Haddow Press Experiment

Deck Construction: Part 1

Archived in Landscape, Construction, Do-it-Yourself |

As the spring blossoms here in Western Canada, young homeowner’s thoughts turn to landscaping and backyard CONSTRUCTION. Yes, it’s TIME to build a deck onto that new house to increase both the functionality of your backyard and the value of your home. Everyone loves a deck; it’s a place to put your gas grill, a social sitting area for you, your friends, or just about anyone who drops by on a nice day from spring through autumn.

Grade and Drainage

The first thing you need to do when deciding to construct a deck onto a new home is check your grading rules. Where I live, there are two distinct sets of lot grade: the “rough” clay base and the “final” topsoil cover. Before constructing a deck I decided to contact the city grades and drainage department via email to find out when it was appropriate for me to begin CONSTRUCTION. Their response:

“You may build your deck anytime after rough grade approval. The grade under your deck needs to be at final grade to receive final grade approval.”

Luckily, while I haven’t received final grade approval, I do have rough grade approval and had sinc leveled the yard to where I expect final grade approval to be successful. Make sure you do this first. I can’t imagine (especially on a low deck) trying to raise the ground level five, six or even more inches once your new deck is in place. What a pain!

Piles and Ground Support

Ideally, especially in a climate zone where the ground freezes (deep) every winter and is prone to shifting, the thing to do is pour piles. If you don’t know anything about it, seek professional advice on concrete pilings. To have this work done can be expensive, however, ranging anywhere from a cheap $150 per pile to as much as $600 per pile; and you will need at least two. For my twelve-by-twelve foot deck I needed three. (Check with a building supplier for plans and exact specifications on the right number.) That said, the supplies to do it yourself (DIY) might range as little as $30 to $50 per pile, plus equipment rental. Either way (concrete truck in your backyard OR digging the hole yourself) it’s a daunting task.

First, make sure to measure. The tolerance for error on a deck pile is one half of an inch. On a twelve or fourteen foot deck, that not very much at all.

Second, measure again. You only get once chance to pour and once those piles are properly in the ground they are designed to stay put.

Third, dig deep. For a proper pile you need to go below the frost line. Where I live that is at least six feet down. I have eight foot piles that stick about a foot out of the ground; that means they are seven feet deep. They are not going to move.

Fourth, you’ll need a pile mold. I don’t know if that’s their proper name, but your recognize them at the hardware store because they look like eight foot long by (at least) ten inches diameter paper-towel rollers. Buy one for each pile: you cannot reuse these guys. Put them in your hole and make sure they are level.

Fifth, measure yet again. I can’t stress this enough. It’s still easier to redig your hole at this point than to move that pile once it’s poured.

Sixth, mix up the concrete. Get a recommendation from your local hardware store for something appropriate to your climate. You want something strong and durable, and there are different types of concrete for different jobs, climates, and seasons. Investigate before you buy. And, oh yeah: make sure you have anything you need to set in the wet concrete handy before you mix. In other words, get your galvanized steel connectors, rebar, or anything else that needs to go into wet concrete handy and ready to go.

Seventh, pour as directed. Let a little bit of concrete seep out of the bottom of the mold, pour and pack as neccessary, squeeze out the extra air bubbles and finally, make sure the top of the pile is level. LEVEL! Smooth and even. The last thing you want is a crooked deck.

Eighth, let it set and dry.

I’ll continue this explanation of my experiences in part 2.

Please remember: I’m just a guy who has done this work for myself, once. This is just my experience, so do more research before you start. I welcome any comments or updates that anyone with more experience might provide. Cheers!

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Read more posts by Gary W (About the Author)

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