Deck building codes archived

Hi - best to stop at town hall - they can give you a packet of information with forms and the all the code requirements. It can't exceed a % of total property square footage etc.

constructionofficial@twp.maplewood.nj.us

Last year I stopped by the building inspecor's office and spoke with Mr. Mittermaer (sp?). I took my drawings, which he helped me correct right on the spot, and I walked out with my permit AND the proper way to build the deck in about fifteen minutes. He was very nice to deal with and it was the easiest thing ever.

Well we picked up the information from town hall and are a little unclear about a couple of things. I'm hoping to stop back later this week and find out more. The deck we are planning to build will be only 24" at the highest point above ground. Most of the deck will be closer to the ground than that. It seems rather extreme to have to pour concrete footings for such a low deck. Does anyone know if we will be required to do so?

Personally, I'd pour concrete footings even ifthey weren't required. Frankly they're not that big of a deal. You have to sink the 4x4s anyway, so what's the issue with pouring a few extra inches of concrete around them?

Unless Maplewood is very different from South Orange, you need to pour concrete footings. Much deeper than a few inches. More like 3 feet. There are good reasons to do this and the most important one is that it will help you get a certificate of occupancy.

I thought 3 feet was only for foundations, not decks?

I think if the deck is attached to the structure of the house it's considered part of the foundation. Our in-progress 16x20 deck has 3'+ post holes dug.

Dave forgot to mention that they were dug by burly Scotsmen, what's up with that anyway Dave?

The Riches? LOL

Footings have to be dug below the frost line. I think MW usually wants them four feet down. Otherwise the deck will tend to heave and become unlevel because of frost.

Now that you mention it, ours look deeper than 3'. I get vertigo walking by them.

According to the Maplewood permit information it's a three feet minimum for the posts. So, yes more than just a few inches of concrete.

The few inches I mentioned was in circumference around the post, not height.

In any case, seems a bit excessive.

MAMC,

If its the cost of the concrete which concerns you, check whether you're still permitted to use footings only, as opposed to full piers.

The footings would still have to be set to the proper depth, but will use far less concrete.

On the other hand, if you go with the post on pier construction, you'll never wonder what's happening to the posts below ground level.

TomR

Thanks Tom, that is what I was/am hoping to do. It's not the cost of the concrete as much as it is the work. Just sounds so excessive for such a small, low deck. Of course, I want it to be done right and well, so we'll see what that means.

The work will be in digging the holes.

Compared to that, mixing the concrete is easy.

And of course, the post on footing method presumes that it is still allowed locally.

TomR

Get a post-hole digger and a lot of BenGay.

Admitedly this was a few years ago, actually like nearly 20, but I was around when the inspector and our contractor had a discussion on depth. The inspector wouldn't sign off unless the holes were four feet down.

You can rent power augers at a rental house such as Pioneer in Chatham or even the HD on Springfield Avenue. I know the HD has three options: a one man unit, a two man unit and a mini walk behind skid steer with an auger attachment. The problem around here is that the soil is rocky and the auger is likely to hang up on the rocks.

Dave--Who did you end up with doing your deck? We are in the process of getting estimates. Waiting for the last one to come in. Are you happy with the work in progress?

So far so good... and we've used Gary before on a different project with nice results. Don't forget to toss out the highest and lowest bids.

Gary Kurtz
(973) 590-1800

MAMC - not to hijack the thread, but if the deck is truly 2' above grade.... did you consider creating a patio instead? You'd have less 'structure' to deal with (as in probably only a landing/stair assembly), and the yard's relation to the patio would be improved (no railings, separations, etc.). Lot coverage would probably still need to be factored, but.... Just wondering.....

We actually ripped out our deck and did exactly that, on the existing footprint puls a foot or two. Landscaped it, and when finished the yard looked a LOT bigger than before.

ctrzaska :clap::swingin::thumbup:

Because our back yard slopes towards our house, I'm afraid if we just put in a patio it will be a soggy mess after each rain. It's still in consideration, so we'll see.

MAMC - if your rear yard is a soggy mess after rains, then consulting w/ a landscape architect and/or contractor on how to improve the yard/space/patio/plantings might be a sound approach. Some subsurface drainage system could be warranted (if you've a 'wet' yard) which would yield a perfectly yr round usable area as well as reduce poor yard issues (mosquitos, grubs, grass/plantings conditions, etc.). Again, for only 2'...... I'd politely offer that 'decking' an outdoor area is a not the optimum space usage choice. but,,, that's just my take..

Jeff, thank you for your opinions. These are all points that we have considered. I do think a low deck with one step that flanks the entire perimeter would look really nice and not make the yard feel smaller. If anything I think it will give us better usable space and we won't have to worry about sweeping puddles off the area after rainstorms. That said, if it turns out to be too much trouble we may just go for the patio and hope for the best. Lots of things to consider and I do appreciate all the ideas and input!

One more question: What is the rule for footings....how many/how far apart do they need to be? The deck would be 22 feet wide and 12 feet deep.

MAMC, several years ago we considered a deck off our new french doors--much like you are describing, with one, maybe two steps. We decided against it when we learned that (even though it would be only a couple of feet off the ground level) we would need to put a railing around most of it. A railing would have made our yard look considerably smaller and I definitely didn't want to feel as if I were enclosed in what essentially resembled a giant playpen. We opted to install a bluestone patio and are thrilled with the effect.

At the same time we improved the grading somewhat so that the water that flows down into our yard from our uphill neighbors is diverted more away from the house.

Good luck.

Ok, Ok, you're all convincing me that a patio may be better....not to mention that it may not incur a property tax increase (true?). We would really like to do some or most of the work ourselves, but do feel we should consult someone about drainage issues. Any recommendations?

Not intending glibness, but any landscape architect and/or landscaping contractor (or for that matter, any architect or civil engineer, if that's where their expereince lies) can provide the direction you'll need. Check searching here or do the yellowpages, interview a few, get their take on the site & your wishes, check their references, and have at it. I really do think a patio w/ an improved yard drainage system will be your best resolution. Good luck!