Why deck posts should not be set in concrete?

A deck post should always be placed on top of footing, not inside concrete because it can break. The photo on the left shows a post set in a bracket that has been mounted to the top of a footer. The photo on the right shows a post that has concrete poured around it, which can lead to a crack like you see here.

Should pressure-treated posts be set in concrete?

With pressure-treated posts, the rot will be slow. We have three ways to solve the rotten post problem. First, the posts should be set on top of a bed of coarse gravel 3 to 6 inches deep, so the base of the post is in contact with the gravel. Concrete should be poured around the post - no concrete under the post.

Can you bury wood posts in concrete?

Most isn't. You'd need lumber that is. You won't keep it from getting wet underground, but you can keep it from being constantly saturated by giving the concrete sleeve a drain at the bottom. One strategy is to set the post on gravel and just pour the concrete around the post, not under it.

Can I set deck posts without concrete?

Plastic piers require the digging, but unlike footings, there is no concrete involved. The pier is put into the hole and attached the post, giving you your deck without wasting hours installing footings.

Can pressure-treated wood sit on concrete?

Wood on Concrete or Other Masonry

Pressure-treated wood is not required if an impervious moisture barrier and a 1-inch metal or masonry pedestal separate the post from the earth by a total of 6 inches in basements or in weather-exposed locations.

Why deck posts should not be set in concrete?

What should I put between wood and concrete?

Anyplace where wood meets the ground or concrete, the lumber must be pressure treated. For additional moisture protection, a gasket or strip of closed-cell foam can be installed between the concrete foundation and the sill plate.

Do deck posts need to be anchored?

The footings of your deck are exactly what they sound like – the feet of the deck. They're the concrete foundations that support your deck. In order for posts to properly resist varying degrees of weight, posts must rest on and be anchored to concrete footings.

Can deck posts be buried?

Either method is up to code, but the Internet agrees that burying your posts will result in rot and the deck will come crumbling down in 10 yrs.

How long will a wooden post last in concrete?

The post will only rot at ground level, it does not matter what you put in the bottom of the hole. A pressure treated post will last around 10 years.

How long will a pressure treated 4x4 post last in the ground?

A treated 4×4 will last 20 to 25 years in the ground if the conditions in the soil and climate are favorable. That number could increase to 40 to 75 years if you install the treated 4×4 in a cement ring rather than the soil. There are a few factors that influence how long the 4×4 can last in the ground.

How long will a 6x6 treated post last in concrete?

A PT post will last a long time in concrete, maybe 5 to 10 years in soil alone. I suggest you embed the post in concrete, trowel a peak around the post so water runs off, and don't let the PT post come in contact with the ground.

How long will a treated 6x6 last in the ground?

Pressure treated lumber can extend the lifespan of outdoor projects. It protects against rot and insect damage but requires regular maintenance and treatment to prevent moisture damage. With care, treated wood will last 40 or more years.

Is it OK to bury pressure treated lumber?

Yes. Pressure-treated wood can be buried in the dirt when used as a fence post or any exterior structure that requires underground support. However, it needs the most protection because continuous exposure to moisture in the dirt might cause the wood to rot and waste away prematurely.

Should you put concrete around fence posts?

Do Fence Posts Need To Be Set in Concrete? No, fence posts don't need to be set in concrete, and there are plenty of other ways to fix your posts if this feels a bit too permanent. If you are using wooden posts, concrete may actually be the worst option.

How do you protect wooden posts in the ground?

Placing a thick layer of loose gravel at the bottom of the post hole will allow groundwater to trickle through the rocks and down away from the base of the post. This will prevent the post from rotting by keeping it constantly dry. You can purchase gravel at a local hardware store or landscaping-supply business.

How do you secure a 4x4 post without digging?

Instead of digging a hole for the post, use a metal spike anchor( this is Amazon Link) to mark the location of the hole for your fence post. Then, using a sledgehammer, pound the metal spike into the earth until a suitable hole for your fence post is formed.

Can I build a deck without digging holes?

Yes. It's possible to build a deck without digging holes. This type of deck is called a floating deck, and it sits right on top of the ground without any posts or support areas that you'd dig down into the ground [to secure].

Do concrete deck blocks sink?

The deck blocks can sink if the soil under them erodes for some reason or the weight is unevenly distributed. That's why it's a good idea to use more than less.

Does wood rot in concrete?

With concrete holding the moisture against the wood, wood has no chance and will eventually lose the battle. Now you don't have to lose all hope because it's for certain that the concrete around the post will crack, therefore making it easy to pull out when it starts to rot.

How do you keep wood from rotting in concrete?

From here, you should fill the hole with about 6 inches of gravel. This will prevent rotting by ensuring that the post is kept dry when water makes its way into the soil. Place the post in the gravel, then fill it with a batch of cement until it reaches the top of the hole.

How do you seal a gap between concrete and wood?