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.
Should I use 4×4 or 6×6 deck posts?
While there may be a handful of circumstances that only require the minimum 4×4 deck post, you will more than likely want to choose a 6×6 post for the deck. It provides more stability for larger decks, the ability to hold a heavier load, and more room for notching.
What is the best way to set deck posts?
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.
How far apart do you set deck posts?
When building your deck frame, the maximum spacing of Deck Posts for should be no further than 8 feet apart .
What is the code for deck posts?
The posts should be a minimum 4×4 size and be solidly anchored to the deck joist and rim joist of the structure. Use two through-bolts and a metal tension tie for the upper bolt connection. If a deck’s guard-posts anchoring does not have a minimum allowable tension load of 1,800 lbs.
Can I set deck posts without concrete?
Plastic piers require the digging, but unlike footings, there is no concrete involved . The pier is put into the hole and attached the post, giving you your deck without wasting hours installing footings.
How many posts do I need for a 12×16 deck?
A standard deck will need four footings parallel to the house, but they will need to be temporarily braced by 6 inch-by-6 inch posts. Using doubled boards, you will then need to build beams on the top row of the posts to frame the edges of the deck. These must be topped with adjustable post caps.
Is 6×6 better than 4×4?
6×6 or 4×6 will also give you less traction in specific conditions , than a 4×4. In snow/ice and other low traction situations, you have way less traction. And the exact reason I run a SINGLE rear wheel (not dually) rear on my pickup. Winter traction is FAR better with all the weight on 4 wheels instead of 6.
How deep should a 6×6 post be in the ground?
In general, the holes should be at least 3 feet deep for posts that protrude 8 feet or more above the level. Inserts that extend 6 feet above the ground should have holes that are at least 2.5 feet deep .
Can 4×4 support a deck?
In the past, many decks were built with 4×4 support posts (also called structural posts). But these can bow seriously, even if a deck is only 3 feet off the ground. For that reason, we strongly recommend that you use 6x6s instead , even if your building department does not demand them.
Are 4×4 posts big enough for a deck?
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 deep should 4×4 deck posts be?
Dig post hole so diameter of the hole is 3 times the width of the post (i.e., the hole for a 4” wood post should be about 12 inches wide). The depth of the hole should be 1/3-1/2 the post height above ground (i.e., a 6-foot tall fence would require a hole depth of at least 2 feet).
Can I use 2×6 for deck joists?
2×6 joists should only be used on ground-level decks that do not require , and will not provide for, any guards. ... Most decks use 16′′ on center spacing for joists. Most decking is not strong enough to support longer spans than 16′′.
How many support posts do I need for a deck?
Before starting to build, the first question is: How many footings do I need for a deck? For an attached 12 x 12′ deck, you’ll need at least 3 footings , plus at least 2 more if you’re planning on building stairs with it. If your deck will be a different size, it’s easy to figure out how many you’ll need.
