[simonb]

I took down my old deck and getting ready to rebuild. After making sure the pillars created with the sonotube are level, they arent. From the tallest one to the lowest, there is a 2 3/4" gap, 3/4", 1/4". To fix this i was going to use small peices of sonotube, clean the top of the pillar, and use cement primer then cement to raise the pillars. Is this a bad idea? What kind of cement can i use for this?

 

[Ron6519]

Cutting or grinding them level would be my solution.
Ron

 

[simonb]

There is a retaining wall that holds part of the deck that cant be cut lower.

 

[nap]

why do you need to raise the pillar? Are you setting the joists directly on the pillars? If so, I doubt a layer as thin as what you are dealing with would have enough strength to last for very long.

and if so, why are you setting the joists directly on the pillars? How are you attaching them or are you not attaching them?

 

[simonb]

The deck is not attached to the house. The pillars and retaining wall are used to seat 6x6 beams that will hold the joist.

 

[nap]

so, are you planning on just setting the beams on the pillars?

If you are, I doubt what you are attempting would last. There is not much strength in a 1/4 inch of concrete or even 3/4". Personally, I wouldn't trust the 2 3/4" addition to last.

 

[simonb]

what about a quickset non shrink grout instead? If not what would you suggest then?

so, are you planning on just setting the beams on the pillars?

If you are, I doubt what you are attempting would last. There is not much strength in a 1/4 inch of concrete or even 3/4". Personally, I wouldn't trust the 2 3/4" addition to last.

 

[simonb]

Any one else have any ideas or suggestions?

 

[Willie T]

Any one else have any ideas or suggestions?

Yes, simply use deeper joists than original where the pilings are lower, and notch them to fit.

 

[simonb]

Well that could work but the joist are 2x8 and i already bought and got delivered all my lumber. I would rather start off with a level footing and build up from that.

Im thinking of using saddles and shimming them to the proper height. This way i start level. Also once i drill the hole for the saddle i would use a anchoring adhesive.

http://www.strongtie.com/products/connectors/canada/RCPS.html

Yes, simply use deeper joists than original where the pilings are lower, and notch them to fit.

 

[tpolk]

shimmed saddles or compressive non-shrink grout :thumbsup: