How-to Guide

Instruction guide and tips for anchoring deck supports using Sakrete Concrete Mix

How to Anchor Deck Supports

Decks are a very popular home improvement project. Constructing deck supports on concrete piers/columns provides a solid base.

SAKRETE Concrete Mix is a proven, quality concrete for applications exceeding 5 cm (2 inches) in thickness.

Uses

This product is ideal for constructing concrete piers/columns to support decks.

Use for making footings, walks, floors,patios and steps, or for setting posts and poles.Ready-to-use; just add water.

PROCEDURES: Mix and substrate temperatures should be maintained between 5 °C (40 °F) and 30 °C (86 °F) for al least 24 hours prior to and 48 hours after. For temperatures below 5 °C (40 °F), refer to SAKRETE Fast Set.

STEP 1: Preparation: ln stable soil, dig 15 cm (6 inches) to 20 cm (8 inches) diameter holes, 0.9 m (3 ft) to 1.2 m (4 ft) deep. lnsert a fiber-form such as a SAKRETE Builders' Tube, to the correct height. Then, level vertical and fill around the outside with dirt to ground level, to secure. Embed reinforcing steel rods into the hole to within 8 cm (3 inch) of column height. Note: Brace columns if tube extends more than 0.6m (24 inches) above the ground line. ln unstable soils, construct a concrete footing.

STEP 2: Mixing: Empty contents of bag into a mortar box, wheelbarrow or mechanical mixer. When mixing by hand, form a crater for adding water. Add approximately 2.7 L (2.85 qts) of clean water per 30 KG (66 lb) bag or enough to achieve a workable mix. Avoid a soupy mix. Excess water reduces strength and durability and can cause cracking. ln cold weather, use warm water to accelerate the set. ln hot weather, use cold water to slow the set.

STEP 3: Application: Pour the mixed concrete into the column, filling completely. Agitate with a steel rod and level the concrete off. lnsert an anchor for deck supports and allow to set for 24 hours. Then, begin attaching lumber to deck supports with screws or light hammering.

STEP 4: Curing: Curing means maintaining proper moisture and temperature. Allow newly placed material to set until surface is hard to the touch. SAKRETE Concrete Mix will set in approximately 6 hours. Keep material damp or cover with plastic to prevent evaporation of mix water for at least three (3) days. Protect from freezing for at least 24 hours.

Tips for anchoring deck supports with SAKRETE Concrete Mix:
  1. Extend hole below frost line.
  2. lnsert a fiber-form with arrows pointed up.
  3. Brace colums, extending 0.6 m (24 inches) above ground line.
  4. Mix with water as per directions on packaging.
  5. Avoid a soupy mix.
  6. Use proper safety equipment (i.e. safety glasses, gloves, etc.).