Deck, Seat and Pergola Complex

The Posts

The posts were put in place with at least a 100mm (4″) minimum bed of concreteA mixture of sand, gravel, water and cement which hardens to a stone like condition when dry. beneath them. The four pergolaA structure with open wood-framed roofs, often latticed and supported by regularly spaced posts or columns, and covered by climbing plants such as vines or roses, shading a walk or passageway. Pergolas are distinguished from “arbors,” which are less extensive in extent and structure. posts were left over length (to be trimmed off later) but the rest of the posts were positioned at the right height.

Because the deckA flat floored roofless area adjoining a house. Timber deck: An outside floor structure comprising of posts, bearers, joists and decking boards. was to be built close to the ground, the deck posts had to placed in the holes at the right height, as the posts would be too hard to trimThe finish materials in a building, such as narrow boards applied around openings (window trim, door trim) and vertical corner battens. off later.

The posts were put in place with at least a 100mm (4″) minimum bed of concrete beneath them. The four pergola posts were left over length (to be trimmed off later) but the rest of the posts were positioned at the right height.

Because the deck was to be built close to the ground, the deck posts had to placed in the holes at the right height, as the posts would be too hard to trim off later.

This was done by first pouring about 150mm (6″) of concrete into the holes.

The posts were cut to go approximately 50mm (2″) into the concrete (leaving a bed of concrete 100mm (4″) below the posts) and reaching 220mm (8 3/4″) below the stringlineA slightly elastic string stretched between two pegs and used as a guide line. Determines the building line. (100mm (4″) bearerA sub-floor wood supporting the floor joists. + 100mm (4″) joistOne of a series of parallel members used to support the floor. Part of the framing that provides the structure for a floor. + 20mm (3/4″) decking = 220mm (8 3/4″))

The exceptions were the four pergola posts which were left over length to be trimmed off at a later time.