![]() ![]() The best source of information regarding your frost line depth is your local building department. The frost line in southern Florida is less than a foot, while in northern Minnesota it approaches 6 or even 8 feet. The frost line depth is not consistent around the nation because there is such a dramatic difference in climate from state to state. The resulting pressure created as the water expands is so great it can actually lift concrete slabs, house foundations and deck structures with as little effort as an Olympic weight lifter expends picking up his gym bag as he leaves the locker room. Except for a few arid locations, soils typically contain water and this water expands approximately nine percent in volume when it freezes. It is absolutely critical that the foundations of buildings extend below this point in a soil profile. What/where is that? What diameter should the hole be? Is there a need for steel in this pier? Joanne C., Hanover, PAĭEAR JOANNE: The freeze or frost line is the depth to which the soil freezes or has been known to freeze at some point in the past. I had been told it must extend to the freeze/frost line. I know because I installed it!ĭEAR TIM: I am building a deck and wonder how far down I have to dig into the ground for the wood deck post. bags of concrete to form one cubic foot.Deck Pier Footing | Once a deck pier is installed, it's fairly difficult to determine how far it extends into the ground. As before, since bags of concrete are only sold in whole quantities, you’ll need to purchase two (2) 80-lb. If you’re purchasing 80-lb bags of concrete, you’ll need 1.66 bags of concrete.60 cubic feet when combined with 4 quarts of water. Since bags are only sold in whole (not half, or quarter) quantities, you’ll need to purchase three (3) 60-lb. In order to have enough concrete for one cubic foot, you’ll require 2.2 bags of 60-lb concrete.45 cubic feet of concrete when mixed with 2.5 quarts of water. With this formula in mind, you’ll be able to calculate just how much concrete or cement you’ll need for your project: When trying to calculate how much concrete you’ll need, think of your project in terms of cubic feet and cubic yards: However, you may be able to find it on sale for $3.00 or under, or get a discount if you purchase it in-bulk. bag of concrete can cost between $3.50 and $4.00 per bag. bags of concrete have a retail value of between $3.10 and $3.50, although you may be able to buy it cheaper in-bulk. Typically, concrete is sold in pre-mixed 60-lb. Once concrete hardens, it can be used to create stairs, sidewalks, landing pads, or other solid surfaces, as well as footers for decks. Cement is an ingredient in concrete and is the “glue” that helps hold the mixture together. Concrete is a mixture of cement and other items, such as sand or gravel. The words “concrete” and “cement” are often used interchangeably, however, they are two very different things. What's the Difference Between Concrete & Cement? Allow time to cure. Give your concrete approximately 24 hours to set before you attach the post base or install the weight of the posts.Having extra concrete mix on-hand can help prevent project delays or having to run out and purchase more if you find you need more concrete than you originally thought you’d require. ![]() Buy a little extra. We recommend buying slightly more concrete that what you think you need in case you make a mistake with calculations, accidentally spill or add too much water to the mixture.Once mixed, all you need to do is pour it into various forms to create patios, footers, or walls to lay a foundation for your deck. Just add water. Bags of concrete come pre-mixed, which means you simply add water and mix it in a wheelbarrow or portable mixer.If you’ve done your homework and checked your local building codes, you’ll be able to find out how thick your footings need to be in order to remain compliant. Required thickness for footings. Concrete footings typically have a required thickness of 6” to 10”.Then, call an inspector to be sure your project is up-to-code before getting started. To make sure your project is compliant with local rules, check out local building codes and obtain a permit before breaking ground. ![]()
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