Yurt platform on grade versus sunken piers

[Asheville Yurt Company]

For your consideration, one of the disadvantages to being close to the ground is dampness. You want to be off the ground at least 2 feet, preferably 3, with a ground cover under there to keep the damp from rising. This will help with the humidity issues but it also exposes you to wind issues so generally an elevated platform is enclosed with skirting as well as having the footers. Your call tho.

[ljamies1]

I dug four holes at least four ft. deep and then found the small/ single concrete blocks which have the spacing on the inside for a 4x4 post to fit into. fill each of your holes with the concrete blocks so their inside hole is facing up and you can drop your 4x4 post down into them/ tamp any gaps with paving sand/ now you have four posts facing up and firmly anchored into the ground/ best part is everything is removable. This is my current set up/ going on a year and a half in upstate ny/ no frost shifts yet...

[andrew3d]

Even down South where frost heave isn't a problem, I think piers sunk at least 4 deep is warranted. I believe you have better protection against strong winds and gusts if your foundation isn't going to move.

[M&WRicherson]

Bob which Simpson Strong Ties did you use? Home Depot has a bunch and there is a big range in prices. Will need a quite a few with my 20 piers.

[Bob Rowlands]

The post anchors I use on pour in place concrete piers -NOT the bolt down version for EXISTING PADS- are simple non adjustable, and sized for the posts you are using. There's a single steel column that is embeded in the pier concrete. It has two curls in the end.

About installation. When you insert the pier into the mud set it to your string line for straight. The height of the form USUALLY isn't all that critical since the post supporting the beams will be cut to length to make the floor framing level.

Good installation procedure of post anchors is this: DON'T SET THE BOTTOM OF THE ANCHOR FLUSH WITH THE FORM!! Keep it elevated a bit from the edge of the sonotube. SLOPE THE MUD from the bottom of the post anchor so it sheds water. DO NOT MAKE The MUD PAD FLAT ON TOP. You do 'NOT' want water pooling under your posts! I can't emphasize that enough. .

Have fun. SLOPE THE MUD!! lol