I’m going to build a deck (at ground level, completely separate from the house) that’s 12′ deep by 16′ long. I want to fool around with location of the deck, so my plan is to build two 8′ x 12′ rectangles out of 2×8’s — then move them around the yard (joining them together to make the 16′ length) until I find the right area for sun/shade, etc. Then I was going to level these rectangles just a few inches off the ground and mark the corners where the post holes need to be dug. Any reason why this won’t work? Thanks.
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If the purpose of pre-building the frames is so you can better visualize their locations, how about going down to the big box store and getting a couple of those cheapo 8x12 blue plastic tarps? They only cost a few bucks, will be a lot easier to move around, and you can use them for covering stuff up when you're done.
4 lengths of pvc pipe
4 ells
After "deck visualization" is complete you can cut up the pipe later and use for bin storage racks.
Edited 7/17/2008 3:49 pm ET by TomE
Have you considered what a built 8'x12' deck would weigh? Moving it around would be no small matter.
Let's not confuse the issue with facts!
get a couple drop clothes the same size to play around. They are a lot easier to move.
A deck right on the ground will give you maintanence problems too
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If it's not attached to the house, and only a few inches off the ground, I wouldn't bother with posts.