Deck Question

gmhammes · 05-18-2010, 11:10 AM

Thanx dave. i just need to go to my thinking chair (toilet) with my notebook and plan this thing out a little more. I have done a lot of research however i still have concerns which is why i probably overkill it but that's me! lol

**Gary in WA** · 05-18-2010, 10:15 PM

You may want to check with your local Building Department on the type of footings and depth under your free-standing deck. Just because a store carries a post top, light-weight concrete pier doesn’t mean it will pass inspection or justify a future Homeowner’s Insurance claim.

“FOOTINGS [R403]
See Figure 12 and Table 4 for footing size, footing
thickness, and post attachment options and requirements.
All footings shall bear on solid ground and shall be
placed at least 12 inches below the undisturbed ground
surface or below the frost line, whichever is deeper;
bearing conditions shall be verified in the field by the
building official prior to placement of concrete. Where
the building official determines that in-place soils with
an allowable bearing capacity of less than 1,500 psf are
likely to be present at the site, the allowable bearing
capacity shall be determined by a soils investigation.
DECK FOOTINGS CLOSER THAN 5'-0" TO AN
EXISTING EXTERIOR HOUSE WALL MUST BEAR
AT THE SAME ELEVATION AS THE FOOTING OF
THE EXISTING HOUSE FOUNDATION. “

Figure 12, and #21, here: http://www.anthonyforest.com/pdfs/DCA6.pdf

It's good to get a variety of ideas before you build rather than rip it out later, finding it wasn't built to minimum deck code.

Be safe, Gary

gmhammes · 05-19-2010, 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GBR in WA

You may want to check with your local Building Department on the type of footings and depth under your free-standing deck. Just because a store carries a post top, light-weight concrete pier doesn’t mean it will pass inspection or justify a future Homeowner’s Insurance claim.

“FOOTINGS [R403]
See Figure 12 and Table 4 for footing size, footing
thickness, and post attachment options and requirements.
All footings shall bear on solid ground and shall be
placed at least 12 inches below the undisturbed ground
surface or below the frost line, whichever is deeper;
bearing conditions shall be verified in the field by the
building official prior to placement of concrete. Where
the building official determines that in-place soils with
an allowable bearing capacity of less than 1,500 psf are
likely to be present at the site, the allowable bearing
capacity shall be determined by a soils investigation.
DECK FOOTINGS CLOSER THAN 5'-0" TO AN
EXISTING EXTERIOR HOUSE WALL MUST BEAR
AT THE SAME ELEVATION AS THE FOOTING OF
THE EXISTING HOUSE FOUNDATION. “

Figure 12, and #21, here: http://www.anthonyforest.com/pdfs/DCA6.pdf

It's good to get a variety of ideas before you build rather than rip it out later, finding it wasn't built to minimum deck code.

Be safe, Gary

Yeah, i have decided to put the posts in the ground. 30" is reccomended, i'm going atleast 36". I've never been a fan of the blocks and my land slopes a lot so it would be almost more difficult to use them.

I looked through my code and my new layout seams to abide, off to get a permit and finally begin this thing.

Pictures will come soon.

Thank you all for the help and guidance. more pointers are always welcome.

**Gary in WA** · 05-19-2010, 10:50 PM

http://books.google.com/books?id=1gg...num=3#PPA31,M1

http://rockproducts.com/mag/rock_agg...prevent_frost/

http://www.brainerdhomeinspection.com/frosth~1.pdf

http://www.sustland.umn.edu/implemen..._footings.html

Be safe, Gary

gmhammes · 05-28-2010, 11:34 AM

I'll get some current picture up but i am ready to install the deck boards and i was wondering if anyone spaces them? I have conflicting friends so a third opinions would be nice. i'm using standard 5/4x6 decking pressure treated. SHould i put space between each one or no?