[cstultz]

I have a 10x10 small deck. I want to make it a 14x30 deck. I had hoped to utilize the footings that already there. Im starting to wonder if that will be possible.

My plan is to add 2 footings in front of the original deck at 12' from the ledger.. I'd like to keep the current joists as well. Then add a footing every 8', 12' from the ledger. Will this work? Could I separate the footings by more than 8'? I am planning on using (2) 2x10 on the footings. If I use 2x10x16, could I get away with putting the footings further apart?

In the attached picture, I dont think I need the planned footings that are closer to the house.

 

[chandler48]

2x10 SYP, PT will span your 12' unsupported run, but you won't be able to keep your existing joists hanging out there in mid air. It would be best to replace them. Your beam for the cantilever will need to break over a support , so plan on that.

 

[cstultz]

Thanks. I was just planning on adding to the deck that is there. The deck will be 14' as opposed to the 10' that is already there. I was hoping to just add to the original joists by adding the extra 4 feet. Since preparing the footings is my first step, I just wanted to make sure 12' out from the house wasn't too far. Im adding 21'to the existing deck. Unless I can get some 2x10 that are longer than 18 feet, Im thinking I will need 3? Unless 16' would I ld be long enough to add 20'. Can I do 2' in each side of the footing?

 

[u2slow]

IMO, part of recycling your old deck effectively is to choose the new size based on its supports and dimensions. Maybe your old deck would make a good shed floor instead?

20' 2x10's are a common length. I chose J-grade fir flooring joists for beams instead of PT spruce, then treated it myself with copper napthenate. Then used PT 2x8's for the deck joists.

I also didn't bother with a ledger attachment. (only ~3' off the ground). That changes the support location/spacing. My 16x20' deck is free-standing with a small lateral tie-in to an old concrete porch/stoop. Minimal waste as I was able to use full lengths of 16' and 20' material.

 

[cstultz]

You all were right. Once I started taking the old deck apart, I found rotten joists. I have another question...
I dug the footings. I didnt know where the gas line into the house was, so I had to dig some by hand. The holes are 4 feet deep. Im using 10"tubes. You can see by the pics the holes are much bigger than the tubes.
Should I use 1/2" granite around the tube? Should I have them pour concrete around the tube? I had to pay for a whole yard of concrete, but only needed a half yard. So, I should have enough concrete coming.

 

[Nealtw]

No you don't want to wrap the tube with concrete unless the sides of the whole are really smooth so frost wouldn't catch it. If it is that smooth you wouldn't need the tube.

If the hole is tapered like bigger at the top, then frost could pull it up.
Figure out where the stairs will land and pour a pad for them to land on.

 

[cstultz]

Should I use 1/2" stone or should I fill with dirt?

 

[Nealtw]

Should I use 1/2" stone or should I fill with dirt?

Back fill with what ever you have at hand.:wink2:

 

[cstultz]

Thanks.. imnjist tired of digging. Holy guacamole.

 

[ront02769]

Good job on digging those holes.....and good luck on finding PT lumber to build with! Around here, the big box stores have zero (yes, zero) pt on the racks. Also tried ordering from two multi-location “real” yards and it was we can get you all of your two bye ten, two by eights are a few weeks out, etc. ron