According to the main code provision for footings, the only requirement for building a deck that is freestanding is that it must have a minimum footing depth of 12 inches below the undisturbed ground surface. There is no need to extend a footing below the frost line, as is required for standard decks.
How many footings do I need for a free standing deck?
Once you’ve completed the new deck, you’ll enjoy it for many years. Before starting to build, the first question is: How many footings do I need for a 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.
How do you build a freestanding platform?
How to Build a Freestanding or Detached Deck
- Step 1: Layout & Prepare the Deck Site. …
- Step 2: Dig Concrete Footing Holes. …
- Step 3: Pour the Concrete Footings. …
- Step 4: Install the Posts. …
- Step 5: Build the Beam. …
- Step 6: Set the Beam. …
- Step 7: Install the Floor Joists. …
- Step 8: Lay the Deck Boards.
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 I need footings for a ground level deck?
If you want to expand your outdoor living space, a ground level deck might be your best option. Since it’s not connected to a house, it can go anywhere in your yard and doesn’t require deep footings. Because it rises just inches above ground, it doesn’t need stairs or railings.
Do freestanding decks need footings?
According to the main code provision for footings, the only requirement for building a deck that is freestanding is that it must have a minimum footing depth of 12 inches below the undisturbed ground surface. There is no need to extend a footing below the frost line, as is required for standard decks.
How many posts are needed for a 10×10 deck?
A freestanding 10′ x10′ deck needs 4 posts, supporting two pairs of 2-ply non-incised 2×8 beam, upgrading the beam to 3-ply using incised wood.
What are deck footings?
Footings are a very important component of deck construction because they provide the solid foundation that will support your deck. Your deck’s design will determine how live and dead loads are transferred from different sections of the deck to concentrated points of contact with the ground.
How do you support a deck without posts?
Instead of using footings, adding a level of gravel will give you the drainage aspect you are looking for. You can then add a frame of wood that anchors in concrete blocks that sit in the gravel, creating your new deck. Concrete blocks won’t rot, making them an ideal option for those who don’t want to use wood.
How do you build a ground level deck on uneven ground?
To build a decking base on sloped uneven ground:
- Clear the area of all grass, weeds and debris using a good quality spade.
- Dig 1ft deep post holes.
- Set the posts using post mix so that the top is at or slightly above the desired height.
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].
How deep should deck footings be?
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.
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. 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.
Should you use 4×4 or 6×6 deck posts?
Deck posts must be a minimum of 4×4 according to the IRC but many jurisdictions require a 6×6 post as a standard. To avoid code violations, many deck builders choose the 6×6 even if the 4×4 is acceptable.
Can you use 4×4 posts for a deck?
In the past, many decks were built with 4×4 support posts (also called structural posts). But these can bow seriously, even if a deck is only 3 feet off the ground. For that reason, we strongly recommend that you use 6x6s instead, even if your building department does not demand them.
How far down do you dig for deck posts?
Dig the holes six inches deeper than the required frost line depth for your area, and slightly wider than the concrete footer tubes you’ll be using.
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 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).
Why do footings need to be below the frost line?
The frost line is the deepest depth at which the moisture present in the soil is expected to freeze. Once the bottom of your footings is buried below the frost line, the residual heat in the ground below the footing will ensure the soil below the footing will not freeze in the winter.
Is frost depth top or bottom of footing?
Footing Design:
All exterior footings and foundation systems shall extend below the frost line (4”) and in no case shall the bottom of the footing be less than 12” below grade. The top surface of the footing shall be level or brought level with masonry units with full mortar joints.
What happens if you don’t dig below frost line?
A footing destined to fail: frost line depth chart
If the footing does not extend below the frost line, the footing will heave as the ground freezes and thaws.
