Post for a deck?

Question:I am getting ready to build a deck. I am digging holes 12" wide and 48" deep. I have precast concrete piers to accomidate a 4x4. Can I put the pier in the bottom of the hole put the 4x4 in it and bury it? Will that be enough support for my deck?

Answers:
Don't put the wood directly in the concrete. Since concrete wicks moisture out of the ground it will keep that wood wet all the time.

Damp wood invites termites, carpenter ants, and wood eating fungus.

Most building codes do not allow wood to concrete contact. You can buy metal post supports that get set into the concrete and the post nails to the top of the metal support.

Here is one made by Simpson. http://www.strongtie.com/graphics/produc...

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<>Well, you really should check the local requirements and restrictions, but I'd say that, if you are building a standard height deck, 48" is plenty. Unless you are in Alaska, you are well below the frost line.

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