Use Of Precast Concrete Post Bases??

232323

I see a lot of decks in this area (MT) being built using precast concrete post bases. They just set these bases on ground level and the 4x4 post sits inside a pocket (with no anchors) in the top of the post base. The bottom of the post base is about 12" x 12". They even use these for the posts that support beams. Certainly a very simple installation (no holes to dig or concrete to pour) but I can't believe these meet any building codes. Am I missing something here? Is the "new and improved" method of building a deck? The ones I've seen built were mostly by handyman types, but I have seen a few contractors using them. Thoughts???

concretemasonry

Not allowed in many areas. - Cheap and unreliable since the soil under the concrete pad/block any not have the strength or be undisturbed.

Also will have to fight the differential frost heaving which can rack a deck.

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deckman22

No real deck builder would use those deck blocks, total junk.

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AutumnWood Inc.

Here is a few pictures of a estimate we went on last week.. Ground posts bases, 1) 2x6 as the posts, and 3' on center joists spacing, privacy fencing as railings/skirting. Homeowner special!

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brocktonbldrs

You would think not even a handy man would use them, idk we call them hack blocks in MA

superseal

Think of how many trees he saved

tcleve4911

They are intended to be used as bases for temporary structures i.e. sheds, firewood pallets etc......not for temporary structures tied to permanent structures with a foundation or frost wall.

They do make a 5' precast post that is intended to be sunk in the ground below frost level but ...oh yeah....you have to dig a hole

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DeckPros

Nope. These things are marketed for decks: http://www.deckplans.com/

Would I ever use them? Hell no!

I suppose if you live in an area with rock-hard soil and no frost they may fly. Submit them to a building inspector around here and you'd get laughed out of the office.

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Rockmonster

About 15-20 years ago, there was a builder out here who used precast boundary markers to support his decks and porches....How this got by the inspectors, I do not know, although this island was still way behind the times back then....they were a joke, he was a joke.....Haven't seen any shortcuts that worked well...

dave_dj1

I could see using them IF you used them properly, in a zone where frost is not an issue or perhaps if you dug the hole (below frostline) and used them as a footing base.

neolitic

I'm having serious thoughts about
using them on a ramp.
The only way I can fold the
damn thing up to fit on the lot
puts one row of posts over the
water service, and the other in
the gas line trench.
Next best option is lose two 30"
ash trees.

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deckman22

I remember seeing the city of austin approve there use on a commercial deck that went around a historic oak tree where they could not dig footings. A bed crushed granite a certain # of inches thick & one of those blocks every 4'. It was on a ground level deck. I didn't get the bid, but it was built.

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tcleve4911

Read the ad

"Whether it's a simple rectangular deck next to the house, an octagonal platform in the yard, or a deck for the above ground pool, we have a deck plan for you."

No where does it say attached to the house!!!!

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DavidC

They can be used here for ramps because they are considered temporary structures.

We lost a deck bid last month to a friend of the family that is building on these. I was told that she didn't need it as nice as we would build it.

Good Luck
Dave

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