Decks, Patios, Porches and Docks - Why deck posts buried in cement so common?
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newhandypal
05-30-05, 04:52 AM
I have been lurking for several weeks weeks now and thanks to you all, I now feel comfortable enough to start planning my deck project. I just have a question for all you:
Reading previous posts here, I understand that the gold standard for installing deck posts is NOT to submerge the posts into the concrete footing beneath the ground. Why oh why do 99.9% of decks in my neighborhood in Northern Virginia have the posts embedded in concrete? I have not seen even ONE deck with pier supports over concrete footing. Why is that? Also, my county building codes have a diagram of a typical deck set up and in this diagram, there is a picture of post embedded in concrete. What is going on? Will the county inspectors allow me to construct a post that is recommended by you guys or will they force me to embed the posts into concrete. Here's the link of their diagram http://inetdocs.loudoun.gov/b&d/docs/permitguideline_/deckdetail/office2k/office2k.htm
So confusing. Hope you guys can shed some light ...
Thanks,
D
Reading previous posts here, I understand that the gold standard for installing deck posts is NOT to submerge the posts into the concrete footing beneath the ground. Why oh why do 99.9% of decks in my neighborhood in Northern Virginia have the posts embedded in concrete? I have not seen even ONE deck with pier supports over concrete footing. Why is that? Also, my county building codes have a diagram of a typical deck set up and in this diagram, there is a picture of post embedded in concrete. What is going on? Will the county inspectors allow me to construct a post that is recommended by you guys or will they force me to embed the posts into concrete. Here's the link of their diagram http://inetdocs.loudoun.gov/b&d/docs/permitguideline_/deckdetail/office2k/office2k.htm
So confusing. Hope you guys can shed some light ...
Thanks,
D
bigmtk
05-30-05, 06:56 AM
Your best bet would be to talk to the local building inspectors.
Or you can wait til you dig your holes and since they have to be inspected before you pour concrete ask then.
Or you can wait til you dig your holes and since they have to be inspected before you pour concrete ask then.
XSleeper
05-30-05, 07:02 AM
Loudoun Co, VA... my family's stomping grounds back in the 1790s!
In your illustrations, those posts appear to be sitting on top of a footing, and are buried below grade- surrounded by dirt, not cement. Also not an ideal setup. But regarding posts that are set in cement, the main reason many people do it is probably speed and stability. Take a stair handrail for instance. You don't want that last 4x4 to wobble, so the easiest thing to do? Set it in cement! Also, those guys who want to get the deck built in one day... dig the holes, build the deck, fill it up with cement, and go build the next deck.
I'm certainly not advocating it, because I also think posts should be above grade whenever possible. I'd hate to have to replace a post that's embedded in 4ft of cement.
In your illustrations, those posts appear to be sitting on top of a footing, and are buried below grade- surrounded by dirt, not cement. Also not an ideal setup. But regarding posts that are set in cement, the main reason many people do it is probably speed and stability. Take a stair handrail for instance. You don't want that last 4x4 to wobble, so the easiest thing to do? Set it in cement! Also, those guys who want to get the deck built in one day... dig the holes, build the deck, fill it up with cement, and go build the next deck.
I'm certainly not advocating it, because I also think posts should be above grade whenever possible. I'd hate to have to replace a post that's embedded in 4ft of cement.
marksr
05-30-05, 07:44 PM
I agree with Xsleeper - ease and speed is why it is so common. What I have done on decks I've built for myself is dig the hole, top with a level 8" square form, pour the concrete and insert an anchor strap. When it is dry secure the 4X4 to the straps and it sits 3-4" above grade. Zoning is pretty lax here but it should pass inspection.
lefty
05-30-05, 08:34 PM
Yup, it's all about "ease and speed". Doesn't make it right, just fast.
Wood embedded in concrete or in dirt is going to rot. Use post or column bases, like PB44's or CB44's at the top of the footing and keep the wood out of the concrete. Takes a bit longer, costs a bit more, but you're posts will last several years longer.
Wood embedded in concrete or in dirt is going to rot. Use post or column bases, like PB44's or CB44's at the top of the footing and keep the wood out of the concrete. Takes a bit longer, costs a bit more, but you're posts will last several years longer.