Decks, Patios, Porches and Docks - Need Help-How to build pier in lake?
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melliejane
07-05-05, 05:36 PM
We have just purchased a lot on a lake and want to build a pier with a gazebo on the end of it. What is the easiest way to dig the holes for the 6 x 6 posts and then pour concrete in @3 - 4 feet of water? A floating pier is not an option.
pgtek
07-06-05, 05:51 AM
hi
check with your local official.
They have some restriction on what material to used on a lake.
As for pier you would have to dive them in.
this is not cheap
check with your local official.
They have some restriction on what material to used on a lake.
As for pier you would have to dive them in.
this is not cheap
rdhamm
07-06-05, 08:23 AM
The lake I live on, we can have only temporary structures over the lake (floating / roll-in). Many other lakes can have permanent structures like boat houses with decks on them.
My folks live in WI and most people there sink large posts directly into the lake bottom using something called a 'jet'. This is basically a pressure washer on steroids and the stream of water pushes the lake bottom out of the way. They have had 20' 6X6 treated lumber in the lake for over 20 years.
The downside is that the ice pushes them up from time to time and you have to re-sink them. If you live in the North this will still happen with cement unless you go really deep into the lake bottom.
If you can really pour cement in, this is how I would do it.
Build a plywood box with the top and bottom open of a height that gets you several inches above the water line.
Sink the box in the area that you want to pour cement and bury into the lake bottom - using something like a jet.
Pump water out of the box into the lake using a sump pump or the like.
You now have a dry(er) area in which to work.
You can re-use the box from pier-to-pier or you can build a few of them.
My folks live in WI and most people there sink large posts directly into the lake bottom using something called a 'jet'. This is basically a pressure washer on steroids and the stream of water pushes the lake bottom out of the way. They have had 20' 6X6 treated lumber in the lake for over 20 years.
The downside is that the ice pushes them up from time to time and you have to re-sink them. If you live in the North this will still happen with cement unless you go really deep into the lake bottom.
If you can really pour cement in, this is how I would do it.
Build a plywood box with the top and bottom open of a height that gets you several inches above the water line.
Sink the box in the area that you want to pour cement and bury into the lake bottom - using something like a jet.
Pump water out of the box into the lake using a sump pump or the like.
You now have a dry(er) area in which to work.
You can re-use the box from pier-to-pier or you can build a few of them.
johnfron
07-07-05, 10:52 AM
What you are looking for, if you can make the structure permanent, are pilings. You need to drive steel posts into the lakebed. Ideally you ant to drive the pilings in until you hit bedrock. I put a dock in a few years back, and it is set on pilings that were driven 30-40 feet down. A steel structure was welded to the pilings, which was when decked over. (Treated lumber was bolted to the steel frame, and decking placed over that.) You can see a picture here: http://www.idcc.net/pictures/BoatPatio%20002.jpg