It begins!

[thebadger]

Mfiore,

I put the time capsule in the stand toward the top. It will still be covered with about 10 inches of concrete. I used a piece of PVC pipe that I capped on both ends (FYI - I read on one "time capsule" web site not to use PVC but I thought it made sense to use it). I then plan to get a little engraved plaque to marke the spot (cheesy I know ).

I've attached a pic. The green dot marks the core I put it in.

This was one of the few things my 4/6 yr old could get involved with.

Thanks
Dick

[wesslock]

needed to post to view pics , thanks

[mfiore]

Poured a 5.5 inch foundation slab yesterday. It was hot (for Michigan), so the concrete set up faster than anticipated. It still turned out pretty good. I'm keeping it misted and covered in plastic.

Tried to get the kids hand prints in, it was a little tough for them (I waited too long).

Is it safe to remove the forms? In three different sources, I've read to pull the forms in 2 hours, 2 days, and 7 days.

[thebadger]

Mfiore

Looking good!!!!

I need to add a concrete section by the wood opening so I plan on having the kids put their prints in that...

Dick

[gjbingham]

I like seven days before pulling forms. 3 is minimum.

[thebadger]

We had a patio poured and the took them offthe same day!

I think I've read 7 days 70% cure. I took my forms off my recent hearth pour in 2 days.

That said, go with what george says to be on the safe side - can't hurt to leave them on.

Dick

[mfiore]

Here is a photo of what I'm considering for my hearth design. I am worried that the traditional shape of the hearth stand would create too deep of a wood storage area, with a "dead" back end. The "H shape" would allow two separate wood storage areas, each more shallow.

Does anyone see any potential problems, either structurally or functionally?

[DrakeRemoray]

I do agree with the problem posed by the deep wood storage area (I end up rotating wood from the back of the storage area, out of the area, put in my less seasoned wood in the back then reload the front of the area, what a pain!)

But in your design, It does not look like you would have any room to access the back entrace to the storage area...

Also, my local building codes requried a 5-foot setback from my property line...just fyi...

[mfiore]

Drake,

Photo is a little deceiving. There seems to be enough room back there to walk and maneuver (32 inches).

I've called several times to confirm, our local building code does not consider anything less than 200 square feet to be a building and does not require a permit. They were uninterested (understaffed?) in hearing about my plans, so I went ahead and put the WFO where I thought best. The neighbors don't mind. Besides, this concrete slab is sitting on a 48 inch block and concrete foundation. I don't think I'm going to redo it.

[thebadger]

Mfiore,

I sort of heard the same thing from my zoning dept. They knew what a wfo but it "doesn't exist" in their records (unlike a shed for example) so I was free to do what I wanted. That said they suggested and Im close to the 5 foot set back from my side yard. Again, my neighbors don't seem to mind... Who doesn't like pizza.

I don't see any structural issues. I would defer to the experts. I didn't use angle iron but did use extra rebar to span my front opening. I would recommend using the angle iron in the front and back.

Dick