| Hot Tub Deck: Digging Postholes, Setting the Posts and Pouring the Concrete |
From "Weekend Remodeling"
episode WKR-201 |
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This is an intermediate level project and rated 3 on a "difficulty" scale from 1 to 5, with 5 being the most difficult. The deck was built and hot tub installed in one weekend. Materials: Quick-set concrete (used for the footer)
Pressure-treated lumber in the following various sizes: - 2x6 for the floor joists
- 5-quarter board for the decking
- 2x10 for the beams
- 4x4 for the posts
Drill and bits with a socket attachment
Cordless drill
Circular saw
Miter saw
Jig saw
Reciprocating saw
Spiral nails
Gas-powered nail gun
Level
Speed square
Framing square
Chalk line
Tape measure
Shovel
Stakes and string
Galvanized nails and screws
Various electrical supplies used by the electrician
Two-man auger
Landscape cloth
Mulch Digging Postholes, Setting the Posts and Pouring the Concrete - Pull up the stakes and strings before using the two-man auger (figure A), which is a huge timesaver. For example, it would usually take one person approximately 10 minutes to dig a posthole, but with two people using an auger, the same job can be completed in a minute.
Safety Tip: The auger is a powerful piece of equipment that deserves lots of respect. Be sure to receive good instructions on how to use it safely before tackling your job. - Once the holes are dug and the last bit of dirt is cleaned out of each hole, you need to create a solid base for the post to sit on. As an added measure, tamp the remaining dirt in the hole with a 4x4 (figure B) until you have a solid base for the post.
- Mix some quick-setting concrete in the bottom of each hole. You want to do this for two reasons:
- So water won't accumulate and wick up into the post, and
- So you can get consistent measurements when you drop the post into the hole.
- Once the concrete has been poured and stirred thoroughly, it's time to start setting the posts. To determine the finished height of the new deck in relation to the existing deck, simply snap a chalk line where you want the height of the new deck to be (figure C), and then install a 2x8 at that exact point on the existing deck. Do this wherever the new deck will meet the old.
- Run a string line from the top of the same 2x8 joists out to where the same side of the deck will end. Once the line is level, then you know the string represents the top of the joist at this end of the deck.
- Go ahead and build the first double-joist assembly out of 4x4 and 2x10 lumber. Nail it together temporarily and set into the holes (figure D).
- Run the 2x8 joist out and rest into the double joist, and use this as a gauge as you frame the rest of the base.
Expert Tip: If you build your structure with treated Southern pine, you can basically forget about any termite infestation. The preservatives to treat the wood are actually toxic to termites, and they'll leave it alone. - As you continue to frame the lower part of the base, make sure to match the levels of all the double joists. Eventually, you'll need to pre-drill the joists. Then install 4" galvanized lag bolts with a washer (figure E).
- Be sure all the post holes are filled with quick-setting concrete. After that, all you have to do is add water when's it time for the concrete to set, which will happen overnight.
All the posts are set and you've come to the end of the first day of work on this project! In the next segment, Reveiz will hit the ground running to whip the deck into shape. Once the base has been framed, it will be time to install the deck boards.
RESOURCES :
The Complete Guide to Building Decks (Black & Decker Home Improvement Library)
ISBN: 0865734275
Author: Editors of Creative Publishing International
Order this title from Amazon.com.
Creative Publishing International, Inc.
Website: www.creativepub.com
Family Handyman Decks, Patios and Porches
ISBN: 0762104287
Author: Reader's Digest
Order this title from Amazon.
Readers Digest
Pleasantville, NY 10570-0235
Hydro Spa
Clearwater, FL 33762
Website: www.hydrospa.com
GUESTS :
Sandy DeKoning
Mountain Stream Spas
Phone: 865-774-6888
Website: www.mountainstreamspas.com
Richard Wallace
Representative
Southern Pine Council
Phone: 504-443-4464
Website: www.SouthernPine.com
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