Every building deserves a stable foundation
– use Ground Screws!

Decking

As a first step we recommend you measure and mark the location of the deck you want to build. This will enable you to more easily visualize the decking, how it will be used, and the impact it has on the surroundings. It is also important to think about the type of furniture and other items you want to place upon the deck so that you build with the proper foundation to hold the weight.

If you are building over a lawn it is a good idea to cover this with a landscaping fabric followed by gravel to prevent the grass and weeds from poking up through the slats of the deck!  The deck needs to be anchored into the ground, the wooden beams need to be supported no more than 8 feet apart in all directions. A ground screw is a much better solution than the older, heavier concrete piers or posts.

When the grid of ground screws is in place you can immediately attach the pressure-treated wooden bearers creating a frame, preferably with bolts for added strength. It is usually recommended to use at least, lumber sized 2 x 8 inches for the beams in order to have sufficient load bearing strength. It is also advisable to install a very slight slope away from the house to improve water drainage. The floor joists are then attached to the beams with screws or joist hangers 16-24 inches apart, depending on the lumber. When the floor joists are in place, you can install the deck boards.

Building outdoor spaces

Pergolas, patio covers, sunrooms and other similar structures can often be purchased as kits or just bought as parts at your local DIY store. In every case, the design and construction is the same, using posts and beams resting on a sound foundation.  Stop Digging ground screws are the perfect solution for installing an outdoor building such as this. As there is enormous variety in the design and manufacture of these structures, the versatility and precision placement of the ground screw is the best choice for such a foundation. Depending on the positioning and frame construction – we recommend either our post, adapter or beam screw. Often a combination of these over variable terrain gives the best results. Contact us for a consultation and a quote.

Building fences

Fences are heavily exposed to wind, rain, disruptive plants and trees.  We offer a range of post screws of different sizes and heads for attaching a wide variety of posts shapes and sizes. For a typical fence, wooden posts are usually 4 x 4 inch lumber placed 6–8 feet apart. We recommend you select pressure-treated lumber, stainless steel screws and other fittings for long-term durability. When it comes to the fence design, google can help, but it is also a good idea to talk with your neighbors to find a mutually satisfactory design.

Measure out where you should have your fence and mark the ground for every post. Call us for guidance on how best to get our ground screws installed, once you know where the underground services are positioned. Once installed, you are good to go!

Building sheds and other garden buildings

As there is enormous variety in garden buildings, from kits through to self-made designs, ground screws are a versatile and flexible solution for any foundation need. For example, a simple shed can be built on a deck-like foundation or frame and the number of supports will vary depending on the size of the structure. Stop Digging’s beam screws are ideal for this, and can be quickly and easily installed and adjusted for a level frame. Or, if the shed is a kit, then our adapter screw may be a better fit. Other storage buildings, such as bicycle sheds or children’s playhouses benefit enormously from the flexibility of ground screws and their precision adjustment for height and location. Contact us tips and quotes!

Building a carport

If you want to protect your car, a carport is a good alternative to a garage. We recommend that you design the carport in a similar style to the surroundings so that the extension does not detract from your home. Don’t forget to install an electric socket in the carport for charging, cleaning and other tasks. Do not skimp on the dimensions… you’ll want parking to be stress-free.

Carports have to stand up to all weather conditions, so a good foundation is essential. Stop Digging’s ground screws are ideal for this purpose. Depending on the size and design of the building, you may require a variety of different screw models to create the optimal foundation. Remember a screw can withstand the same load as a concrete post, except outperforming it in every other way. The design of the carport can, of course, vary, but usually our post or beam screws are the best choice for creating a stable, wind resistant structure. Contact us for a consultation and pricing.

Building small homes and other outdoor structures

Ground screws can support vacation homes and cabins in all models and sizes. Many house manufacturers offer pre-assembled finished homes, while others offer kits and of course many people choose to build their ideal vacation home completely DIY.

We often want to build vacation homes and cabins in remote locations with fantastic views, which makes construction more complicated. These are often in the mountains or in coastal areas where the terrain can be tricky to dig with stones, rocks, sandy coastal soil or heavy clay. This makes the ground screw an unbeatable foundation for such buildings. Not only can it easily penetrate such soils, but also our equipment can reach places that are awkward or inaccessible for concrete foundations. Steep slopes are easy with ground screws… Additionally, ground screws represent a less damaging option both to the environment, which can make your design more attractive to planners.

Which screw to choose depends on the design of the building and its location. Normally the beam screw or adapter screw are ideal for this, but speak with your installer or call us for advice. We have plenty of experience creating strong foundations for vacation homes in a wide variety of environments and we are more than happy to advise you at any stage of your building project.