Deck footings are a vital component of deck construction, serving as the foundation for the entire structure. Ensuring that these footings are installed correctly and to the highest standards can make all the difference in the longevity and safety of your deck. In this blog post, we will delve into the critical importance of deck footings, discuss the various types, talk about local building code requirements, and provide some essential installation tips.
Knowing the Various Types of Deck Footings is crucial to build sturdy foundation for deck
Foundation for deck comes in many forms, each tailored to fulfill certain requirements. The type most often employed are pier or concrete footings. These consist of concrete poured into a pre-dug hole, reinforced with steel bars or anchor bolts for enhanced stability.
Another type is the spread footing, which expands at the bottom. This increased surface area improves weight distribution, preventing the deck from sinking unevenly into the ground. Pile footings are another kind, notable for their depth. These footings are driven far into the ground, offering excellent resistance against forces that might cause uplift or lateral movement.
It’s crucial to understand these different types, as the correct footing choice significantly impacts the stability and longevity of your deck. Therefore, when planning your deck, consider factors like soil type, local weather conditions, and deck size and weight. These factors can guide your choice of footing, ensuring that you select the one most suited to your specific needs.
Remember, each footing type has its unique advantages and potential drawbacks. So, take the time to familiarize yourself with these aspects. Doing so will enable you to make a well-informed decision, one that will contribute to building a deck that is not only safe and durable but also compliant with local building codes.
Deck Footing Requirements by Local Building Codes
Your local jurisdiction’s building codes play a significant role in the planning and installation of your deck footings. These regulatory guidelines dictate key considerations such as the dimensions, arrangement, and depth of the footings. For instance, many building codes stipulate that footings must be dug deep enough to sit below the frost line, a specification aimed at preventing the disruptive shifting that can result from ground freezing and thawing cycles. These regulations might also set a minimum diameter for the footings and mandate their spacing in relation to the size and weight of the deck. Adhering to these codes is not merely a matter of formality; it’s an integral part of ensuring the safety of your deck and the legality of its construction. Therefore, familiarize yourself with these guidelines, and if necessary, consult a building inspector or a professional deck builder to ensure your deck footings meet all required local standards.
Essential Steps in Installing Deck Footings
To install deck footings, you must initially identify the appropriate type and position for the footings in relation to your deck’s design. You then proceed to install them according to the manufacturing instructions.
1. Poured Concrete Footings
Poured concrete footings are exactly as they sound: Landscapers will dig a hole and pour in concrete. The post is then attached to the top of the dried concrete with heavy-duty metal brackets.
These are the most common type of deck footings because they’re extremely strong, durable, and easy for professionals to install. They’re also ideal for most types of areas and climates, even areas with soft soil or a large property slope, as they can be reinforced with wider footings or rebar.
Pros:
- Most durable option, good for most climates and outdoor situations
- Can support heavy items
Cons:
- Requires professional labor
- No way how to repair
2. Buried Post Footing
Buried post footings involve digging a hole below the frost line, which can vary from place to place. Concrete is then poured into this hole and a deck post is inserted. Once the concrete is dry, the hole is backfilled with additional concrete for added support.
While similar to poured concrete deck footings, buried post footings don’t require as much labor or materials, so they’re more affordable and can be DIYd. But they’re not as stable or secure and are better reserved for smaller decks that are closer to the ground.
Pros:
- Easier to install and can be used for low-profile decks.
Cons:
- Not as strong as other footing types
- Will start to experience wood rot within 15 years due to wood-to-ground contact.
3. Deck Block Footing
If you’re looking for an easy DIY route, deck block footings may be a good choice for your project. Best for decks that are ground-level and not attached to a home, deck block footings help lift a deck away from the ground without requiring wood posts or digging.
Deck blocks would remind you of Lincoln Logs in the way they hold deck posts in place. They offer more flexibility in size and shape, as long as you’re willing to buy all the materials.
But while they’re easy to install and relatively affordable, there are only a few times when this deck footing is actually the right choice. Plus, some building codes don’t even allow this type of footing as it can be unstable in high winds or earthquakes. So before you consider this option, do your research to see if it’s even viable for your project.
Pros:
- Easy to install
- No digging required
- Can be moved
Cons:
- Cannot hold heavy loads
- May not pass building code
- Requires a concrete slab
4. Screw/Helical Piles
Screw or helical piles are made of steel and can be easily installed in most types of soil. By replacing a concrete or wood foundation with steel, these footings are extremely durable and very quick to install, requiring little to no drying or wait time—meaning a nearly immediate strong deck. But those benefits come with one big drawback: cost.
Like precast footings, screw pile footings not only have higher material costs, but they also require special installation. You’ll absolutely need to work with a professional installation company if you go this route.
Pros:
- No drying or curing time
- Extremely durable and reliable
Cons:
- High installation costs
- More expensive materials
- May be cost prohibitive
5. Diamond Pier
Unlike traditional footings, Diamond Piers do not require any messy excavation, are much faster to install, and eliminate concrete drying time. Each Diamond Pier can be installed in an average of 30 minutes or less and allows you to start framing on the same day.
Pros:
- No drying or curing time
- Durable and reliable
Cons:
- More expensive materials
- Requires professional labor
