Loading

How Many Footing Do You Need For Your Deck?

The answer depends on the size and shape of your deck, the size of your deck footings, and the size of your beams. The larger the beam and footing size, the fewer footings that are required. For most situations, you will want to place footings and posts less than 8' apart. If you are planning on installing a hot tub or porch on top of your deck, you will usually need more footings and posts to support the additional loads. Freestanding decks that are not attached to the house with a ledger board will require an additional beam and row of footings. Decks with lots of angles may also require additional footings. Use the Decks.com footing and beam calculator to test your design.

Popular Footings Articles
Concrete

Cutting a Concrete Pad

Learn how to use a concrete saw to cut a hole in a patio slab to install a deck footing.

Footing Installation

Deck Footing Depth

Find out how deep you need to dig your footings in your area. Look at our U.S. map of extreme frost penetration.

Concrete

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.

Next Step: Framing Articles
Deck Support Columns

How to Decorate Deck Support Columns

Browse some examples of decorative deck support posts for tall decks.

Deck Support Columns

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.

Deck Framing

How to Brace a Swaying Deck

Learn how to install a diagonal brace on your deck frame to prevent racking. Check out our detailed image.

Get more helpful resources delivered right to your inbox

Explore Articles by Topic

Popular Footings Articles
Footing Installation

Can I use pier blocks?

Our inspector explains the pros and cons of using pier blocks for deck foundations.

Concrete

Prevent Deck Sinking

Sinking deck footings can lead to serious problems. Learn what can cause concrete footings to sink. Properly installed footings will resist sinking.

Footing Types

Monolithic Pier

Compare the pros and cons of installing a solid concrete deck footing using a cardboard tube or engineered forms.

Next Step: Framing Articles
Deck Framing

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.

Deck Framing

How to Build a Freestanding Deck

You may need to build a freestanding deck if you can't attach a ledger board to the house. Learn how to build a self-supporting deck.

Deck Framing

Framing a Deck Parallel to a House

Learn about an alternative framing method that allows you to install your decking perpendicular to the house and makes the deck free standing.

Get more helpful resources delivered right to your inbox

Explore Articles by Topic