Need help from an experienced builder/carpenter

Nov 24, 2008 24 Replies

Lew, that is the ideal answer. Except for the 5 grand :) I was also wondering about the tubes for new pilings, why are they better than an augered hole with a small 2=D74 leveling form at the top of each? Seems like they are smooth, and a auger hole is nice and rough to lock the concrete to the soil better?

(1 sided Staircase)

Yes, I always wondered about that, but inspectors have come and gone here for other things I built and never said a word

It's not a matter of locking the concrete in the soil. It's preventing frost from heaving the pier. A smooth surface reduces this chance provided the base is below the frost line.

Lew, that is the ideal answer. Except for the 5 grand :) I was also wondering about the tubes for new pilings, why are they better than an augered hole with a small 2×4 leveling form at the top of each? Seems like they are smooth, and a auger hole is nice and rough to lock the concrete to the soil better?

Tubes used for above ground form, augered hole portion below grade is a bonus.

When you are done, it will look better in the shower

Lew

Tubes: ". . . base is below the frost line. " Makes sense to me: thanks, Jack. I am leaning towards a crossbeam, maybe double 2"=D712"s bolted thru and sandwiching 2 corner posts and a new concrete footing or piling trenched and leveled below them, and then, finally, extend the sandbox to incorporate it all.

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