How deep do footings need to 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.

What is the best type of footing for a deck?

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.

Can I use concrete blocks for deck footings?

Simply placing them on the ground or on a poured concrete pad a few inches deep usually isn’t enough to comply with codes — they must be set at least 12 inches deep in undisturbed soil. However, concrete deck blocks can be used without restriction for a freestanding deck that’s not attached to your house.

Should deck posts be set in concrete?

There are several ways to set deck posts; we recommend attaching the posts to concrete footers above the ground. This helps to prevent wooden posts from rotting. Set footers a minimum of 6” below the frost line for your area to prevent movement during freezing temperatures.

How many support beams do I need for a deck?

For a deck that is 15 feet wide with 2×10 joists spaced at 16 inches apart, you have two options. You can use two beams, one at 7.5 feet and one at 15 feet, to provide support.

How deep should I bury my deck posts?

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 to construct proper footings for your deck?

Your deck plans likely call for posts to be set on each post base to be bolted to the deck framing later.

If plans call for posts,cut them a few inches above the finished height of the deck framing.

Set the posts in the post base and attach with appropriate post-base hardware nails or screws.

How many footing do you need for your deck?

Maximum joist span of a 2X8 is 10’ – 6” at 16” o.c.

Maximum cantilever of a 2X8 is 24” at 16” o.c.

Maximum cantilever of a double 2X8 beam past a support post is 12”

Maximum span of a double 2×8 beam is 6’.

The standard size of most cardboard footing forms is 8” in diameter. This may change depending on your locale.

How many footings do you need for your deck?

– deck blocks or pier blocks. – galvanized deck screws. – galvanized nails. – 2×6 boards. – fast-drying concrete. – 2×6 pressure-treated boards.

What size footings are required for decks?

– Not Incised, S-P-F Beam Material – Flush hangered beam material must match Joist Depth – *2×8 beam overhang 1’ – Meet or exceeds Canadian Wood Council Requirements