Is it better to set deck posts in concrete?

A deck post should always be placed on top of footing, not inside concrete because it can break. The photo on the left shows a post set in a bracket that has been mounted to the top of a footer. The photo on the right shows a post that has concrete poured around it, which can lead to a crack like you see here.

How deep should a footer be for a support post?





Depth of Footings



Footings should extend to a minimum depth of 12 inches below previously undisturbed soil. Footings also must extend at least 12 inches below the frost line (the depth to which the ground freezes in winter) or must be frost-protected.

How deep should a concrete footing 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 deep do you set deck posts?

Set footers a minimum of 6” below the frost line for your area to prevent movement during freezing temperatures. Pour about 6 inches of all-purpose gravel into postholes and pack the gravel tight by using the end of a wooden post.

Should pressure treated posts be set in concrete?

With pressure-treated posts, the rot will be slow. We have three ways to solve the rotten post problem. First, the posts should be set on top of a bed of coarse gravel 3 to 6 inches deep, so the base of the post is in contact with the gravel. Concrete should be poured around the post – no concrete under the post.

How deep should 4×4 deck posts be?





Dig post hole so diameter of the hole is 3 times the width of the post (i.e., the hole for a 4” wood post should be about 12 inches wide). The depth of the hole should be 1/3-1/2 the post height above ground (i.e., a 6-foot tall fence would require a hole depth of at least 2 feet).

How deep should foundation be with posts?

The depth of holes for posts will be about 1093mm (43 inches) or 36 to 60 inches depending on the height of the post. For a post which is 48 inches (1,220mm) high from the ground level, the depth of the foundation base will be 30 inches (762mm) from level ground.

How big of a footing do I need for a 4×4 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.

How do you pour a footing for a support post?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Once you have determined the minimum footing depth based on the local building code dig the footing holes about six inches deeper than required slightly larger than the quick tube diameter.

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.

Do deck footings need rebar?

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.

How deep should concrete piers be?

Piers can be square, rectangular, or circular, and diameter of piers is usually 6, 8, 10, or 16 inches. The depth of pier foundation is below the freezing depth, usually around five to six feet.

How deep do pier footings need to be?



The minimum thickness for pier footings is 8 inches or 1-1/2 times the length of the footing projection from the pier, whichever is greater. (HORIZONTAL). Reinforce footings when the projection on each side of the wall, pier, or column exceeds 2/3 of the footing thickness, or when required because of soil conditions.

How deep should footings be for a 6 foot wall?

All footings should be a minimum of 150mm (6″) in depth, with the bottom 350 – 400mm (14-16″) below ground level on most soils. For clay soil however, thicker and deeper footings should be used.

Is rebar required in piers?

A larger-diameter pier should have four or more pieces of vertical rebar. The rebar provides the tensile strength needed to resist lateral stresses that can be applied to a concrete pier by ground movement, freeze cycles, and wind loads.

How deep do you put Sonotubes?

The one-of-a-kind Sonotube Builder’s Tube concrete form is designed for below ground-line concrete placement, but can be used up to 3 feet above ground line for extra support. Minimal bracing is required above 2 feet of ground line. Available in 6″, 8″, 10″ and 12″diameters in standard lengths of 4′, 8′ and 12′.

How deep and wide do footings need to be?



The minimum depth of footings below the surface of undisturbed soil, compacted fill material or controlled low strength material (CLSM) shall be 12 inches (305 mm). Where applicable, the requirements of CBC Section 1809.5 shall also be satisfied. The minimum width of footings shall be 12 inches (305 mm).