How deep should a concrete footing 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.

How do you layout concrete footings?





Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: It will form a cross right where the original pin was. I do this in both directions on all four corners. So that we can string out the entire outside of the foundation. Once the footers are dug.

How big of a footing do I need for a deck?

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.

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.

Do I need rebar in deck footing?

Plain concrete deck foundations without rebar are acceptable under the minimum standards of construction established in the International Residential Code. However, placing reinforcing steel within footings is a relatively easy and inexpensive practice that can provide increased performance.

What kind of concrete is used for deck footings?





Decks and other permanent structures require deck supports and footings made from structure strength concrete mix. QUIKRETE 5000 is recommended for footing applications because of its heavy duty, 5000 PSI strength. Add the QUIKRETE 5000 concrete mix to the form.

How do you step down footings?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: They must construct step footings on one of the corners of their site due to the rocky soil. So what I've done is dug down to the original grade plus a little bit to get down into firm soil.

How do you pour deck footings on a slope?

You can build decking on a slope on your own by following these seven simple steps:

  1. Dig Foundation Holes. …
  2. Install the Deck Posts. …
  3. Fill the Foundation Holes With Concrete. …
  4. Construct the Deck’s Second Side. …
  5. Connect the Deck Beams. …
  6. Attach the Floor Beams. …
  7. Add the Railing.


What is strip footing?



A wall footing or strip footing is a continuous strip of concrete that serves to spread the weight of a load-bearing wall across an area of soil. It is the component of a shallow foundation.

How many footings do I need for a 16×20 deck?

Quick Attached Deck Footing Chart

Size of Deck Beam Size Number of Footings
10′ x 12′ (3) 2×8 2
12′ x 12′ (2) 2×6 3
16′ x 16′ (3) 2×8 3
20′ x 12′ (2) 2×8 3

Should you use 4×4 or 6×6 deck posts?

4×4 post will be fine. I have built many decks for new homes with them. 6×6 is more sturdy of course and will not twist as easy, but for structure purposes, 4×4 will be fine.

How far apart should support posts be for a deck?



Ideal deck post spacing is 8 feet or less. The distance between deck support posts depends on the type of wood species used and the size of the joist and beam. There is no minimum span, and maximum spans can reach up to 15′.

Where do you put footings on a deck?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Once you've got the green light dig down 12 inches below your region's frost line the reason you do this is so that your footer. And post won't shift when the weather gets cold.

How many posts do I need for a 12×12 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.

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.

Can I 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].

How far apart do concrete deck blocks need to be?

Space the deck blocks at 4′ to 6′ intervals to offer the frame good support.

Do deck blocks sink?

The deck blocks can sink if the soil under them erodes for some reason or the weight is unevenly distributed. That’s why it’s a good idea to use more than less.

How many deck blocks do I need for a 10X10 deck?

For example, a 10 x 10 floating deck needs four-deck blocks. Four deck blocks can hold 8 000lbs, almost twice the support necessary for a 10 x10 deck.

What do you put under deck blocks?



Deck blocks should be installed on stable, non-organic material with good drainage. You can put gravel, sand, or limestone screening under a deck block. Deck blocks can also be set on poured concrete columns dug to below the frost level.