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Accordingly, should deck posts be set in concrete?
A deck post should always be placed on top of footing, not inside concrete because it can break. When concrete is poured around a deck post in this way, the post will rot due to moisture buildup by the soil.
Also, can you build a deck with 2x6 joists? 2x6 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".
Similarly one may ask, can you use 4x4 posts for a deck?
In the past, many decks were built with 4x4 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.
Can deck posts be buried?
The Buried Post Footing. This footing method involves pouring a concrete pad at least 12” thick at the base of your hole. The pressure treatment companies insist that these posts will last longer in the ground than the deck frame that is built above it, and this practice is accepted by the IRC code.
Related Question Answers
How do you reinforce a deck post?
Reinforce post connections Strengthen post connections with carriage bolts. Drill holes, knock the bolts through, then tighten a washer and nut on the other side. Ideally, posts should sit directly under the beam or rim joist to support the deck.How many support posts do I need for a deck?
The larger 12-foot side will have a post spacing of 6 feet at a minimum code requirement. That makes a total of eight posts that need to be installed on this average size deck. For aesthetic or symmetry reasons, more posts may be added.What size wood should I use for decking frame?
Wood is the usual material used for decking. The lumber should be pressure treated to avoid rot and decay. Some of the most common wood used are cedar, redwood, fir and pine. There are decks that use concrete posts for support but wooden posts are the usual.How far will a 2x6 span for a deck?
Decking boards span from joist to joist. If you use 5/4 decking, joists must be no farther apart than 16 inches. Decking made of 2x4s or 2x6s can span up to 24 inches.Can I build a deck directly on the ground?
Building an 8-by-10-Foot Floating Deck Floating decks can be set directly on the ground or, preferably, a bed of gravel. But it's best to support the deck on concrete blocks. This keeps the wood off the ground and away from moisture so the wood stays drier and lasts longer.Can I use a 6x6 as a deck beam?
Triple beams for decks (3-2x's) should be supported with 6x6 posts using a post beam connector bracket. 4x4 posts will not provide adequate bearing for a triple beam. Do not notch the top of the post and through bolt the beam because the width of the triple beam will limit the notched section of the post down to 1".Can pressure treated posts be set 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. Concrete should be poured around the post - no concrete under the post.How long will deck posts last?
A properly built deck frame should last years, if not decades. But different types of decking have different life spans. In this blog post, Jim Finlay of Suburban Boston Decks and Porches breaks down what to expect from different decking choices, based on more than 24 years of experience building decks.How deep do posts need to be for a deck?
Dig footing holes about 6 inches deeper than required. Fill the bottom of the hole with 6 inches of gravel and compact the gravel with a 2x4 or wood post. Measure and mark the QUIK-Tube for the hole depth and use a handsaw to cut the tube to length. Place the QUIK-Tube into the hole and level the form.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.Can I use deck pier blocks instead of footings?
Concrete Pier Blocks for Decks. A deck pier block is in many ways just a simplified version of a “precast foundation”, a foundation type recognized by building codes. They're subject to all of the same requirements as a typical footing, regardless of not being cast-in-place.Is deck blocking necessary?
According to National Design Specifications (NDS) blocking is required on any deck joist over 8ft long on 2″x 10″ and 2″ x 12″ material. We would recommend blocking on any deck joists greater than 2″ x 6″.How tall should deck posts be?
Cut the Posts Standard rail height is 36 to 42 inches; posts will need to be 10 inches longer.How tall should a deck railing be?
The IRC requires guardrails to be at least 36" in height, measured from the deck surface to the top of the rail. Commercial decks attached to multi-family buildings, such as apartment buildings or businesses, are regulated under the International Building Code (IBC). The IBC requires 42" high guardrails. 
