Rotten Decking Help

[gingerneil]

Hi all,
I have a rotten deck issue that I am hoping the collective can help with. We bought the house complete with deck about 3 years ago; I dont know how old the decking it. The corner in the pics started to show signs of rot last year, and I replaced the odd board but didnt go so far as pulling up the bearers. Its got worse recently, with clear signs that the bearers are shot. So, I started pulling it up this afternoon - see the pics.
The horizontal bearers were nailed to vertical posts set in concrete about 6 inches deep. These posts have now rotted to nothing, and the bearers in the corner are also rotten through and need replacing. The big vertical post on the corner is also rotten through.
I have cut back to bearers that look ok, and I am quite happy setting new posts into concrete (or sitting on concrete blocks to help stop them rotting in years to come in the same way). I can then rebuild the frame.
However..... what do I do about the big vertical posts ? The one not against the wall is screwed to a smaller post that is set into concrete and rotten, the big post is screwed to this, clear of the ground but is supporting the joists up a height. Will I have to dismantle the structure up a height and then rebuild once I have reset the big post ?

Any help, tips, advice very much appreciated !

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• gingerneil
• 6 May 2013
• 1

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• gingerneil
• 6 May 2013
• 1

Untitled

• gingerneil
• 6 May 2013
• 1

Untitled

• gingerneil
• 6 May 2013
• 1

Untitled

• gingerneil
• 6 May 2013
• 1

Untitled

• gingerneil
• 6 May 2013
• 1

 

[ivixor]

Put down some paving slabs and you'll definitely not have this problem again!

 

[gingerneil]

Put down some paving slabs and you'll definitely not have this problem again!

You're not the first to suggest that! Almost following that advice - gone for cemented slabs on which to sit legs/posts holding the bearers, rather than burying them.