting a small slightly undersized block of wood into the square box at the top.

Cut the 4X4 in two lengths. The long piece should be about 7 - 8' long.

Use a circular saw that has the blade depth set to 1/2 the thickness of the 4X4. By making repetitive cuts, create a channel the exact with of the 4X4.

Create an equal channel in the other section of 4X4. The two pieces will now fit together. Nail the pieces together using 10p galvanized nails.

Insert the post into the post holder. May be necessary to hammer it to insure a snug fit. A decorative cap can be purchased at the local home center.