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| Hi. I'm ready to position my 6"x6" posts onto my 12" diameter footings. When I poured the footings, I left about 4" of rebar sticking out in the center of the footings. I was real anal about leveling the concrete so I think it is about as level as one could make it; same with the rebar as far as making it plumb. I'm wriritng because, despite the care I took, I can't imagine that the posts would be perfectly plumb just by sitting flat on the footings, (which is what I plan to do, after I drill a hole in the bottom of the posts). So, in the event that I do not get a natural plumb, how can I make the posts plumb? Do I use some kind of a very, very slight shim? Like a penny under the post? Hopefully, when I get to it on Saturday, the posts will rest plumb all on their own, but just in case...any ideas? If it matters, I will cut a 3" notch on the top of the posts to support the doubled-up 2x10x2s. Also, in order to make the drill hole into the bottom of the posts, my plan was to get a fresh piece of 4"x4" about 3 inches high and, using a drill press, drill a 1/2" hole through it. Then I would use this block as a guide (by placing it flush against the bottom side of the 6x6) for drilling the hole into the 6x6 posts so that I am sure to go straight into the post with the portable driver. Or is there some other trick? Thanks! Aldo
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| Hi Aldo, thanks for your question and using the forum. I think you need to brace your posts with 2x4's and wooden stakes. this will keep them all plumb while you start building. At least until the beam assembly and some of the joists are in place. (2) braces at 90 degrees to each other for each post. We like to keep our posts off the concrete to prevent rotting. Possibly you can still do this by placing a few large washers over the rebar and under the post. The washers should be ones used for 3/4" or 1" bolts. (very large). Hardware stores should have these large washers. Hope this info helps and thanks.
Anderson Pro Carpentry
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I thought that you needed to secure the posts to the concrete. Will the use or rebar through the middle be enough?
I was going to use those galv. endcaps.
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| It is not recommended to embed wood into concrete. This can cause premature failure of the member. It is recommended to place the post on a concrete pier in a post bracket. The bracket is bolted to the pier with a 1/2" bolt placed into the concrete when wet. That being said, you can embed .60 pressure treated posts into concrete for freestanding structures requiring positive anchoring to the ground like gazebos or pergolas. These structures are more vulnerable to high winds loads. The use of the rebar is another method but the bracket is easier and holds the post down securely to the pier. The rebar will only protect the post from being kicked out off the pier. Gravity and deck load is the only thing holding the post down on the pier using this method. With the use of rebar pins it is still recommended to shim the post off the pier using metal plates or large washers.
Anderson Pro Carpentry
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