Reverend Blair
Silver Member
Not much will break rocks, but rocks will break much. I've built a lot of fences and decks and I can't count the number of holes I've dug with a crowbar due to rocks. Actually, around here it's usually old chunks of concrete some wizard used as fill. Same effect though.
I usually use a two-wheeled hydraulic post-hole auger. There are plenty of them available commercially, but mine was put together by a friend. Since I generally work alone and my legs suck, I find they are great machine. Most places I work aren't big enough for anything with a 3 pt. hitch, and the hydraulics give me reverse if the auger gets stuck (pretty heavy clay here).
Since I'm always interested in different building techniques, I was wondering if you set the posts the same way I do.
I generally dig the holes, put about 4-6 inches of 3/4 down crushed lime in the bottom, then place a footing of pressure treated lumber in the bottom. Then I back-fill with 3/4 down lime, tamping it tight every six to eight inches.
For hole depth I use the 1/3 below ground 2/3 above ground method, but never use a depth less than 3 feet.
For covered decks, I also like to let in the beam into the posts. I doubt that it's any stronger, but I think it looks a lot more finished.
I usually use a two-wheeled hydraulic post-hole auger. There are plenty of them available commercially, but mine was put together by a friend. Since I generally work alone and my legs suck, I find they are great machine. Most places I work aren't big enough for anything with a 3 pt. hitch, and the hydraulics give me reverse if the auger gets stuck (pretty heavy clay here).
Since I'm always interested in different building techniques, I was wondering if you set the posts the same way I do.
I generally dig the holes, put about 4-6 inches of 3/4 down crushed lime in the bottom, then place a footing of pressure treated lumber in the bottom. Then I back-fill with 3/4 down lime, tamping it tight every six to eight inches.
For hole depth I use the 1/3 below ground 2/3 above ground method, but never use a depth less than 3 feet.
For covered decks, I also like to let in the beam into the posts. I doubt that it's any stronger, but I think it looks a lot more finished.
