Hi, on a 4-season, 13.5' x 14' (gable roof) I'm building, most of the walls are going to be windows. I was thinking of just having a post on the 2 outside corners, and a post in the middle of each wall. As a header, on top of the posts, I was just going to use a double 2x10 for the whole length of the walls, instead of a traditional stud pattern, since there's so many windows and a door on one wall as well. On top of this double 2x10, do I still need the traditional double plates, as if there were studs everywhere? Thanks.

I currently have a 2nd story deck over a paver patio below. I'm replacing the pavers with a stamped concrete patio. Also, the deck posts are old and starting to rot slightly as they are set in the ground so I'm thinking now is the time to replace them as I'll have access to the open ground. What order should this be done? I don't want the deck footings showing once the patio is poured. Should I set the footings deeper, install the posts, and then pour the patio around the posts? Or should I pour the patio and then set the posts either anchored to the slab or cut a hole pour the footing through that? Appreciate any advice.