Thread: Deck questions

Hi first post,
I have read through many of the deck threads. Allain Stains book was mentioned in nearly every one, so i bought it before starting my first deck.
This has lead to me needing clarification on a couple of things.

1 Why dosent he or others on this forum use concrete stumps.
2 why does he list the deck level to be at least 50mm below floor level.

Thanks in advance

Welcome Odd Job,

To try and answer your questions:

1. Probably because they are heavy and more difficult to "level". Personally I prefer steel (galvanised) - light, easy to handle, won't rot, but is only slightly easier to level than concrete (unless you use something like uni-piers which are probably easier than timber).

2. Don't know why 50mm, but generally you don't want water from the deck running off and inside your house.

Thanks Vernon,

That all makes sense. I've never seen steel stumps so will look into them.

Odd Job.

Odd Job,
One more thing - if you are doing a low deck, you can also use those steel post stirrups. They are easily available and pretty cheap.