Deck footings need to be dug below the frost line . Make sure the bottoms and sides of the holes are compact and solid before pouring your concrete. You can dig the footings 6′′ deeper than the frost line.
What is the minimum depth of deck footing?
Footing must be dug down into undisturbed soil and to a minimum depth of 12-in below the finished grade .
How deep should post footings be for a deck?
For most deck applications, in most jurisdictions, the width of a footing should be 20 inches round and a minimum of 24 inches deep . It is important that the base of the footings be solid, and in many cases you will need to keep digging until you reach undisturbed soil.
How thick should footings be for a deck?
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).
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.
Should I use 4×4 or 6×6 deck posts?
While there may be a handful of circumstances that only require the minimum 4×4 deck post, you will more than likely want to choose a 6×6 post for the deck. It provides more stability for larger decks, the ability to hold a heavier load, and more room for notching.
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. Piers blocks can also be used if the frost level depth is less then the height of the pier block.
Should deck posts be in the ground?
Pressure-treated posts should always be ground contact use for deck lumber. ... Having the most up-to-date instructions and proper treated lumber are important to ensure correct installation.
Do deck footings need rebar?
Most deck builders don’t place steel reinforcing rebar in footings, but in areas with expansive or other unstable soils rebar is usually required .
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.
How do you build a deck without digging holes?
If you’re ready to start planning, there are two great options to build a deck without digging any holes: surface deck blocks and deck foot anchors . The cheapest foundations are deck blocks, which can be purchased for less than $12.00 a piece. Deck blocks sit on the ground, so proper planning is essential.
How many footings do I need for a 12×12 floating 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.
Can I set deck posts without concrete?
Plastic piers require the digging, but unlike footings, there is no concrete involved . The pier is put into the hole and attached the post, giving you your deck without wasting hours installing footings.
What size footings do I need for a 6×6 post?
FOOTINGS: – Poured concrete footings should be a minimum of 8” wider than the posts (4×4 post – 12” min. width, 6×6 post – 14” min. width), a two level deck or deck with roof – 24”x24”. – The bottom of the footings must be a minimum of 36” below finish grade level.
Can pressure treated posts be set in concrete?
Simply setting the posts in concrete does create a condition that will accelerate rot in the bottom of the posts. With pressure-treated posts, the rot will be slow . ... Concrete should be poured around the post – no concrete under the post.
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.
