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A deck post should always be placed on top of footing, not inside concrete because it can break. Concrete tends to absorb moisture and wood expands when it gets wet, so these two factors combined will result in the wood breaking the concrete.
Will a deck post rot in concrete?
Simply setting the posts in concrete does create a condition that will accelerate rot in the bottom of the posts. With pressure-treated posts, the rot will be slow. This allows any moisture that gets between the concrete and the bottom of the post to percolate through the gravel and away from the bottom of the post.
Can you put deck posts on a concrete slab?
No, a 4″ concrete patio can not support an upper level deck. Use that to cut sections of the patio out for your footings.
Can pressure treated lumber be set in concrete?
YES. Any exterior concrete that is in contact with earth may wick moisture. Thus, it is required to place pressure treated wood directly against the concrete if one wishes next to build off that concrete with untreated wood.
How long will a 4×4 post last in the ground?
How Long Will A Treated 4×4 Last In The Ground? (Explained) A treated 4×4 will last 20 to 25 years in the ground if the conditions in the soil and climate are favorable. That number could increase to 40 to 75 years if you install the treated 4×4 in a cement ring rather than the soil.
Should pole barn posts be set in concrete?
Also, be aware that simply setting posts in concrete will not prevent rot. The wood won’t be in contact with the ground, but moisture is absorbed by the concrete and pulled up into the wood. Over time, rotting will occur.
How long will a 6×6 post last in concrete?
A PT post will last a long time in concrete, maybe 5 to 10 years in soil alone. I suggest you embed the post in concrete, trowel a peak around the post so water runs off, and don’t let the PT post come in contact with the ground.
Should you bury deck posts?
The buried post method offers the advantage of reducing the amount of concrete work required for each footing and actually provides additional lateral (side-to-side) support to the post to resist wind loads.
Can I build a wood deck over concrete?
Even if your patio is in terrible shape, you can deck over it. Cracks, craters and seasonal movement along cracks are no problem. (depending on the thickness of your decking and whether or not you put spacers under the sleepers). So any door thresholds adjoining the patio must be at least that far above the concrete.
How long will pressure treated wood last in cement?
The lifespan of pressure-treated wood in concrete can go up to 70 years or even an entire century. In addition, concrete provides water and moisture-free environment: ideal for pressure-treated poles.
How do you keep fence posts from rotting in concrete?
From here, you should fill the hole with about 6 inches of gravel. This will prevent rotting by ensuring that the post is kept dry when water makes its way into the soil. Place the post in the gravel, then fill it with a batch of cement until it reaches the top of the hole.
Is it OK to leave wood in concrete?
Form wood left behind is nothing more than termite food and leaving it on the concrete is sloppy work and unacceptable. Make sure they take the wood with them and not leave it behind for you to deal with.
How do you protect wooden posts in the ground?
Treat the Post With Preservatives Soak the bottom of the posts in a wood preservative containing copper napthanate, such as Cuprinol. Note: Available at some paint stores and home centers, this wood treatment is specifically designed for in-ground applications.
Do wood fence posts need to be set in concrete?
Do Fence Posts Need To Be Set in Concrete? No, fence posts don’t need to be set in concrete, and there are plenty of other ways to fix your posts if this feels a bit too permanent. If you are using wooden posts, concrete may actually be the worst option.
Do you pour concrete before or after pole barn?
You should not have your concrete slab poured before building your pole barn. After the poles are set and skirt board is placed around the perimeter of the poles, you will have a form to pour your concrete foundation. Concrete is normally poured through the large door opening.
How long will pole barn posts last?
For most purposes, a post frame constructed building will be indistinguishable in service and lifespan to a traditionally constructed building. Treated wood posts in the ground will last 40-60 years with proper drainage – the same lifespan as a poured basement wall.
Should deck posts be 4×4 or 6×6?
Deck posts must be a minimum of 4×4 according to the IRC but many jurisdictions require a 6×6 post as a standard. To avoid code violations, many deck builders choose the 6×6 even if the 4×4 is acceptable.
How do you set post stirrups in concrete?
HOW TO SET AN UPRIGHT OR STIRRUP USING CONCRETE MIX MARK OUT THE UPRIGHT POSITIONS. DIG YOUR HOLE(S) SOAK THE HOLE(S) MIX CONCRETE & WATER. ADD CONCRETE & TAMP WELL. SLOPE THE SURFACE. ALLOW CONCRETE TO SET.
How deep should a deck post be?
Set footers a minimum of 6” below the frost line for your area to prevent movement during freezing temperatures. Pour about 6 inches of all-purpose gravel into postholes and pack the gravel tight by using the end of a wooden post.
How long do deck posts last?
Estimated to be 25 to 30 years.
