Q. I've heard all kinds of things from friends about concrete foundation piers. To say the least, I'm confused. Some say you just dig a hole and fill it with concrete. Others say you need to be sure ...

Q. I'm building a deck and have discovered that the wooden posts can't rest on the soil. I need deck piers. What are they, and how are they installed? A. There are very few situations in which you can ...

Q: I’ve heard all kinds of things from friends about concrete foundation piers. Some say you just dig a hole and fill it with concrete. Others say you need to be sure it’s the right size and shape.

Q: Can you explain why I need concrete deck piers under the wood support posts that hold up my deck? I saw an older deck where the posts just rested on pre-cast concrete stepping stones. The deck ...

Q. I’m concerned about the concrete deck base that’s fully above ground at my new home. The other decks in our development have the concrete piers below ground. Shouldn’t the concrete be completely ...

Chauncey grew up on a farm in rural northern California. At 18 he ran away and saw the world with a backpack and a credit card, discovering that the true value of any point or mile is the experience ...

Q: My upcoming deck project requires concrete support piers. I’ve never dealt with them before and have many questions. What are my options? How do I make sure the ...

My wife has instructed me that I no longer can put off the deck project. I’ve got the confidence to do all the work above ground, but I’m worried about the deck foundation. What do I need to know ...

When building a house, two main types of foundations are used: slab-on-grade or below-grade foundations with a basement slab. Climate, including high water tables, frost lines, harsh winters, and ...

DEAR TIM: My wife has instructed me that I no longer can put off the deck project. I’ve got the confidence to do all the work above ground, but I’m worried about the deck foundation. What do I need to ...

Dear Tim: I want to build a deluxe garden shed, but I have serious concerns about where to place the shed on my slightly sloping lot. The best location for the shed is under a giant maple tree. A ...