Expert: Bruce E. Johnson - 4/4/2009

Question
Hi Bruce,
I am replacing a upper deck and it's five 4X4 wood support columns. The ground under and around the support footings is to be covered with pavers or tile [mud job or pavers over cement and sand base,if my wife ever picks one].

We are also replacing a 60' bulkhead some 35'away in a few months and with all the pounding involved my Mason wants to wait to pour the cement base and set the pavers/tile.

The footings can be poured  and new columns set now but without picking the exact tile/paver the base of the column would have to be set low enough to allow for maximum paver thickness plus sand base, about 4". If we finally go with a thin tile set in mud the base of the column would be covered by 3-3 1/2" of concrete, which I understand is a problem. I also want the footings area around the columns to be covered with tile/paver and not to protrude above the finished floor level.

I though about using the existing columns and replacing them when the flooring is finally done,or just using temporary supports but was hoping for a better solution?

Is there any other solution you can advise or a way to protect the bottom of the 4X4 post from the concrete? [if we go with the thin tile]. I was thinking perhaps a 4" section of PVC used to cover 4X4 fence post?

You may say "hey turkey,just pick the tile/paver and method of install" but I have to move immediately on the deck rebuild and finalizing on the tile/paver is involved. [cost, coordination with other areas, wife, etc].

I really appreciate any help you can offer.

Thanks,

Barry

Answer
Hi Barry, One solution to your problem is to set the top of your column base at the finish floor elevation on a small pilaster, square and two inches larger than your column all the way around.  Finish the top of it nicely and edge it.  This way you can just butt your pavers into it and the column is isolated from the concrete and brick.

Another option is to use a Simpson cast in place column tie down.  These are post bases mounted on a steel pipe that has an anchor at the bottom of it.  You set the column base at your finish floor elevation and then do your paver work..  

Also, you don't need to do the sand base around your column.  All you need to do is hold the column footing concrete at your maxmimum brick thickness which is around 1 5/8"..you will be able to set your brick on top of the column footing...And as long as your post is pressure treated, the post being below the brick paver really won't hurt it, specially if you use a post base with a "shoe" underneath it to keep the bottom of the post up 3/4"..

I hope this information helps feel free to write again regarding this or other matters, sincerely bruce e johnson..bejohnsonconsulting.com