I am going to replace my rotted, damaged deck build very unprofessionally by the previous owners . The new deck is a simple 12X23 one. The joists will only about one foot above the ground at the header side (The other end will be attached to the ledger). Here are the questions: (I leave in Montreal with harsh winters) 1- For the ledger I am going to use a PT 2X8, and considering all safty factors (leaving apace with the house for rot prevetion,....). Is it OK or should I use another type of wood? 2-For the other end of the joists, considering their low height from the ground, I have 2 options: a-digging deep holes, and inserting 4X4s in them as posts and use two 2X8's bolted at the opposite sides of 4X4's. b-Use one dek-block for each of the joists (Totally 17 joists). Which way do you recommend? In the latter case, how should I make a stable foundation for the blocks in order they do not move in the ground after a while? Remeber probably I will have to dig the ground for putting the dek-blocks due to the fact that the ground is too high at the joists end. and how can I use dek-blocks for doubled joist used for butt joints? and the final question: Is there the possibility of mixing a and b solutions, i.e., putting 4X4s inside the blocks (four or five blocks for example) and making a beam using two 2X8's bolted at the opposite sides of 4X4's? Thank you. Cyrus

Hello, Planning on a multi-level cobblestone paver patio. Essentially, it's 2 patios. One is at ground level, the other raised, about 2 ft. from the ground. The area is flat. I have gone through several patio books but couldn't find any info on the raised patio. Do I build a retaining stone wall (unmortared) first - 3 walls with the 4th wall the side of the house, then fill the area with soil, sand, gravel? Is this structurally sound? Or should I avoid backfilling with soil and fill with just sand/gravel? As far as the wall is concerned, do i need to build a concrete base also? Obviously, I'm looking to avoid the whole raised patio collapsing later on. Any website, book, or other recommendations appreciated. Thanks.