What are the different types of deck footings?
Poured concrete footings, buried post footings, precast cement footings, deck blocks, and screw/helical piles are all viable options for deck footings. Which one you choose will depend on the size and height of your deck and the building codes in your location.
How deep do footings need to be for a deck?
By code, the bottom of a footing must be at least 12 inches deep and below the local frostline—whichever is deeper—and bear on stable, undisturbed soil that is free of organic matter. And the code requires a minimum compressive strength of 2,500 psi for the concrete.
Can I use deck pier blocks instead of footings?
Pier blocks can be used instead of footings for a ground-level deck not requiring permits. Any decks higher than 24” require concrete piles 10” in diameter and 48” below grade. These footing size requirements are to ensure enough soil bearing to prevent the joist from sinking in the ground.
Do I need concrete footings for a deck?
Large decks that are attached to the house should always have footings because they act to spread the heavy load of the deck from the surface of a support post over a large surface of the soil so the ground can adequately support it. The footings ensure that the deck will not fall, tip or rot away after a few years.
How many footings do I need for a 12×16 deck?
A standard deck will need four footings parallel to the house, but they will need to be temporarily braced by 6 inch-by-6 inch posts. Using doubled boards, you will then need to build beams on the top row of the posts to frame the edges of the deck. These must be topped with adjustable post caps.
Why deck posts should not be set in concrete?
A deck post should always be placed on top of footing, not inside concrete because it can break. Concrete tends to absorb moisture and wood expands when it gets wet, so these two factors combined will result in the wood breaking the concrete.
Can you build a deck without digging holes?
Yes. It’s possible to build a deck without digging holes. This type of deck is called a floating deck, and it sits right on top of the ground without any posts or support areas that you’d dig down into the ground [to secure].
When should you not use deck blocks?
Deck blocks can only be used for floating decks. If you are not comfortable with the idea of your deck rising and falling with the ground. Then deck blocks are not for you. Frost level footings are more stable and can support more weight, and last much longer than deck blocks.
How far apart should posts be on a deck?
When building your deck frame, the maximum spacing of Deck Posts for should be no further than 8 feet apart.
How far apart should 4×4 posts be on a deck?
For Building a Deck Railing, Deck Frame, or Fence The maximum spacing of 4×4 deck posts should be 6 feet on center, while the maximum spacing of 6×6 deck posts should be 8 feet on center.
Is 6×6 better than 4×4?
6×6 or 4×6 will also give you less traction in specific conditions, than a 4×4. In snow/ice and other low traction situations, you have way less traction. And the exact reason I run a SINGLE rear wheel (not dually) rear on my pickup. Winter traction is FAR better with all the weight on 4 wheels instead of 6.
What size footings are required for decks?
Sizing Deck Footings Assuming a minimum soil bearing capacity of 1,500 psf, 8-inch-diameter concrete piers bearing on square footings measuring 2 feet on a side and 9 to 11 inches thick are adequate for most single-story decks where beams are spaced 14 feet apart or less and joist spans are 14 feet or less (see table below).
How deep do my footings need to be for a deck?
When solid ground is reached, it is recommended to dig an additional 50mm into the solid ground. Regardless of reaching solid ground before a minimum depth of 600mm, the deck footing should be at 600mm deep (always dig bigger, never smaller). If your engineer has specified a minimum depth, you need to dig to that depth.
How many footing do you need for your deck?
For an attached 12 x 12′ deck, you’ll need at least 3 footings, plus at least 2 more if you’re planning on building stairs with it. If your deck will be a different size, it’s easy to figure out how many you’ll need. Just decide its size and shape, then calculate and measure each element of the design as detailed step-by-step below.
Do deck footings need to be spaced evenly?
If you’re building a simple deck, footings and posts should be placed less than 8 feet apart. However, if your deck will include a hot tub or roof, you must support that weight with additional footings.
