OT: Deck building

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Posted by Peter (12.149.100.21) on 13:17:35 07/15/08

The closest I can come to making this relevant is that I will likely haul parts and materials for building the deck in the Sub.

I am putting a long & narrow porch/deck on the front of my house. The back edge will hang on a ledger. The front will be supported on posts. Deck height is 17" above grade and length/width is 46'x6.5'. My question is about the posts.

Background -
*I live in northeast Ohio and have significant snow and ice in the winter.
*City requires supports to be set at least 36" below grade.
*Ground water is not an issue.
*The reputable guy at the lumber yard (small local place - not big box) says most everything I have read is overengineered for a small simple deck like mine.
*All structural lumber is pressure treated.
*Cost IS a factor - but I don't like to do things twice

My question is: I have read about various methods for setting the posts. Set at/above grade on a metal base anchored in concrete, set in concrete, or set in the ground with compacted dirt or gravel.

I have to believe that pouring a concrete pier and using a metal base is probably the best option but also the most expensive (cost for concrete and anchors). The two methods for setting the post in the ground are probably similar although it seems that not using concrete may be better for drainage and therefore longevity. I have also heard from people that used gravel as the fill around the post instead of dirt.

I am hoping that with this forum's vast store of odd knowledge, that someone may have something to share that can help.

More info/drawings on request.

Follow Ups:

Re: OT: Deck building - Igore 08:36:37 07/16/08 (0)
Re: OT: Deck building - gorilla bob 22:33:31 07/15/08 (0)
Re: OT: Deck building - Ben 19:27:43 07/15/08 (0)
Re: OT: Deck building - OnBelay 16:05:53 07/15/08 (2)
- Re: OT: Deck building - cheyenne 16:34:02 07/15/08 (1)
  - Re: OT: Deck building - Peter 20:02:34 07/15/08 (0)
Re: OT: Deck building - 99C20Sub 14:57:40 07/15/08 (0)

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Comments:	: The closest I can come to making this relevant is that I will likely haul parts and materials for building the deck in the Sub. : : I am putting a long & narrow porch/deck on the front of my house. The back edge will hang on a ledger. The front will be supported on posts. Deck height is 17" above grade and length/width is 46'x6.5'. My question is about the posts. : : Background - : I live in northeast Ohio and have significant snow and ice in the winter. : City requires supports to be set at least 36" below grade. : Ground water is not an issue. : The reputable guy at the lumber yard (small local place - not big box) says most everything I have read is overengineered for a small simple deck like mine. : All structural lumber is pressure treated. : Cost IS a factor - but I don't like to do things twice : : My question is: I have read about various methods for setting the posts. Set at/above grade on a metal base anchored in concrete, set in concrete, or set in the ground with compacted dirt or gravel. : : I have to believe that pouring a concrete pier and using a metal base is probably the best option but also the most expensive (cost for concrete and anchors). The two methods for setting the post in the ground are probably similar although it seems that not using concrete may be better for drainage and therefore longevity. I have also heard from people that used gravel as the fill around the post instead of dirt. : : I am hoping that with this forum's vast store of odd knowledge, that someone may have something to share that can help. : : More info/drawings on request. :
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