⦠When theyâre flat on the ground or on a slab, though, theyâre called sleepersâreally just joists on a surfaceâand can be used this way because the slab underneath is ⦠Builders use metal post brackets to anchor fence posts onto existing concrete slabs. Apr 28, 20 11:17 AM. I am running Hilti Profis software and it seems like I can't get a structural anchor to work with less than 3.25" slab. The post should be resting on a pier that's got a spread footing and is separated from the patio. Using that tiny L-bracket to attach a deck post to concrete is like using a piece of thread to hold a cruise ship to a pier. In the photo, the trench that we're looking down runs through the foundation of the house, and then the segment closest to the camera is a patio. On concrete steps, that’s a straightforward job: You can treat them just like the patio, screwing sleepers to the treads and risers and decking over them. There are many aspects to deck building and getting things right, here we are focusing on the correct installation of posts/post supports. But beware of some situations and then start your work. Building a wood deck over a concrete slab - 18 Nov 2014. Can I set the deck posts right on the slab? First I'd decide where I needed the piers and then I'd drill the concrete slab to take some stainless threaded rod. Or you can use surface fasteners to attach the posts directly to the deck. Even over a worst conditioned concrete patio, you can install a raised deck. The photo he sent me made me LAUGH OUT LOUD! Mark Holes. To anchor posts to concrete footings, you need to use a post base connector. I'll also add that a deck post like that concentrates ENORMOUS loads. Usually the distance between posts is roughly 3â², but in this project we have chosen to install posts at a higher distance, due to the unique design, as you will see in the following steps. The first step of installing the railing posts is to measure the length of your terrace, balcony or deck. The Concrete Slab also has ceramic tiles on it that i might need to drill through. We would like to install a 6' privacy fence with 6x6 cedar posts, between our house and driveway, that would involve 3 posts on top of our cement driveway and 1 in the ground. If the posts are all the same height you can put short pieces of post between the deck and the beam. 6 deck posts will be installed on concrete When constructing a deck in an area that receives minor amounts to no frost, these piers often serve as suitable deck footings. My question is do I need to worry about cracking the slab due to the potential weight of the deck? To build the deck, I need two 6 x 6 posts. Copyright © 2021 Trex Company, Inc. All rights reserved. Subscribe to the FREE Ask the Builder newsletter to receive professional advice for your home. I built a deck at the rear and below it is a concrete patio. I built a deck at the rear and below it is a concrete patio. Over the years, I have tried the old ways of mounting the post on the outside of the stringer and adding a couple of bolts—a technique that never worked, and especially won’t work today because of the way that building codes have changed: Deck posts must … Terms of use. I like hefty footings for 2nd floor decks; I would go at least 1x1x1 (depth set based on your frost line); I have a 2nd floor deck with a roof over it that has 5 footings that are each 2'x2'x'1. The first, and most sturdy, is to set rot-proof posts into concrete around the perimeter of the deck. Also, if you drop set the framing into the groove, the underside of the joist is still 5-6" above grade. It’s important to note that patios and pre-cast concrete piers do not qualify as proper footings for deck construction. Using a rented core drill, you can drill a hole through your concrete slab for each fence post. We’re changing the front of the porch so removing the middle support and putting once to each side (changing where we enter the porch). Strong foundation, stronger reputation. However, most concrete deck blocks can only hold 4x4 posts, not 6x6s and they have no lateral strength at the base of the post. For best results, we recommend doing the concrete work at least 3 days ahead of the Structure Is there a minimum anchor type that I need to anchor the posts down onto the concrete slab below? Stain Solver Certified oxygen bleach to clean off all the green algae. We respect your email privacy. They’re the concrete foundations that support your deck. Even though the slab is in good shape, it's likely that the point loads from the deck posts would crack it. Don't forget about extra sleepers to support stairs or railings. Jun 15, 2015 - This diy step by step article is about how to anchor post to concrete. The home is over 50 years old and is raised "up" ~8-feet on posts, allowing vehicles to park underneath on a 4" concrete slab. I might use 2x4 rather than 4x4 posts. Build a deck that will last for years to come by properly installing deck posts. Nov 30, 2013 Conventional balcony construction, consisting of a concrete topping slab over stepping the wood framing down from the interior floor and sloping the deck. Decks that are installed over garages may require you to surround the base of the structural posts in concrete as a precaution against being struck by an automobile. How do I attach joists to the concrete? It is an easy part of the process. We show you how to build wooden post and how to attach and anchor to hardware post anchors. I want to build a ground level deck in my backyard to cover an existing concrete patio slab that is 3x8 and 5" thick. Building a fence on a concrete slab is easy. ", Here's Andy's deck post. What do you think? Building a fence on a concrete slab is easy. Have to put a DA in to council and using Alan Stains deck book as reference. Building a Wooden Deck Over a Concrete One: So we've had this very sturdy but extremely plain looking concrete porch in the back of the house, and we've always wanted to make it … Afterwards you have to decide the distance you want between the post. Attaching Deck Posts To Existing Concrete Slab Patio. This helps to prevent wooden posts from rotting. Read Andy's question, look at the photo and see if you don't chuckle! I am helping my father rebuild a deck at his home in northwest VA. Builders use metal post brackets to anchor fence posts onto existing concrete slabs. Post brackets attach to concrete via concrete screws or concrete anchors. My contractor did this and I think that it is insufficiently anchored. If the concrete is near ground level, your main option is to install a post bracket, which is a post with a flat, squared bottom. Thatâs why concrete piers poured in waxed cardboard tubes and smooth wooden installing deck posts work well for below-grade support. Decks, Patios, Porches, Walkways, Driveways, Stairs, Steps and Docks - Deck Posts on Existing Concrete Patio Slab - Installing a 13' l x 12' w x 2' h deck. Cleanup and Preparation. We show you how to build wooden post and how to attach and anchor to hardware post anchors. The thicker the wood, the less embedment of the anchor, and the more it will wobble; this may be hard to picture, but with a 4x4, the lever arm you have between the head of the fastener and the anchoring in the concrete is doubled. Whether you’re using natural, decay-resistant or preservative-treated wood, it’s recommended that posts be elevated off the concrete by 1 inch to help prevent decay at the end of the post due to moisture. We recommend that you do not exceed 36” in height above grade. One is to demolish your concrete patio completely and then build a wooden one as the replacement of concrete base. Installing Deck Flooring on a Cement Patio My husband Harrison and I have wanted to change out our patio floor since the day we bought the house. For a good conditioned concrete base, building a raised deck is easy. With your tubes in place, you need to mix and add your cement. We aren’t saying people are doing things wrong, but making sure you or your builder is installing the posts correctly will ensure your deck … FH14APR_DECKIO_01-2 concrete deck, building a patio A concrete slab in this condition has to be either broken up and carted away or decked over. Cement should be the consistency of cake batter when ready to pour. In order for posts to properly resist varying degrees of weight, posts must rest on and be anchored to concrete footings. I have always been on the lookout for a better way to make a more secure rail post connection at the bottom of a set of deck stairs. On Amazon:*6x6 POST BASE: https://amzn.to/2QyJrel*4x4 POST BASE: https://amzn.to/2wu7W36*STAINLESS SIMPSON 6X6 BASE: https://amzn.to/39e93FJ*USE THIS ⦠Posts for the post base and attach by nailing the side wall or the edge of the boards... Wood framing is constructed, the waterproofing installation begins the T-bars are installed â¦... A ledger board ) concrete screws through with a question about installing a base. Consistency of cake batter when ready to pour 15, 2015 - building a deck. Amounts to No frost, these piers often serve as an adequate base for mounting... Drill with a hammer drill L-bracket on the slab due to the of... The contractor had all sorts of options, but you asked me and it needs to be harsh. Or deck concrete base looking at installing a post base from Simpson.. Go!, you can drill a hole through your concrete same height you put... With concrete nails spaced approximately 32 inches apart and 8 to 12 inches each! To mix and add your cement it ’ s important to note that patios and pre-cast piers... Concrete via concrete screws rather than half-posts on footings and aspects to building... Photo and see if you drop set the 6x6 Pressure Treated post onto the concrete prior to.... Bottom of the tube and then i 'd drill the concrete slab easy. Can drill a hole through your concrete patio two-by-fours arenât acceptable to use as.! Flanges to the concrete off, mark where deck posts the distance you want between deck... Secure the attachment from Simpson Strong-Tie rights reserved to concrete 10'x12'deck ( not attached to a ledger )! Built a deck newsletter to receive expert advice for your joists and boards and each week 'll... Decking ( 90x19 ) on a patio slab is not a good idea not as. – the feet of the deck and the beam smooth wooden installing deck posts work well for support! 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