Angel Light Observatory is Under Construction

[ChuckWalters]

I don't know for sure what you want 10x10 pt lumber for but if it is for the pier, I would rethink that and use a sono tube with concrete. Just my thought.
Mark

Yes it is for the pier. I started another thread on wood piers and had mixed results. Many folks have gone wood and had success.

[Lonnie]

I was looking at the rails your caster's ride on and it may not be a bad idea to drill small drain holes through them. You'll know exactly where you would need them after the first rain storm. Small holes will not weaken it any.

I agree with Mark on the concrete pier BUT it seems a lot of people are having very good luck with the wood one's, even for AP. I've never used one so I really can't judge on that.
Glad to see you're looking for a 10x10 Chuck. I'm pretty sure you'll be able to get one, even if you have to buy a short header beam and treat it yourself.

[ChuckWalters]

I was looking at the rails your caster's ride on and it may not be a bad idea to drill small drain holes through them. You'll know exactly where you would need them after the first rain storm. Small holes will not weaken it any.

I agree with Mark on the concrete pier BUT it seems a lot of people are having very good luck with the wood one's, even for AP. I've never used one so I really can't judge on that.
Glad to see you're looking for a 10x10 Chuck. I'm pretty sure you'll be able to get one, even if you have to buy a short header beam and treat it yourself.

Way ahead of you Buddy on the drainage holes. Ran a sprinkler yesterday and found the low spots. Marked and ready for holes. Really most of it runs out the sides where the 2x4 rail meets the 2x6 side rails but there are a few spots that need drainage. In the winter I will add skiis to the casters and slide it along...LOL! I am leaning toward the concrete pier but not 100% there yet. 51/49 in favor. JimT has had great success with his telephone pole setup and does some great AP work........

[alrodriguez]

Congratulations. Good Luck.

[ChuckWalters]

Made a bit more headway today. I would have finished the deck but I ran out of 1/2" PT Plywood. Off to the store tomorrow to geet a sheet and a few more doodads! Tomorrow I hope to build the shed!!

[blackdog45]

Good luck on the build and looking forward to see the finished project. And yeah, I'm jealous too, lol.

[ChuckWalters]

With pier construction getting very close and doubts centered on finding large timber material, I am starting to yield to concrete. Setting aside a 3x3x3 foot base (24" frost line) I had thoughts of using a concrete filled galvanized culvert pipe or plastic culvert pipe in the 12" size. Mainly for looks. Has anyone attempted this and have any warnings or thoughts?

[steveyo]

I just wanted to say, Chuck, that this thing is beautiful so far.

[Joe Timmerman]

Great progress Chuck. Things are looking good.

[Lonnie]

Hey Chuck,
Have you looked into something like this - Finish-Free - Sonoco Construction Products for your pier? I think it would look great with a little paint and sealer applied after. Or you could dye the concrete if you like, just about any colour of the rainbow. Heck, you could even make it look like marble if you wanted to.