Deck screw pile vs post in cement
- Thread starter Rt jam
- Start date
Post for decks should be a saddle on top of cement, not in the cement like a fence post.
Screws are more expensive but the better option overall...just make sure they're bang on in line since there's zero room for adjustment once they're in the ground.
Screws are more expensive but the better option overall...just make sure they're bang on in line since there's zero room for adjustment once they're in the ground.
hawkerxj
Well-known member
I like the screw piles. They come in different sizes, and around here, they are the same cost per pile. If you beams can handle the span, you can use fewer piles(assuming locals codes allow).
They guys who installed mine was a 1 man crew, and done in 1 hour and they were all exactly where I marked them. I can only imagine how long it would have taken to dig all the holes mix concrete. The soil here is mostly clay with some rocks, if you have really rocky ground it can kick the pile off crooked or jam them up so they can't provide the proper support.
PS The only part of the my deck currently near/touching the ground is the stairs, and frost tried to lift the deck by the stairs. The posts and beams didn't move, but I think I may try and float the stairs instead of having them rest on the ground. I need to figure out a way to skirt the deck without having the frost try and lift the deck by the skirting.
They guys who installed mine was a 1 man crew, and done in 1 hour and they were all exactly where I marked them. I can only imagine how long it would have taken to dig all the holes mix concrete. The soil here is mostly clay with some rocks, if you have really rocky ground it can kick the pile off crooked or jam them up so they can't provide the proper support.
PS The only part of the my deck currently near/touching the ground is the stairs, and frost tried to lift the deck by the stairs. The posts and beams didn't move, but I think I may try and float the stairs instead of having them rest on the ground. I need to figure out a way to skirt the deck without having the frost try and lift the deck by the skirting.
Attachments
Build a small frame that sits 4” above the ground. Put the odd brace back under your deck up to the joist. Then vertically clad with 2x6 leaving 1.5” from ground or so.
Also I would do screw piles again in a heartbeat.
Attachments
muddy tires
Well-known member
Built a shed on screws. Thought it was a little wobbly at first (clay soil). But now that it's been through a freeze and thaw cycle everything is rock solid. Easy to install and would do it again.
The ones I bought suggested driving a length of rebar first then running the screws down the rebar to keep them straight.
The ones I bought suggested driving a length of rebar first then running the screws down the rebar to keep them straight.
hawkerxj
Well-known member
Thanks 850, I was thinking something along those lines. Sorry for the hijack RT.
No worries.
You can use 1x6 but 2x6 looks better imo and won’t crack or warp as easy. Only issue you might have is your edge deck board might not overhang enough to cap the vertical cladding. I hung mine enough because I knew I was cladding this way.
I don’t see why not . Not sure how much outward force would be applied to the pile. That would be my only concern.
olivia2691
New member
Screw piles for lightly loaded structures are most often cheaper than a concrete sonotube or belled (big foot) piles.Also, not all concrete are created equal a 6 or 8 foot deep concrete pile will support your deck.
SeisMec
Well-known member
Native soil or back fill? If native soil, what kind?
What kind of deck? Framed off the house with a header board or free standing?
Maximum and minimum height above ground level? (Is it on a slope?)
Have you checked local building code? Just because they sell whatever at the local big box, doesn't mean it meets code.
What kind of deck? Framed off the house with a header board or free standing?
Maximum and minimum height above ground level? (Is it on a slope?)
Have you checked local building code? Just because they sell whatever at the local big box, doesn't mean it meets code.