Deck Building?
Answers:
Assuming you are using 4x4 post for the foundation, dig and set the post, but don't try to set the proper depth, let the post stick up, level the existing Outside Joist, to a new Post, and continue to level from there, then top off the new post- several ways to do this, including a water level .
Other answers:
a leveler is your best friend.
a leveler is your best friend.
Use concrete blocks under the joists!
Make your support posts a little taller than the rest of your deck.After they are set use either a laser level or string line to mark them then cut them all to the correct height.
As the grade changes your supporting post change in length. You'll need some line and a line level to detemine post heights.
start at the highest point and put a stake in the ground where you want to start the deck, then do the same at the lowest point, but with a longer stake, where you want the end to be. take a piece of twine/string and a small hanging level and tie the string to both pieces of wood, put the level in the middle and have someone stand there watching it until the bubble is level while you or someone else is at the lowest point pulling the stake and string up until it is level. then you will have to determine the height of the string w/the height of the original deck and go from there
You build piers to keep it all level...
First, you find "level, or grade", from one place that you "pick". Then you shoot a line from there, and put up stakes, and mark them. (Use a lazer level, so that you will be able to shoot a reasonable line of levelness).
Now, you get an auger, and a tube or something to hold the concrete... Dig your holes and put the tube in, then, cut the tube to level with your marker. (Make SURE its below frost level for your area, so that you dont have "frost heave" and your deck raises and lowers with the freezing and thawing of the land).
After you have your "piers", then you can begin to build your deck, keeping all your main support beams on the piers so you wont have to worry about not being level again...
I wish you well..
Jesse