Agh! Help! DIY Question!?
Question:Take a look at this...
http://www.screwfix.com/app/sfd/cat/pro.
..it seems you need concrete foundations on the corners! Is there any way round this, or is that the only way?? How on earth do you take these things with you then if you move, if they're stuck in the ground!? That's not why I'm asking though! I wanted it to go on decking, as I have no room anywhere else.but I can't put concrete on decking, so is that the end of it!? Do the low level houses need concrete too?
It's my son's birthday in less than a month, so please help!
Answers:
Your concrete foundations are just footings. Which means, you dig the hole where each post is positioned, (but at least 18 inches round, maybe more to be on the safe side), fill the bottom 12inches of each hole with concrete and allow to set. Then put your supporting post on top of set concrete and fill around them. When you move, simply dismantle, dig up post and re-fill holes...voila.
Putting it on your decking, depends on how your decking is constructed. I doubt it will have the correct footing though....
because your doing it wood to wood you could probably use a nail gun...but im not positive...im not professional
i would use some corner brackets screw into the decking and the post 4 on each post should do it
http://www.screwfix.com/search.do;jsessi...
You don't need concrete, from your local B&Q buy four steel ground bases for 3 inch fence posts. These drive into the ground and the legs will fit in them. You can also get the type that screw to the ground so they may be your best bet.
the idea of a solid foundation is so it doesnt colapse on your kids or anyone else who may be underneaf
Decking is ideal for screwing this onto. Use L brackets as already suggested, or met posts. I would have loved one of those...... all those years ago LOL.
First let me say that I just looked at the picture and didn't read any specs. BUT.
Anything on piers does not have to be built over a concrete patio, or become one with the concrete. It does need to be on footers. This keeps one, many or all of the piers from sinking. Check with your local building code office for depth of footers. Your geology usually will dictate this. Essentially, you need to reach a solid base, pour a footer (for something this size I would guess 12" round x 24" deep) at the depth suggested by the building department, set the pier ON the footer, not in the footer, and build on top of that.
When it's time to move, you can dig the pier out, backfill and overseed and none will be the wiser.
Use "metposts" like this: http://www.ironmongeryonline.com/catalog...
Find out the size of the legs on your "shed" as these metposts are mostly designed for 75 x 75mm fence posts although you may find other sizes.
Screw them to your deck over joists if possible for maximum strength. You will also find the fixing holes quite large so use suitable screws/bolts and washers.
An elevated playhouse may be at risk of blowing over if you are in an area where high wind is possible. That perhaps is the concern about the concrete. The manufacturer doesn't want to be sued it that happens.
Putting it on a deck won't require concrete, but the deck needs sufficient structure to be able to support the extra weight. You can't just set it down in the middle of a span of joists; there needs to be support.
If you can get under the deck, an 18"x18"x6" deep footer, with posts going up to the underside of the deck where the legs sit would be plenty. Just screw the legs to the deck with L brackets. You're going to have to transfer the load to the ground somehow.
truthfully. i would follow the manufactures direction in how to anchor the structure,..
I've taken a look, and also checked out the instruction manual. This seems to suggest either digging small holes and setting the support posts in 75mm (3") deep concrete, with hardcore beneath, OR just resting each support post on a paving slab.
The paving slab approach seems easier and more suitable to your needs, though high winds might shift the thing, or blow it over.
The instructions also say that you can place the legs onto concrete slabs. So I don't see any problem in buying some substantial angle brackets [catalogue No 20012-86] and screwing them to the legs and to your decking.
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