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SE Ohio
Member
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# Posted: 14 May 2018 04:52pm
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I'd like to extend cabin deck, but an oak stump and roots will be in the way. Normally I'd like to get a footer 32 inches deep or so but i dont think i can chip away that much oak root. The other post/footer locations look fine.
Is there a good way to work through the roots, or should I just stick a post atop a solid root? Other ideas?
Hoping to keep my boys busy this summer...
SE Ohio
Sammy on construction guard duty
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8 12 and 16 foot extension stakes
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Another view of deck area
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NorthRick
Member
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# Posted: 14 May 2018 05:29pm
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Quoting: SE Ohio Is there a good way to work through the roots, or should I just stick a post atop a solid root? Other ideas?
Got an old chainsaw? Dig around the root as best you can to expose it and then cut it out with a chainsaw. Wear good protective equipment in case you hit a rock and the chain comes apart (usually just dulls it in about 0.000001 seconds).
Other thing would be to rethink the deck supports to avoid one close to the tree.
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DaveBell
Moderator
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# Posted: 14 May 2018 05:58pm
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Build around the tree. Seen it done, very cool.
You can also cantilever a deck, might need to in one corner. Measure everything and post plans. You'll have the coolest deck in the forest.
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ICC
Member
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# Posted: 14 May 2018 06:18pm - Edited by: ICC
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Roots of a dead tree will rot, that's one reason dead trees all eventually fall over; you don't want to build on a dead root or stump. Live roots grow bigger; you don't want to build on a live root either. DB's idea of building around it somehow, if it is live, may be the better idea.
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Borrego
Member
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# Posted: 15 May 2018 11:28am
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Yeah, I was gonna say don't build on a root! Building around sounds cool. Or cut the trees down, kill the roots and put your supports where you can....
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cspot
Member
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# Posted: 15 May 2018 08:30pm
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Quoting: NorthRick Got an old chainsaw? Dig around the root as best you can to expose it and then cut it out with a chainsaw. Wear good protective equipment in case you hit a rock and the chain comes apart (usually just dulls it in about 0.000001 seconds).
Doesn't even need to be an old chainsaw. Just preferably on old chain. Funny thing is sometimes you hit a big rock and it doesn't do anything to the chain. Other times you hit a spec of sand and it seems like it goes instantly dull.
Something else I have used to cut roots is a reciprocating saw with a good wood blade in it. A little easier sometimes to get into tight spaces and not as likely to make crap go flying like a chainsaw.
Like mentioned above you definately don't want to build on the roots or stump. I would work on one of the other holes and let the guy holding the fake gun do some digging. 
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DaveBell
Moderator
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# Posted: 16 May 2018 04:24pm - Edited by: DaveBell
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Here is an option to keep it simple.
Go out 8' with three posts, short about 6' for one to be in only minor roots. Left and right ends avoid current bolts, using hangers. Middle uses hangers.
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SE Ohio
Member
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# Posted: 16 May 2018 04:28pm
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Thanks, all for the replies. I don't have an old chainsaw, but can borrow my neighbor's new Stihl
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cspot
Member
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# Posted: 17 May 2018 04:56pm
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Quoting: SE Ohio Thanks, all for the replies. I don't have an old chainsaw, but can borrow my neighbor's new Stihl
I have a new Stihl chainsaw and have a camp in SE ohio. Hopefully I am not your neighbor. 
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