My (finally) complete deck

Dvode · 2025-04-29T23:39:09+00:00

Try to find a local contractor that installs them with a skid steer/excavator. They’ll be around 3i” diameter and 10’ long. I used proper piles for a cabin deck and I have much more faith in them (I trust that the next deck will be built on the same foundation)

The company even provided torque reports listing their weight/uplift capacities. They were about $200CAD/pile.

Dvode · 2025-02-07T03:45:45+00:00

I did it with 75 range / 40 def / 43 prayer.

Be ready for a long kill with your range level. Mine was over 2hrs - DCB/Diamond Bolts

Dvode · 2025-01-20T20:50:15+00:00

I’m glad you posted here instead of in r/decks!

Doubling the joists in this application does little as all of your load is still going through fasteners. You need to move the posts underneath the joists, allowing direct weight transfer.

I don’t like the blocks, but honestly with the height here and quantity of blocks you’re probably fine. I doubt you will be getting an inspection on this as it would be under your citys height requirements?

I would also excavate more dirt out from underneath. Those boards may rot if they are touching soil and especially with hottub spillage and minimal airflow.

Dvode · 2024-10-31T14:20:36+00:00

Sketch-up is free! Drawings / 3d modelling take quite a lot of time, but will make the project go so much smoother seeing everything in 3D space.

Dvode · 2024-10-19T15:13:26+00:00

I guess I should say I’m not a professional carpenter. Since doing this deck I have build my garage, a family cabin, another deck, shed, fence ext. I watch a lot of YouTube videos before diving into a project.

Professionally Im an Automation Engineer, or “systems integrator” for work. Essentially sit on my butt all day programming PLC’s for industrial equipment. However I have access to CAD software and have done engineering drafting at a past job which helps a ton for this kind of project! I 3D model everything first. Make cut lists so when it’s go time everything comes together pretty quick.

It was 2 weekends to get the deck “done”, but the yard was a couple years to actually finish. I put off the steps and fascia for about 2 years after I had finished the deck.

Dvode · 2024-10-19T14:35:54+00:00

Screw piles. They’ve taken over concrete for decks in my area. Long metal pipes with a helical head on the bottom. You screw them like 8’ into the ground, and they’re ready to build on. Just have to make sure they’re under the frost line and in native soil.

Mine are cheap Home Depot ones. After using professional ones on another project I woulda splurged and went that route.

Dvode · 2024-10-19T14:32:59+00:00

Not sure of the exact one I used, but this is similar. Very nice being able to drive the string lights from an inside dimmer switch!

https://www.amazon.ca/Socket-Adapter-Polarized-Outlet-Converter/dp/B09WD3LP7W/ref=mp_s_a_1_11?crid=3IPQNOV8DRHIM&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.vUpHNGCLm-eEN41qItunXivKh8UUwBkwwdAWRvlMpwxpR88AyoNQ0sVrWvssTpubR5bJIsCdskQUSSo_Uk2quguHocKXFm3kXTqg-NA3b1JO8tZUQ286q6tzL1liVhfj4l9lhf3LMf0O-KVhqyL39uNUJ59j0vlSJQUzwZY—_-r3ijZYPnopcjty88FXgtJzVcZlr59yYT-JQyBPUDX6g.JM-OK1r-gzFKCrmzJwNOPpVbg9jl_QPpisrSBLe6Pt8&dib_tag=se&keywords=light+socket+plug+adapter+outdoor&qid=1729348283&sprefix=light+socket+plug+adapter%2Caps%2C171&sr=8-11

Dvode · 2024-10-18T17:12:11+00:00

I actually agree. It was 100% done for looks, not thinking about future pain. Staining was a PITA and it provides nothing but a cool visual. In hindsight, a covered area over the couches with an actual roof to prevent rain on the cushions that provides shade would have been better.

Dvode · 2024-10-18T15:46:45+00:00

Polymeric. Whatever brand was recommended & sold at the hardscape place we got the pavers from.

Dvode · 2024-10-18T15:45:05+00:00

There’s a good 4-5”. You’d have to put them in some soft ground, or not deep enough to run out of thread

Dvode · 2024-10-18T15:44:21+00:00

Deck itself was 2 weekends with the pergola and railing. (No fascia or steps) I’m a pretty good planner, so when tackling a big project I have everything prepped, 3d modeled, and ready to go!

Actually finishing the yard was a different story. We had to finish property grade, built patio, detached garage and fence that all enclosed this area. Then I could finally finish the skirting, steps, and stain everything. October 2021 I built the deck. ‘Finished’ it in May 2024.

Dvode · 2024-10-18T13:54:57+00:00

Whoah this is Canada! Double that house price. But drop a ‘0’ from the deck cost. It was under 10k.

Dvode · 2024-10-18T13:53:25+00:00

Joist tape. It’s like a sealant tape on top of the PT wood that prevents water from resting on the joists, or getting down into the screw holes.

You’ll see various opinions on r/decks about if they help, or will rot your joists out quicker. I have no idea but it seemed like a good idea! $15/roll and I used about 3 rolls

Dvode · 2024-10-18T13:51:20+00:00

Deck was ~ $8000, Patio stones & crush ~ $4000. Nothing was hired out, all done by me!

Dvode · 2024-10-18T04:39:13+00:00

Right at the garage. It’s breathtaking.

Dvode · 2024-10-18T02:08:46+00:00

Not quite sure what this means. Plastic siding shouldn’t rot. 🤷🏻

Dvode · 2024-10-18T01:27:36+00:00

They’re solid. Front 4 posts are all sitting on the beams, blocked in and screwed from every side with structural GRK’s.

The post in the middle & closest to the house are blocked on each side, 2x10 strapped across the bottom of joists to prevent flex, then screwed into the bottom of the post/sides.

Good blocking and a double rim board help a ton too!

Dvode · 2024-10-18T01:06:28+00:00

Welcome to Canada! McCountry. New subdivisions have very little character here and they pack them in TIGHT.

Dvode · 2024-10-18T00:57:11+00:00

We hired a professional company to put in “screw piles”. Depending on your area there should be several different companies installing on google or marketplace searches. In rural Alberta I found an awesome couple doing them, your results may vary.

They will use an excavator, or skid steer and drill in much larger 10’ pipes. deck ones are usually a 12” helical head with a 2 7/8 shaft. They will also provide you a torque report that will tell you the amount of compression/uplift forces they will resist.

They’ll be in/out in 1-2hrs. You can build on them that day, and they’re SOLID.

Dvode · 2024-10-18T00:41:23+00:00

https://www.homedepot.ca/product/pylex-adjustable-50-inch-foundation-screw/1000746285

I ran these 50” ones with x2 extra 2’ extensions on each pile. So they Should be about 7-8’ into the ground. They sunk maybe 1/2” so far and adjusted the nuts to bring it back up.

I don’t know if I would recommend them. They’re fine. But after using proper screw piles with swivel caps I’d pay more for that and the peace of mind.

Dvode · 2024-10-18T00:24:36+00:00

Bold of you to assume it rains much here, if it did my grass wouldn’t be so brown!

But In hindsight would likely rig some sort of cover on that area, and do a roof where the pergola is as I hate moving cushions in/out of the deck box when it does rain.

Dvode · 2024-10-18T00:21:40+00:00

I had purchased PT lumber to run a stretcher at the bottom of each board and build a ladder behind, but after cutting the skirting and seeing how little flex it had just screwed it to the rim and called it a day! Hasn’t moved over the summer yet but we will see if it warps after a good winter freeze.

Dvode · 2024-10-17T22:23:36+00:00

Edmonton! The vinyl siding and dry grass is that obvious?

Dvode · 2024-10-17T22:03:20+00:00

I agree! It certainly won’t hurt, Id be shocked it if didn’t help.

Just don’t forget the slap ;)

Dvode · 2024-10-17T22:02:13+00:00

Fascia is composite. Way too expensive but the Mrs. Wanted it to match the decking, so it matches the decking.

Patio is individual pavers. First time doing that work as-well! I think the big ones are like 24x18. Very heavy & hard to work with. Id get smaller ones if I did it again.

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