Demolished deck dilemma (granite, cost, concrete, fence)

[kab0906]

At my nieces house there was a back deck at ground level that was rotted. We pulled it up today and some of the underlying structure is rotting too. No matter, because she wants to put down paving stones anyway.

The issue is this: Whoever built the deck originally did a good job. There are 14 posts in 2 feet of concrete. There are 7 2x8 boards bolted to the posts. We could use a fence post jack to pull the concrete out. The problem with this is half the posts are right next to the house and to access the concrete we have to dig underneath the patio concrete. The other possibility is to cut the posts off from the concrete with a sawzall. Lots of digging to get horizontal access and still the issue of getting under the patio concrete, but not so far under.

There is no way to just bury the posts because they will be in the way of the pavers.

So my question is, can anyone think of a better idea than digging down to use the sawzall? That's the plan we will go with if nothing else seems better.

[kab0906]

Pictures for reference.

Post next to patio concrete



Post with easier access

[TX Rover]

Sawzall is likely the best bet. Maybe chainsaw but you’d really rip the chain up.

[NORTY FLATZ]

I'd break up the concrete as much as possible, next to the foundation. Don't know of a saw blade that could get in there.

Then to pull the 4 by 4 out, I'd use a bumper jack tri-pod. Look to yoo-toob for guidance on this.

[K'ledgeBldr]

All the top soil will have to be removed for the paver install- the paver will go down on a prepared bed of decomposed granite.

So, might as well dig down at least to virgin soil, cut the post, and call it good… because ^^^

[adjusterjack]

Hire a professional who has the right equipment.

[K'ledgeBldr]

Originally Posted by adjusterjack

Hire a professional who has the right equipment.

What fun is that!? Everybody loves to save a dollar and DIY- besides, after they’ve half killed themselves, got a few cuts and bruises, cusses at the mere thought of a back going out, and consumed more alcohol than the cost of the tools- who needs a pro!? Such a kill-joy!

[harry chickpea]

Originally Posted by K'ledgeBldr

What fun is that!? Everybody loves to save a dollar and DIY- besides, after they’ve half killed themselves, got a few cuts and bruises, cusses at the mere thought of a back going out, and consumed more alcohol than the cost of the tools- who needs a pro!? Such a kill-joy!

Besides, what other chance does a guy have to say to the wife... "Yep, I'm going to need to rent a skid steer!"

[Izzie1213]

I would use a well aimed sledge hammer to knock off a top portion of the cement to well below dirt level so it doesn't interfere with laying down pavers. I broke up a portion of a sidewalk with a sledge hammer myself and I am 5'2" 135 lbs. The hardest part was lifting the sledge hammer, it wasn't a very large one. It does all the work when the weight of it hits the concrete a few times.

[MrRational]

Originally Posted by Izzie1213

I would use a well aimed sledge hammer...

I'd use a well aimed jack hammer on the front of the same skid steer ...
that they'll then use to clear the mess and grade... (and so forth)