Why Deck Posts Should Not Be Set in Concrete
The photo on the left shows a post set in a bracket that has been mounted to the top of a footer. The photo on the right shows a post that has concrete poured around it, which can lead to a crack like you see here. When concrete is poured around a deck post in this way, the post will rot due to moisture buildup by the soil. Concrete tends to absorb moisture and wood expands when it gets wet, so these two factors combined will result in the wood breaking the concrete. By setting the post on top of footing, you're creating a solid foundation for the deck to stand on.
Comments
Join the conversation
2 of 17 comments
-
Just a note, this is for support posts only not fence posts. Fence posts have pressure from the side and so need to be buried. I believe that fence posts should not be set in concrete either but instead set in compacted gravel.
-
you have telephon#
Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?