The Manufactured Housing Forums

I am building a deck. The plans call for PT 4x4 posts in concrete using the 8" concrete tubes 24" in the ground. This is in central Florida dry soil. Question: what is your opinion on how long the posts in concrete will last? Thanks

I am into my late fifties...These PT posts will last longer than me....I would guess they will last many decades...I will be watching for other replies to this post...Sounds nice..

I am 61. If it lasts 10 years I figure I won't care much what it does after that.

They should last near forever. If you cut the end off, do use the end-coating solution, though. We live in the rainy Northwest - anything not pressure treated will decay over a few years - One or two if buried.

Treated lumber that is rated for ground contact should last for 35 years. Not rated for ground contact maybe 5 years. Also I would suggest that you place a couple of pieces of rebar thru the 4x4's so that the concrete has something to hold to in order to provide more uplift support.

The 4x4 posts from HD are rated for below the ground. The rebar is a great idea but I already did the pour. Next project will get the rebar. I did pound some nails in the posts for the concrete to grab. Many thanks to all for the tips.

when i build a pole barn or a deck that has the poles below grade I usually put a premade cement pad in the bottom of the hole then I slam the pole down on it acouple of times to set the pad, next I back fill around the pole with peagravel or mason sand. this allows any water that is in the pole to leave. if you do use concrete around the pole do not let it get under the pole because it forms a cup like a drinking glass and it will hold the water wich means then you have to use a marine grade post and that gets very pricey.