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Do I have to wait for the wood to dry and shrink before working with it?

Do I have to wait for the wood to dry and shrink before working with it?


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Old 05-16-14, 12:04 AM
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Do I have to wait for the wood to dry and shrink before working with it?

Specifically the wood I'd be using for the posts. I plan on placing the posts in the hole and pouring concrete all around it. However I fear that if I do this right when the lumber is shipped to me, that after time, the lumber will have shrunk and will not be completely surrounded by concrete any more. If that makes any sense.

If I do have to wait, how long?

** Using pressure treated lumber
 
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Old 05-16-14, 02:55 AM
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What are you going to be using the wood for? Deck? Fence posts?
 
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Old 05-16-14, 08:12 AM
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Will be using it for deck posts and using 6X6 lumber
 
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Old 05-16-14, 09:34 AM
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I doubt it would shrink enough for it to be an issue but most of us frown on embedding deck posts in concrete. It's better to pour a footer and then secure the post to the concrete above ground. The posts will last longer that way.
 
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Old 05-16-14, 09:40 AM
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I was planning on doing so. However due to the limited height in my backyard the post above ground would only be 3 inches. Is that fine?
 
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Old 05-16-14, 09:45 AM
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I'm a painter, not a carpenter but I don't think that would be an issue. Will you have enough ventilation under the deck with it close to ground?
 
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Old 05-16-14, 09:47 AM
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In total, it will be about 6 inches off the ground probably around 8 where the yard starts to slope down.
 
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Old 05-16-14, 09:55 AM
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Out of curiosity, why is embedding the post in concrete generally avoided? Does it promote/accelerate wood rotting?
 
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Old 05-16-14, 09:59 AM
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Concrete attracts and holds moisture which is the main reason you are always supposed to use PT wood when there is direct contact with masonry. Embedding the post doesn't allow the air to help dry the post back out.
 
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Old 05-16-14, 12:35 PM
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What Marksr has said. Will your local code entity require you to use footings, or can you make the deck free standing and use dek blocks for support? Others on the forum have advocated it is an "ok" thing to do up north, but I have my reservations. Bottom line is the wood should be above grade and held in place using dek blocks or Simpson Strongtie post bases embedded in your footings.
 
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Old 05-16-14, 02:46 PM
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Yup local code requires footings at least 48 inch deep with a 6 inch extrusion above grade. So I don't think I can get away with deck blocks. Well if it's strongly encouraged to avoid embedding the post in concrete I guess it will save me a few bucks. 3 inches of wood post is fine though right? As long as it's above grade.
 
 

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