How many footings will be required to provide sufficient support for your deck is one of the most crucial factors to take into account if you plan to build one. The structural foundation of your deck, or footings, is intended to disperse the weight of your deck to the earth. The size of your deck, the kind of materials you’re using, the footings layout selected, and the local construction codes in your location will all affect how many footings you’ll need for it. We’ll discuss some of the elements that affect how many footings you’ll need for your deck in this tutorial.
Size of Your Deck
One of the main elements affecting how many footings you’ll need is the size of your deck. More footings will be needed to provide appropriate support for larger decks. Typically, you must install footings at each of your deck’s corners and at intervals of no greater than 8 feet throughout its length. As a result, if your deck is 20 feet long, you will require at least three footings (one at each corner, and one in the centre of the deck).
Type of Deck Materials
The type of materials you’re using for your deck can also affect the number of footings you’ll need. For example, heavier materials like stone or tile may require additional footings to provide adequate support. On the other hand, lightweight materials like aluminum or PVC decking may require fewer footings.
Local Deck Building Codes
The quantity of footings required can also depend on the materials you choose for your deck. For instance, more footings may be needed to adequately support heavier materials like stone or tile. The need for footings may be reduced for lightweight materials like PVC or aluminium decking.
Conclusion
A crucial stage in the planning process is figuring out how many footings you’ll need for your deck. You can make sure that your deck is adequately supported and safe to use by taking into account elements like its size, the materials you’re employing, and your local construction codes. If you have any questions or concerns concerning the design and construction of your deck, like with any construction project, it’s crucial to speak with a professional deck installation contractor.