Cedar posts in contact with paved surfaces

[Ken Corbitt]

Is cedar considered naturally decay resistant enough to be placed in contact with paved surfaces like at a front porch column, or must they be placed on a plinth block like non-treated pine?

[wayne soper]

Anytime you stand it on it's end grain it acts like a sponge. Pressure treasted or not.
Block is always a good idea.
As far as requirement. I would call you're local building dept for their take on it.

[Nick Ostrowski]

You should use one of these regardless of lumber type.

Shop Simpson Strong-Tie 4 x 4 Standoff Post Base Z-Max at Lowes.com (http://www.lowes.com/pd_108719-72913-ABA44Z_0__?productId=3006427&Ntt=anchor+base+post&pl=1&currentURL=%2Fpl__0__s%3FNtt%3Danchor%2Bbase%2Bpos t&facetInfo=)

[Jerry Peck]

Is cedar considered naturally decay resistant ...

Depends.

Most cedar is not considered naturally decay resistant, but some is:
- From the 2006 IRC:
- - NATURALLY DURABLE WOOD. The heartwood of the following species: Decay-resistant redwood, cedars, black locust and black walnut.
- - - Note: Corner sapwood is permitted if 90 percent or more of the width of each side on which it occurs is heartwood.

For information on heartwood, go here:
http://northernwoodlands.org/articles/article/what_is_the_difference_between_sapwood_and_heartwo od/
Wood - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wood)


You should use one of these regardless of lumber type.

Shop Simpson Strong-Tie 4 x 4 Standoff Post Base Z-Max at Lowes.com (http://www.lowes.com/pd_108719-72913-ABA44Z_0__?productId=3006427&Ntt=anchor+base+post&pl=1&currentURL=%2Fpl__0__s%3FNtt%3Danchor%2Bbase%2Bpos t&facetInfo=)

Nick is correct.

[John Kogel]

You should use one of these regardless of lumber type.

Shop Simpson Strong-Tie 4 x 4 Standoff Post Base Z-Max at Lowes.com (http://www.lowes.com/pd_108719-72913-ABA44Z_0__?productId=3006427&Ntt=anchor+base+post&pl=1&currentURL=%2Fpl__0__s%3FNtt%3Danchor%2Bbase%2Bpos t&facetInfo=)Or you can do what this builder did - set them up on hockey pucks. :D

BTW, that is one of 3 Douglas Fir posts and there were no splits or checks in any of them. I wanted to ask the builder how he seasoned them.

[BARRY ADAIR]

best to know the post size and load
4x4 may be inadequate for material dimension and intended purpose
AB/ABA/ABE/ABU Adjustable and Standoff Post Bases (http://www.strongtie.com/products/connectors/AB-ABA-ABE-ABU.asp)