Wood Deck Build #32: Foundation Work Part 2 u2014 Simple Concrete Pads u2014 DIY Dad

2026 Update from DIY Dad: Construction Begins u2014 Foundation to Skeleton Assembly

After a long planning phase, construction finally begins! From setting the footing stones to assembling the steel pipe skeleton u2014 this is the heart of the wood deck build.

Footing Stone Installation Steps

1. String a layout line over the installation area for positioning (layout marking)
2. Dig the hole, fill with gravel and compact it
3. Set the footing stone while checking level with a spirit level
4. Align the height of each footing stone with the neighboring ones (using the layout line as reference)

The most critical step is getting all footing stones at the same height. If this is off, it affects the entire skeleton assembly that follows.

Rust-Proof Painting of the Steel Pipes

Since the steel scaffold pipes are made of steel, rust-proof painting is essential. Apply rust-inhibiting primer, let it dry, then apply a topcoat. Make sure to paint the cut ends as well. Apply paint to the areas where clamps will grip before starting assembly.

This extra step makes a huge difference in durability 10 years down the line. I treated it as an upfront investment to reduce future maintenance.

Skeleton Assembly Sequence

1. Fix the bundle posts (vertical) to the footing stones
2. Fix the beams / oki (horizontal) to the bundle posts
3. Fix the floor joists / neta (cross members supporting the decking) to the beams
4. Final-tighten each connection while confirming level and plumb

Always follow the sequence: temporary tighten u2192 check overall level and plumb u2192 final tighten. If you final-tighten one spot before moving on, you won’t be able to adjust later.

Construction Log

Hi, I’m DIY Dad.

Continuing with the exterior renovation series. Once the weeds were cleared, it was time to pour the foundation. Full form-work and rebar would be a hassle, so I went with a simple version: dig the hole, pour ready-mix concrete, level it off. In other words, essentially just a blinding concrete pour.

u2191 Wood deck simple foundation sketch

The concrete mix ratio I used was: Cement : Sand : Gravel = 1 : 3 : 9

• Cement: 25 kg bag from the home center u2014 u00a5498
• Gravel: fill-your-own sandbag at the home center, about 25 kg for u00a5398
• Sand: fill-your-own sandbag, u00a5298

Estimated concrete volume per foundation point:

• 0.3 m u00d7 0.3 m u00d7 0.2 m = 0.018 mu00b3 per point
• 6 foundation points needed u2192 approx. 0.12 mu00b3 total
• Volume per sandbag: approx. 0.02 mu00b3
• Total bags needed: 0.12 / 0.02 = 6 bags

Breaking that down by material:

• Cement: 6 / 13 = 0.46 bags
• Sand: 6 / 13 u00d7 3 = 1.38 bags
• Gravel: 6 / 13 u00d7 9 = 4.15 bags

I mixed all of this by hand. Quite a physical workout.

After pouring the simple foundation, I had to wait for it to cure. Concrete typically takes 2 weeks to reach its design strength. Looking at residential construction sites around town, you sometimes see the formwork removed and the sill plate installed the very next day u2014 I always wonder if that’s the kind of corner-cutting you see in the news…

In practice, it seems 2 days is common, with project schedules in mind. But for this wood deck, I could only work on weekends anyway, so I left it for a full week including the weekdays.

That’s all for today!

同じカテゴリの記事を読む

8棟自主管理の経験から書いた関連記事 — まとめて読むと理解が深まります

▸ Cost & Finance

How Much Does a Full Apartment Renovation Cost in Japan?

▸ English

Entryway Renovation Vol.7: Wallpaper Installation

▸ English

Kitchen2 Vol.12: Removing the Sink Light

▸ English

Kitchen Vol.30: Built-in Dishwasher Install u2014 DIY Dad’s Renovation

▸ English

Wood Deck Vol. 39: Roof Assembly u2014 DIY Dad’s Renovation Log

▸ English

Adding Planters and Garden Features to Your Deck