Loading

Water In Deck Footing Holes

If you have a high water table or it has just rained, you may find that your footing holes have flooded with water. This is not usually a problem. Water can be bailed or pumped out, and the soil at the base of the hole can be compacted. The concrete you pour into the hole will displace the water, this is called wet-placing concrete. Big Foot form tubes can also be installed to keep the water out of your concrete pour. The bell shape of the footing form will help keep the footing in place and prevent it from floating up to the surface. Once the footing is poured, you may want to backfill some gravel around the footing to promote drainage. Concrete poured in wet conditions will actually have more strength. The slower the concrete cures, the stronger it will set.

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.

Concrete

Working With Concrete

Learn tips from the pros on how to mix and pour concrete for deck footings.

Footing Installation

Deck Bracing

Learn how to install knee bracing in-between your deck support posts to provide extra strength against high winds and to prevent racking forces for tall decks.

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 Use Shared Load Deck Support Posts

Learn how to support an upper and lower deck using one support post and a larger footing by bolting the lower deck into the side of the post.

Deck Support Beams

How to Size a Deck Beam

Learn about how to choose the correct size beam for your deck. We discuss engineered beams and "sandwiched" style beams.

Get more helpful resources delivered right to your inbox

Explore Articles by Topic

Popular Footings Articles
Footing Installation

How many footings do I need?

Avoid a wobbly deck! Learn how to calculate the right number of footings to keep your structure safe and solid.

Footing Installation

Can I use pier blocks?

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

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.

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 Ground Level Deck

Adding a ground level or floating deck to your home may be the perfect addition to your outdoor space. Learn how to build a ground level deck at Decks.com.

Deck Framing

How to Angle Corners and Joists

Learn how to frame a deck with angled or clipped 45-degree corners using a cantilever beam.

Get more helpful resources delivered right to your inbox

Explore Articles by Topic