Easy2 Technologies - Deck 5: Deck Post Holes & Foundations Product Demo

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Deck 5: Deck Post Holes & Foundations Instructions

Deck Post Holes & Foundation
In this tutorial you will learn how to lay the foundation for your deck the fifth step to building your deck. It is important that you followed the first four steps carefully before you begin to dig the post holes for the foundation of your deck. This tutorial will guide you through the process digging the deck post holes and then mixing and pouring the concrete, and positioning the precast concrete piers.
Overview
This tutorial will guide you through the process digging your post holes, mixing and pouring the concrete. Before the concrete completely sets you will position the pre-capped concrete piers. And the finally you will checking your work and smoothing the cement.
Dig the Holes
Dig the holes for the concrete pads and make sure the excavated dirt is kept well out of the way. And do this before starting the concrete. If the soil is not firm, it might be necessary to build some forms to keep the holes at a reasonable size and shape. This form material must be removed after the concrete is cured and dirt should be packed in around the void left by the form.
Set Up Mixing Station
Set up your mixing station so that there you do not have to move the mixed concrete far as it will become very heavy. If the ground is very dry, dampen the holes with the garden hose.
Mix the Concrete
Begin mixing the concrete by placing the dry mix in the bottom of the mixing tub, and then add the dry mix. Add water slowly until all of the concrete is wet. When the concrete is completely mixed with water the mixture should be a little stiff.
Work Concrete into Holes
Pour or shovel the fully mixed concrete in the hole and tamp it down into the corners and edges with a rod or your shovel.
Insert Concrete Pier
If the uncured concrete is too wet, you will need to wait until it is dry enough to support the pre-capped pier and yet still allow the pier to sit down into the mix a bit. If the mix is a bit thick, set the pier in place on top of the wet concrete and twist the pier left and right a couple of times to force the pier into the wet concrete.
Finish Your Work
Go back to the uncured concrete and smooth out any bumps and wrinkles you created when placing the pier using the concrete float. Repeat the last few steps until all of the concrete pads and piers are in place.
Check for Level and Plumb
Once the pier is in place, check to see that it is level and use a plumb bob to position it directly below the location you have marked with the string grid line.