Decks Footing Articles
Learn everything you need to know about installing concrete footings to support your deck. We will teach you how to determine the code compliant size of your footings based on the soil type and tributary loads. Check out our deck footing frost map to help you understand how deep your footings will need to be excavated.
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We will also show you how to decide the number and spacing of your footings. Some of our articles focus on the various types of accepted footings that are used by professional deck builders. We feature articles on how to install continuous concrete pier foundations, belled piers, footing forms and the buried post on top of the footing method. We will conclude the section by explaining how to work with concrete, covering some common issues related to deck foundation work, as well as answering some frequently asked questions.
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Footing Installation
Water In Deck Footing Holes
Find out what to do if your deck footing holes fill up with water.
Footing Installation
How to Calculate Deck Footing Size & Soil Type Chart
You don’t need to be an engineer to figure out what size footings your new deck will need to safely support it. Everything you need to know is right here.
Footing Installation
Deck Bracing: How to Add Support to Keep Your Deck from Swaying
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.
Footing Installation
How to Use Concrete Deck Blocks
Our inspector explains the pros and cons of using pier blocks for deck foundations.
Footing Installation
Using Rebar for Concrete Deck Footings
Our inspector discusses using steel rebar for deck footings.
Footing Installation
Can I reuse the footings from my old deck for a new deck project?
Our inspector discusses the topic of reusing footings for a new deck.
Footing Installation
How to Build a Deck on Sloped or Uneven Ground
Our inspector explains how to install concrete deck footings on uneven ground.
Footing Installation
How Many Footing Do You Need For Your Deck?
Learn how to determine the number of footings and support posts you need for your deck when designing your deck frame.
Footing Types
The Buried Post Footing
Learn how to install a concrete deck footing with a buried treated support post as an alternative to a solid pier foundation.
Footing Types
Concrete Deck Footing
Compare the pros and cons of installing a solid concrete deck footing using a cardboard tube or engineered forms.
Concrete
How to Buy Concrete: Hiring a Ready-Mix Truck
Hiring a truck to deliver ready-mixed concrete for your project may make better sense than mixing it yourself. Learn how to order concrete for your deck at Decks.com.
Concrete
Protecting Your Holes from Collapse
Learn how to use cardboard sonotubes and hole covers to protect your deck footing holes from caving in and flooding before pouring concrete.
Concrete
Building a Deck Near a Retaining Wall
Avoid problems related to digging deck footings near retaining walls. Learn some tips from the pros for how to handle these difficult situations.
Concrete
How to Cut Concrete and Pavers
Learn how to use a concrete saw to cut a hole in a patio slab to install a deck footing.
Footing Installation
Soil Conditions For Deck Footings
Learn how soil conditions can affect the size of your deck footings. Do you have gravel, sand or clay soil?
Footing Installation
Deck Footing Frost Depth Map
Find out how deep you need to dig your footings in your area. Look at our U.S. map of extreme frost penetration.
Concrete
How to Prevent Sagging & Sinking Decks
Sinking deck footings can lead to serious problems. Learn what can cause concrete footings to sink. Properly installed footings will resist sinking.
Concrete
How to Use Concrete Footings for Deck Posts
Learn tips from the pros on how to mix and pour concrete for deck footings.
Footing Installation
Digging Deck Footings
Learn how to hand dig or mechanically dig your deck footings with step-by-step instructions. Learn what to do if you hit a rock.
Footing Installation
Deck Post Spacing & Layout
Learn how to lay out your deck footings accurately using triangulation with our step-by-step instructions.
Footing Types
How to Install & Build Deck Footings
Learn how to install concrete footings to properly support your deck. Watch our step-by-step foundations video.
Footing Installation
Water In Deck Footing Holes
Find out what to do if your deck footing holes fill up with water.
Footing Installation
How to Calculate Deck Footing Size & Soil Type Chart
You don’t need to be an engineer to figure out what size footings your new deck will need to safely support it. Everything you need to know is right here.
Footing Installation
Deck Bracing: How to Add Support to Keep Your Deck from Swaying
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.
Footing Installation
How to Use Concrete Deck Blocks
Our inspector explains the pros and cons of using pier blocks for deck foundations.
Footing Installation
Using Rebar for Concrete Deck Footings
Our inspector discusses using steel rebar for deck footings.
Footing Installation
Can I reuse the footings from my old deck for a new deck project?
Our inspector discusses the topic of reusing footings for a new deck.
Footing Installation
How to Build a Deck on Sloped or Uneven Ground
Our inspector explains how to install concrete deck footings on uneven ground.
Footing Installation
How Many Footing Do You Need For Your Deck?
Learn how to determine the number of footings and support posts you need for your deck when designing your deck frame.
Footing Types
The Buried Post Footing
Learn how to install a concrete deck footing with a buried treated support post as an alternative to a solid pier foundation.
Footing Types
Concrete Deck Footing
Compare the pros and cons of installing a solid concrete deck footing using a cardboard tube or engineered forms.
Concrete
How to Buy Concrete: Hiring a Ready-Mix Truck
Hiring a truck to deliver ready-mixed concrete for your project may make better sense than mixing it yourself. Learn how to order concrete for your deck at Decks.com.
Concrete
Protecting Your Holes from Collapse
Learn how to use cardboard sonotubes and hole covers to protect your deck footing holes from caving in and flooding before pouring concrete.
Concrete
Building a Deck Near a Retaining Wall
Avoid problems related to digging deck footings near retaining walls. Learn some tips from the pros for how to handle these difficult situations.
Concrete
How to Cut Concrete and Pavers
Learn how to use a concrete saw to cut a hole in a patio slab to install a deck footing.
Footing Installation
Soil Conditions For Deck Footings
Learn how soil conditions can affect the size of your deck footings. Do you have gravel, sand or clay soil?
Footing Installation
Deck Footing Frost Depth Map
Find out how deep you need to dig your footings in your area. Look at our U.S. map of extreme frost penetration.
Concrete
How to Prevent Sagging & Sinking Decks
Sinking deck footings can lead to serious problems. Learn what can cause concrete footings to sink. Properly installed footings will resist sinking.
Concrete
How to Use Concrete Footings for Deck Posts
Learn tips from the pros on how to mix and pour concrete for deck footings.
Footing Installation
Digging Deck Footings
Learn how to hand dig or mechanically dig your deck footings with step-by-step instructions. Learn what to do if you hit a rock.
Footing Installation
Deck Post Spacing & Layout
Learn how to lay out your deck footings accurately using triangulation with our step-by-step instructions.
Footing Types
How to Install & Build Deck Footings
Learn how to install concrete footings to properly support your deck. Watch our step-by-step foundations video.
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