Hi,
I’m building a deck, and I’m preparing to pour the concrete. I’m using quikrete concrete (not the quick setting type). Quikrete instruction say you have to cure for five days. Does that mean I can’t start putting the post on for five days? How soon can I start working on the deck?
thanks
Replies
No, you can start work right away, but you should hold off 48 hours or so before trying to drill any large holes in the concrete, or tightly fasten any pre-embedded studs.
How do you plan to fasten the deck to the concrete?
Wait 48 hours
As the guy above said, wait a few days.
Something else to think about is that bagged concrete often is not a very consistent mix. Once you have done enough bags you will find one or 2 where it looks like they put too much gravel in, and then one that is mostly sand, etc. Who knows how they do with the expensive part - the actual cement... I'd advise getting a bag of Portland cement and adding a half shovel full to each bag of concrete mix - just as a little insurance.
Thirdly, the way I like to build decks is this: build the deck with the posts and post hardware suspended over the pre-dug (empty) hole. Some horizontal temp 2x4s nailed to the side of the post work fine. Then, once the basic framework is in place, place the concrete in the holes up to the desired level letting it set around the metal anchors. No need to worry if you got the pre dug/poured footings in the right place, or if you drilled anchor holes exactly right.... then take your 2 day break. You can leave the temps in place until the deck is pretty much done. The only down side to doing it this way is if the footer holes get filled up with rain/etc before you get to the concrete. Shouldn't be an issue if you check the weather before you start and don't jack around.... Or you could even build the whole thing and then place the concrete - depending on how long you think it might take you.
Matt
So nice to have you back after your sabatical.
Thanks bud...
Yea - it was a combination of being POed and I just got busy. Also, I checked some other forums for a while and found out they weren't the greatest thing since sliced bread either... This one is a lot better now. Is there any plans for a spell checker?
Spell checker?
you just wait till Junkhound's post start making immediate sense.
Then you'll know the checker is in operation.
as you can see from my tagline, if you don't pay up-you don't get all the "color" that you once had.
but hey, what do you expect for nothin.
Very cool construction method. thanks.
I thought that was SOP for a lot of folks. I've even seen them do it on TOH.