I want to build a 12′ x 12′ deck in my yard, which is currently covered in asphalt. Deck would not be attached to house and will be only 10″ high. What do you think about letting it sit on the asphalt (regular deck construction but corner posts would not go into ground — just serve as short legs to keep deck slightly above asphalt). Do I still need footings? Thanks.
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Replies
I've done this, even with gravel (I used pressure treated lumber). I don't know if it adheres to building codes, but for 10 inches tall, I don't think you'll have any problems.
Michael
Remember when you were little-kickstand on your bike poking a hole in the driveway?
or
later in life-over at your girlfriends and your motorcylce left a depression in her parents drive?
If you distribute the load and don't mind change-probably fine. A pad for your posts would be smart-even a 1ft sq paver. Incorporate it in the design.
Continuing with Calvin's thoughts on distributing load.... what about forgetting the posts altogether?
Frame a 12' x 12' joist system out of PT 2 x 8 (or smaller) and then lay your deck slats on top of that. As long as the asphalt is relatively flat you won't get much flexing.
Waht the smart guys said - forget the posts, they'll eventually sink through/punch through the asphalt
No regular footings needed, but you do need to worry about the wind lifting the thing up and throwing it through the side of your house.
Awww...c'mon Dan... live a little dangerously.
However, seriously, I think the OP needs to think about the 12' x 12' part. Here's what I mean:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y56nsKk_b7s
Scott.
Technically, code may require full footings, but maybe because of the low height, it wouldn't. I tend to agree w/ some of the others, 10" ain't far, so posts may not be necessary.
Around here, anything less than 18" tall isn't considered a structure and doesn't need permitting. They don't even want to see it on the prints.
I was allowed 10'x10' storage shed without footing or permit. I think even if inspector saw the deck, you'd be made to put the footing in. Asphalt will melt in hot weather so I would cut out the asphalt where the support will go. As others said, you don't need posts but need to distribute the weight, and I would not put the weight on the asphalt.
By the way, how old is asphalt? If old enough, maybe it will not soften in the weather. Hope it helps.