A couple of deck questions:
Has anyone used the redi post system for supporting wood decks? (It’s a conical , plastic base and separate top which are connected by the user w/ glued 4 “schedule 40 pipe to provide a quick, fairly cheap footing for a 4by4 post.)
I’m building a large deck above heavy clay soil along the Maine coast. My building supply is selling 4 inch Luan decking for 69 cents/ lin ft. It looks gorgeous. I’m wondering about using it instead of more expensive ipe.
Thanks for any input!
Replies
Hi Sam,
I personally haven't heard of the Redi-post system but that's not to say it's bad. Ask for the cut sheet which indicates the design properties and allowable loads. Compare this with the actual deck loads that will need to be carried. Calculate the loads at each of the deck columns and make sure that the column, footing and soil can carry the loads. It would also give you better peice of mind if the "Redi-Post system" was ICBO/ICC certified.
I think the redipost system is really interesting because it saves the builder the trouble of using sonitubes and pouring concrete footings. Although it's hard to imagine, the structural design of these PVC tubes are definitly strong enough to work on the deck. I've found them to be really cool, and most customers like them because they are cutting edge. The guys who are slow to sign on are the builders due to a lack of trust.
You got a web site with a picture? I did a Google but came up with something else entirely.
The guys who are slow to sign on are the builders due to a lack of trust
Pretty much a sweeping generalization wouldn't you say?
More often than not, it's a result of the trickle-down effect. The building departments we have to deal with are the ones who are distrustful. That coupled with the fact that if they don't work, we could have a heafty law-suit on our hands. We're not talking about decking that fades after six months or something like that, we're talking about an integral part of the structural system of a deck. Not exactly a quick easy fix should they fail. Speaking from my own experience, if the inspector has never seen it before, he wants an engineer's stamp or at least an architect's stamp. It's a matter of who is willing to stick their neck out for a product whose performance doesn't yet have a solid track record to go by. It ain't gonna be me. I'm not even talking about these "footings" in particular, I'm talking about new products in general.
Although it's hard to imagine, the structural design of these PVC tubes are definitly strong enough to work on the deck.
Try pulling a permit with just your word.
Use things that are ICBO/ICC certified. Don't beleive the sales pitch about how this miraculous new invention is better than sliced bread. Sewer pipe is sewer pipe for a reason...it has no place in supporting a building or structure. What's next, cardborad toilet paper rolls used as structual columns?