Decks, Patios, Porches and Docks - Low Deck and digging
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junglee
08-30-09, 01:12 PM
Hello,
I'm thinking of building a deck that's going to be one foot off the ground? The frost line in toronto is 4ft. Do I need to dig down that deep for a low deck or could I get away with not digging the piers for the posts and resting the deck on concrete blocks?
I'm hearing conflicting things on this..and not sure which way to head.
The size of the deck is rather larger..27 ft by 27 ft...about 729 sq ft...
Thanks
I'm thinking of building a deck that's going to be one foot off the ground? The frost line in toronto is 4ft. Do I need to dig down that deep for a low deck or could I get away with not digging the piers for the posts and resting the deck on concrete blocks?
I'm hearing conflicting things on this..and not sure which way to head.
The size of the deck is rather larger..27 ft by 27 ft...about 729 sq ft...
Thanks
lefty
08-30-09, 02:36 PM
You need to dig the footings down 6" deeper than the frost level in your area. If you don't, it will heave.
Dig your holes down to the needed depth. They need to be at least 15" square at the bottom. Fill the bottom 12" with concrete then sonotube up a couple of inches above grade with 8" or larger sonotubes. Fill the sonotubes with concrete, backfilling around the outside as you go. Set you post bases in the wet concrete. (That's all done in one pour.)
Dig your holes down to the needed depth. They need to be at least 15" square at the bottom. Fill the bottom 12" with concrete then sonotube up a couple of inches above grade with 8" or larger sonotubes. Fill the sonotubes with concrete, backfilling around the outside as you go. Set you post bases in the wet concrete. (That's all done in one pour.)