What size footings do i need for a deck?

FOOTINGS: – Poured concrete footings should be a minimum of 8” wider than the posts (4×4 post – 12” min. width, 6×6 post – 14” min. width), a two level deck or deck with roof – 24”x24”. – The bottom of the footings must be a minimum of 36” below finish grade level.

How deep does a deck footing need to be?

Footings typically must extend below the frost line to prevent shifting during freeze-thaw cycles. Dig footing holes about 6 inches deeper than required. Fill the bottom of the hole with 6 inches of gravel and compact the gravel with a 2×4 or wood post.

How many footings do I need for a 12×16 deck?

A standard deck will need four footings parallel to the house, but they will need to be temporarily braced by 6 inch-by-6 inch posts. Using doubled boards, you will then need to build beams on the top row of the posts to frame the edges of the deck. These must be topped with adjustable post caps.

How do I know what size footing I need?

How to Calculate Footing Size

  1. Determine the width and length of the cement slab in inches.
  2. Divide the width by 12 to convert it to feet. …
  3. Divide the length by 12 to convert it to feet. …
  4. Determine the depth or thickness that is required for the footing in inches. …
  5. Multiply the width by the length and then by the depth.

Do I need rebar in deck footing?

Plain concrete deck foundations without rebar are acceptable under the minimum standards of construction established in the International Residential Code. However, placing reinforcing steel within footings is a relatively easy and inexpensive practice that can provide increased performance.

How many footings do I need for a floating deck?

For an 8×10′ freestanding deck, you’ll need six footings. Unless you have access to a power auger, that’s a lot of digging. After digging each hole, you will need to install tube forms into each. Each tube form then needs to be filled with one 60 lb.


How many footers do I need for a 12×12 deck?

Before starting to build, the first question is: How many footings do I need for a deck? For an attached 12 x 12′ deck, you’ll need at least 3 footings, plus at least 2 more if you’re planning on building stairs with it.

Should you use 4×4 or 6×6 deck posts?

4×4 post will be fine. I have built many decks for new homes with them. 6×6 is more sturdy of course and will not twist as easy, but for structure purposes, 4×4 will be fine.

How far apart should support beams be on a deck?

How Far Apart Should You Space Deck Joists? The short answer: deck joists are typically spaced either 12 inches or 16 inches apart, on center. (On-center means the length from the center of one joist to the center of the next joist, rather than a gap from edge to edge).

How deep and wide do footings need to be?

The minimum depth of footings below the surface of undisturbed soil, compacted fill material or controlled low strength material (CLSM) shall be 12 inches (305 mm). Where applicable, the requirements of CBC Section 1809.5 shall also be satisfied. The minimum width of footings shall be 12 inches (305 mm).

How do you calculate footing area?

13.3. 1.1 To calculate the footing base area, divide the service load by the allowable soil pressure. Assuming a square footing. Therefore, provide 12 x 12 ft square footing.

How deep do footings have to be for a single story extension?

For a single storey building strip foundations will typically be 450mm wide and at least 200mm deep, and for two storeys 600mm wide and 200mm deep.”

How high should deck footings be above?

Piers should extend 4 inches or more above grade, because footings that are recessed below grade put the post-base connector at risk of being covered by backfill, and deck hardware is generally not rated for below-grade use.

How do you pour deck footings?

How to Build Deck Footings with QUIKRETE® – YouTube

How deep should concrete footings be?

Depth of Footings

Footings should extend to a minimum depth of 12 inches below previously undisturbed soil. Footings also must extend at least 12 inches below the frost line (the depth to which the ground freezes in winter) or must be frost-protected.

How many posts do I need for a 10×10 deck?

A freestanding 10′ x10′ deck needs 4 posts, supporting two pairs of 2-ply non-incised 2×8 beam, upgrading the beam to 3-ply using incised wood.

Can 2×6 be used for deck joists?

You can use 2×6 as deck joists if the deck is low enough to the ground as not to require guard railing. When using S-P-F 2×6 deck joists, the span must not be greater than 9’0″ (2.73m) with joists at 16″ o.c. (400mm), and 9’10” (3.01m)with spacing at 12″ (300mm).

Is 4×2 OK for decking?

4 x 2 Timber Rail / Joist. Pressure treated timber joists. These decking joists are the most common sized framing timber for decking. They provide a solid structure for fixing your decking boards too.

How many posts do I need for a 12 foot deck?

The shorter sides—in this case, the 8-foot side—will have 4-feet of distance between deck posts. The larger 12-foot side will have a post spacing of 6 feet at a minimum code requirement. That makes a total of eight posts that need to be installed on this average size deck.

Where do you place footings on a deck?

How to Install Deck Footings – DIY Network – YouTube

Should I set my deck posts in concrete?

There are several ways to set deck posts, we recommend attaching the posts to concrete footers above the ground. This helps to prevent wooden posts from rotting. Set footers a minimum of 6” below the frost line for your area to prevent movement during freezing temperatures.

What is the maximum distance between deck posts?

For Building a Deck Railing, Deck Frame, or Fence

The maximum spacing of 4×4 deck posts should be 6 feet on center, while the maximum spacing of 6×6 deck posts should be 8 feet on center.

How far can a deck beam overhang a post?

The American Wood Council’s Wood Frame Construction Manual states that beams can generally cantilever up to 1/4 their span over a post.

What size joists do you use for decking?

Commonly used joist sizes are 2-by-6, 2-by-8 and 2-by-10. For example, when you space joists 16″ apart — which is standard for residential decks — a deck spanning 9 1/2′ would require 2-by-6 joists, a 13′ deck would need 2-by-8 joists and a 16′ deck calls for 2-by-10 joists.

How many joists do I need for a 12×12 deck?

For example, a 12-foot x 12-foot deck of 5/4 x 6 pressure treated wood decking on 16 inches on center spacing of joists will require: A 12-foot long deck with joists 16 inches on center will require 10 joists.

Can I use 2×8 for deck beams?

2×8 for joists will be fine, with 16″ OC. Should use 2×10 for beams but 2×8 will be fine as well. If you are worried you can triple the 2×8 for the beams but double will be sufficient. You should put the beams at 7 and 14 feet out from the house, with the piers you should do 3 per beam with spacing of 1, 7, 13.

How thick should footings be?

The minimum thickness for pier footings is 8 inches or 1-1/2 times the length of the footing projection from the pier, whichever is greater. (HORIZONTAL). Reinforce footings when the projection on each side of the wall, pier, or column exceeds 2/3 of the footing thickness, or when required because of soil conditions.

Do you need gravel under footings?

You do need gravel under a concrete slab, footing, or patio. Gravel provides a solid foundation for your concrete as it can be compacted. It also improves drainage, preventing water from pooling beneath the concrete.

What comes first footings or foundations?

T-shaped foundations are used in areas where the ground freezes. First, the footing is placed. Second, the walls are constructed and poured. Lastly, the slab is placed.

How do you get column footings?

How to Calculate Area of footing for Column? – YouTube

What is depth of footing?

minimum depth of foundation:– minimum depth of foundation is around 5 feet for a small residential building from ground level or at least 1.50 times the width of footing. In cold climates the depth of footing is Kept at a minimum of 1.50m below surface because of possible frost action.

How many bags of concrete do I need for a footing?

In order to have enough concrete for one cubic foot, you’ll require 2.2 bags of 60-lb concrete. Since bags are only sold in whole (not half, or quarter) quantities, you’ll need to purchase three (3) 60-lb. bags for one cubic foot.

How deep should footings be for a 2 storey extension?

The minimum foundation depth for two-storey foundations is 200mm, to ensure they have the necessary strength to fulfil their purpose.

How big do foundations need to be?

Strip, trench fill or pad foundations must be cast at a minimum depth of 750mm in low plasticity clays, 900mm depth in medium, and British Standard 8004 recommends a minimum depth of 1m for foundations in the highest risk areas. If there are, or were, trees nearby, depths of up to 3m may be necessary.

How wide should foundations be?

Width of foundation concrete (W) should be a minimum 600mm. This can be reduced to 450mm if ground conditions permit. … For both types of foundation, depth (d) should be at least 1m. Increased depths may be required to account for local conditions such as drains, poor ground, wells, water tanks and trees etc.

Can I use deck pier blocks instead of footings?

Pier blocks can be used instead of footings for a ground-level deck not requiring permits. Piers blocks can also be used if the frost level depth is less then the height of the pier block.

Do deck footings need to be above ground?

You want your deck piers to be below the frost level so the deck doesn’t lift up. This kind of unwanted force can cause severe structural damage to the deck.

Can you build a deck without digging holes?

Yes. It’s possible to build a deck without digging holes. This type of deck is called a floating deck, and it sits right on top of the ground without any posts or support areas that you’d dig down into the ground [to secure].