How to Prevent Sagging & Sinking Decks
Before you dig your frost footings, you will want to make sure the soil is properly compacted to support the deck load. Often when new houses are built, the process of digging the foundation disrupts the soil and leaves the yard unsettled. This means the entire yard will slowly drop in elevation relative to the house.
It is not uncommon for this to cause patios and driveways to crack. Likewise, if you anchor a deck to footings that are built on soil that is not properly compacted, your deck will probably sink. Needless to say, this is something you want to avoid. If you suspect your soil is unsettled, you will either have to wait for the yard to settle or dig the footings to a depth where the ground is compact. Certain kinds of soils are more problematic than others. Clay soils are particularly prone to shrinking and swelling. If you live in a new house, you may want to talk to your builder or local building inspections department to see if they have any information or suggestions. You can mark the level of the yard as it meets the house where you will be building your deck and observe it over a couple of months to see if you notice any change. If you have reason to believe settling may cause you problems, you may consider hiring a soil engineer to assess the situation, but this will result in an added cost to your project.
Cutting a Concrete Pad
Learn how to use a concrete saw to cut a hole in a patio slab to install a deck footing.
Working With Concrete
Learn tips from the pros on how to mix and pour concrete for deck footings.
Retaining Walls
Avoid problems related to digging deck footings near retaining walls. Learn some tips from the pros for how to handle these difficult situations.
How to Decorate Deck Support Columns
Browse some examples of decorative deck support posts for tall decks.
How to Angle Corners and Joists
Learn how to frame a deck with angled or clipped 45-degree corners using a cantilever beam.
How To Build a Hexagon Deck
Learn some tips on how to build a six-sided hexagon-shaped deck.
More Helpful Resources
Explore Articles by Topic
Footings
Information related to installing frost footings for decks
Framing
Learn structural framing methods
Decking
Learn about wood and composite decking materials
Stairs
An in-depth look at the complex issue of how to build stairs
Railings
How to install guardrails and handrails to meet IRC code
Features
An overview on water drainage, benches, planters and lights
Design
The basics of deck design
Planning
Learn about permits and working with contractors
Porches & Patios
Build a covered deck to enjoy all seasons
Ledger
Proper attachment techniques
Care
Maintain your deck to maintain your investment
Materials
An overview on water drainage, benches, planters and lights
How many footings do I need?
Learn how to determine the number of footings and support posts you need for your deck when designing your deck frame.
Can I use pier blocks?
Our inspector explains the pros and cons of using pier blocks for deck foundations.
Soil Conditions
Learn how soil conditions can affect the size of your deck footings. Do you have gravel, sand or clay soil?
Why is Joist Protection so Important for Your Deck?
If you’ve ever seen a piece of wood left out in the weather for any period of time, you know what happens: decay. Whether through wet rot, insect damage, or mildew, the fibers begin to break down.
Beam Span Chart
Learn how to size your deck beam using this easy-to-use span table. Just cross-reference the post spacing and joist length to determine the beam size.
How to Install Wood Deck Support Posts
Installing wood deck posts on top of concrete footings will provide additional support for your deck. We recommend using 6x6 posts due to their strength. Learn how install them at Decks.com.
Explore Articles by Topic
Footings
Information related to installing frost footings for decks
Framing
Learn structural framing methods
Decking
Learn about wood and composite decking materials
Stairs
An in-depth look at the complex issue of how to build stairs
Railings
How to install guardrails and handrails to meet IRC code
Features
An overview on water drainage, benches, planters and lights
Design
The basics of deck design
Planning
Learn about permits and working with contractors
Porches & Patios
Build a covered deck to enjoy all seasons
Ledger
Proper attachment techniques
Care
Maintain your deck to maintain your investment
Materials
An overview on water drainage, benches, planters and lights