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Melanie337 · 09-23-2007, 02:16 PM

When we had our 12 inch round footings installed for our deck the tops of the concrete weren't smoothed level. They are not really so crooked, but are quite bumpy (not like the nice clean flat smooth surface you see in the DIY books). Wondering what a good way would be to get them flat and level enough to sit a post on properly. Also, what is the rule-of-thumb for when you need to move to a 6" wooden post from a 4". This is a 2-level deck and 8" joists will be sitting on a laminated 2x(2x10) beam. Thanks in advance! M

concretemasonry · 09-23-2007, 02:40 PM

You should have inserted the appropriate galvanized steel ianchors into the concrete before it was set. This will provide a good anchorage to resist shear and uplift. Without anchorage an unloaded deck can be lifted and shilfted by the wind, depending on the direction.

The size of the post (4x4 or 6x6) is determined by the load and the necessary width to handle the connections above.

Did you have a permit for the design and the construction. Did you have an inspection?

Melanie337 · 09-23-2007, 03:04 PM

Unfortunately things got done in a hurry and the anchors did not get installed. The "code" people are okay with drilling anchors in after (where we are now) and the deck design is in progress. So.....what can we do about the bumps?...drill and install those U-shaped thingies...it would still not sit straight. Is there a good way to level/smooth the footings first? Thanks! M