I’m using sonotubes for the first time. . .having previously set posts in ground with concrete around them, or on top of concrete in the ground, and having both rot quite quickly and nicely 🙂
Anyways, as I understand it, it is best to hold the tubes off the base of the footing to allow the concrete to “mushroom” out and form a wider base. If I hold it more than an inch off the bottom, won’t the concrete just push out beneath the tube and up the sides to the same level as in the tube? Or do I need to make the concrete mix extra stiff to avoid this? I’ve seen the bigfoot forms but I don’t think I actually need all that much if this works. Just wondering how it actually works before I do it!
Replies
Unless your concrete is way to watered down then it shouldn't flow back up the outside of the tube.
Even with a 2 foot column of wet concrete above? I thought it might slump a little or such. I've always used forms or just holes so I've never really thought about how much it could flow.
I just completed a deck with 16 footings using sonotube. If you rent a 12" auger get 12" sonotube. It'll fit snug into the ground. I like to leave it 6 inches or so above the ground and pour the concrete a few inches above grade. That way you don't have to try setting the top of the sonotube to a certain height. Poor the concrete and let the sonotube get rained on. That way it'll peel right away.
Really shouldn't be an issue, maybe if your concrete was way to wet, but then you would have other problems.
Like the other poster said leave them a bit above ground, helps prevent water from building up around the post and rotting them out. I've used a little crisco on the inside to help them come off easier when above ground, but they should come off pretty well on their own.
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Don't worry, it won't come up with a stiff mix.
Since I usually dig my holes by hand (48" deep and lots of rocks here in Mass.), the hole is larger in diameter than the tubes. I pour 8-12" of concrete in the hole to form a footing. Then I use a water level to determine the length of the tubes. By the time this is done, the concrete has set up enough to set the tubes on the footings, backfill and then fill the tubes with more concrete. If everything works out, the tops of the piers will all be at the same elevation.
Al Mollitor, Sharon MA
Go to your local concrete products co. and tell them you want 4' frost posts they are about 1' square on the bottom and taper to 6" square on the top with a threaded hole that take a 3/4" bolt dig hloe drop in attach post base and build. cost wise they are about the same as sonotube & concrete and they are quicker.Last ones I got I paid about $38.00 apiece delivered if you have access they might even set them in the holes.
Sounds lots easier than pouring a post.
Impudent question, but no footing required? How heavy are they? 2 men? Or is equipment required to drop em in place?
Are you in the north? 4 foot length for what kind of frost depth?
Thanks for the idea. I've got 21 to pour and am not looking forward to all of the concrete mud on the skin. Although that is my cure for Poison Ivy. Smear a little concrete or mortar on the affected skin and the bubbles dry right up. 1 day cure. Not for scratched open wounds though.
Jack of all trades and master of none - you got a problem with that?
I'm in Maine, it is a 2 man job , equiptment is easier, they are available in 5', 4', 3' because they are tapered it is hard for the frost to lift them, if I am using them out in the open I use 5' but for most decks next to the house 4' works fine.
I'm pumped.
That should save me a bunch of problems. #1 is the lake side of my place (northern Wisconsin) is topsoil and marl. Custom made to bury a concrete truck up to its axles. #2 is the grass is already in and I don't want to mess up the landscaping further.
Now all I need is a Bobcat with an auger! I should be able to rent one without too much trouble. ThanksJack of all trades and master of none - you got a problem with that?
Have fun with the bobcat
see ya
Good point, Who doesn't have fun on a bobcat. All that thing needs is a 12 ounce can holder to be any more fun. Thank God for the seatbelt. I've been nose to the dirt 3 times in that thing.
Funniest story of a bobcat was a buddy mucking out stalls. With the bucket raised he hit some bumps and slopped over the top! Remember to keep your mouth closed if you ever muck out a stall.Jack of all trades and master of none - you got a problem with that?
ps: no footing & about 200 lbs.