If You Were Building a Deck......

[petegz28]

Ok I am putting in a 14x12 deck, 48inches off the ground. The guy that is doing it spaced my 4 posts with the following spaces between posts...

post 1 - post 2 = 36 inches...ok
post 2 - post 3 = 32 inches...hmmm ok I guess...
Post 3 - post 4 = 23 inches...WTF?

I get told since there will be a 2 foot cantilever I would not notice it.
Also the posts are going to get mounted on 8 inch concrete blocks.


Am I smoking crack or does this just not sound right?

Let me add I think the only reason we are doing a cantilever on a 12' deck is because he is trying to use the 2 previous concretere piers for the new deck.

[petegz28]

Originally Posted by Phobia

I glazed over the 8 inch concrete blocks because that completely confuses me. I honestly have no idea what that's all about. If he already has pilings, then why is he installing 8 inch blocks?

This scenario sounds like an endorsement for permits. If dude has no idea what he's doing a drawing and inspection would have solved all these problems. But if you're trying to evade the inspection process, at least have an experienced contractor about whom you would have no concerns or trust issues. If your buddy is moonlighting as a contractor and he can't place the posts properly.... well, you probably don't need me to draw you a map.

I know. I know.

[cdcox]

Originally Posted by petegz28

Well if I knew how to upload pics here I would show you some. And I agree I don't need 3 and he is trying to squeeze in 4. Nevertheless I have 2 posts 1+ foot closer together than 2 others. That seems to just be not right to me.

And what about these 8 inch concrete blocks? That seems to be a little excessive as well.

My dad built a 3-level deck on the back of his house more than 25 years ago. I helped quite a bit. For the footers, he dug a hole about 12" in diameter and about 12" deep. He poured concrete several inches deep in the hole and let it dry. Then, he poured concrete into KFC buckets and imbedded the post anchors in that. Once those had dried, he sat them on top of the concrete in the holes, then he back filled around the part that came out of the bucket until about 4" were sticking from the ground. The deck is still standing. Overall, I'd prefer a footing that goes into the ground and has a mechanical attachement to the wood, rather than a block sitting on the gound with the post sitting on it.

[petegz28]

Originally Posted by cdcox

My dad built a 3-level deck on the back of his house more than 25 years ago. I helped quite a bit. For the footers, he dug a hole about 12" in diameter and about 12" deep. He poured concrete several inches deep in the hole and let it dry. Then, he poured concrete into KFC buckets and imbedded the post anchors in that. Once those had dried, he sat them on top of the concrete in the holes, then he back filled around the part that came out of the bucket until about 4" were sticking from the ground. The deck is still standing. Overall, I'd prefer a footing that goes into the ground and has a mechanical attachement to the wood, rather than a block sitting on the gound with the post sitting on it.

Ok I should clarify. I have 4 holes with 36 inches of concrete in them with an 8 inch block on top of that.

[Brock]

Originally Posted by petegz28

Ok I should clarify. I have 4 holes with 36 inches of concrete in them with an 8 inch block on top of that.

What's the block for?

[petegz28]

Originally Posted by Brock

What's the block for?

The post will sit in a footing on top of the block.

Originally Posted by petegz28

Ok I should clarify. I have 4 holes with 36 inches of concrete in them with an 8 inch block on top of that.

We think you have 36" of concrete in them but they were existing - so if the last guy short cut it, by trusting his work you're putting your faith in somebody else's hands - somebody you've never met and who probably was the lowest bid for some builder.

This whole situation is bunk. If it were me, I'd bring my sledge and start with a blank slate.

For the record, Pete emailed me pictures. My reluctance to second guess somebody else is now gone.

Originally Posted by petegz28

The post will sit in a footing on top of the block.

Except.... Heh - look at this picture. If he doesn't hit the circle in this concrete everything else is going to crack away....

[Valiant]

Originally Posted by petegz28

Well if I knew how to upload pics here I would show you some. And I agree I don't need 3 and he is trying to squeeze in 4. Nevertheless I have 2 posts 1+ foot closer together than 2 others. That seems to just be not right to me.

And what about these 8 inch concrete blocks? That seems to be a little excessive as well.

There is an attachment file that looks like a paperclip.. Took me months to find it..

Your welcome..

[Valiant]

Originally Posted by Phobia

I glazed over the 8 inch concrete blocks because that completely confuses me. I honestly have no idea what that's all about. If he already has pilings, then why is he installing 8 inch blocks?

This scenario sounds like an endorsement for permits. If dude has no idea what he's doing a drawing and inspection would have solved all these problems. But if you're trying to evade the inspection process, at least have an experienced contractor about whom you would have no concerns or trust issues. If your buddy is moonlighting as a contractor and he can't place the posts properly.... well, you probably don't need me to draw you a map.

You glazed over a 8" what??? Ohh... blocks, I thought you said...nevermind..

Here's the picture of what Pete is describing.

Does anybody else feel confident this deck is going to be done correctly?

[cdcox]

Originally Posted by Brock

What's the block for?

Looks something like this where the concrete block is serving as #2 in the picture. My complaints would be 1) I'd rather have a solid peir (stronger than a concrete block and 2) does the post base attach to the concrete block?

I'm also guessing that the holes dad dug were wider and deeper than I described them. It's been a loooong time.

Pete - there's a dozen bits of evidence in the 04 picture that tells me that the guy is clueless. Don't waste another moment of time.

[cdcox]

Well, based on the pictures Phobia posted, never mind.

[Valiant]

Originally Posted by Phobia

Here's the picture of what Pete is describing.

Does anybody else feel confident this deck is going to be done correctly?

Am I a meth user or not?? Need more info on how drugged out I am...

[|Zach|]

Originally Posted by Brock

Went with the low bid.