Hi, all -
I've been asked to build a stage outside my kids' preschool...basically, a small deck (~60 sq.ft.) as close to the ground as possible. I'm trying to figure out the best way to do the footings, considering cost, ease of installation, etc.
I'm leaning heavily toward just digging down 12" [conveniently the frost depth here in LV] and pouring a footing and embedding a post anchor in each, but we're hoping to do this over a weekend and I'm concerned about time for the footings to set. I've seen some designs using the prefab footings and am wondering about using these. My hope is to use 4x6 beams and have them within 1/2" of the ground to avoid the need for stairs up to the stage, so I would have to dig down to set the prefabs in order to get the stage down low. Does this make any sense? Any recommendations?
Edit: Another question I forgot to ask. Since this is at a preschool, I've been asked to NOT use PT lumber. However, I am concerned with the beams and joists being so close to (but not touching) the ground, and the fact there is a sprinkler system in the area. Any ideas to get around this? Should I varnish the beams and joists before installation? This is in Las Vegas, so I'm not too concerned, but I'd prefer they not have to replace the whole thing within 5 years. (If it'll go 10, it's so small it's probably worth just accepting replacement at that time.) The plan is to use 5/4 cedar decking and to coat it with a protectant TBD.
Thanks,
daniel