One of the most important elements of a secure and solid deck is the footings. They serve as the foundation for your deck’s overall structure and must be constructed correctly to keep it level, secure, and long-lasting. In this blog post, we’ll go over the fundamentals of installing deck footings, including what they are, why they’re important, and how to do it right.
What are Deck Footings?
Your deck’s foundation is made up of deck footings. Often constructed of concrete, they are intended to sustain the weight of your deck as well as any additional loads, like people, furniture, and even snow. To keep the footings from heaving during the winter, they are typically installed below the frost line, which is the depth below the earth where the soil does not freeze.
What Makes Deck Footings Important?
For the safety and stability of your deck, deck footings are crucial. They aid in equally distributing the deck’s weight, preventing it from sinking or tilting to one side. Correctly built footings also assist keep your deck from settling, shifting, or becoming out of level over time. Without solid deck footings, your deck could collapse, causing serious injury or damage to your property.
How to Install Deck Footings
Deck footings should be installed by a qualified contractor or knowledgeable do-it-yourselfer who is familiar with the relevant local building regulations. The installation of deck footings can be broken down into the following broad steps:
- Determine the size and number of footings needed based on the size and weight of your deck, along with the soil type and load-bearing capacity of your property.
- Excavate a hole for each deck footing, making sure it is below the frost line and wide enough to accommodate the footing form.
- Place a cardboard footing form into each hole, making sure it is level and plumb.
- Mix and pour concrete into each form, filling it to the top.
- Insert a metal post anchor into the wet concrete, making sure it is centered and level.
- Allow the concrete to cure for at least 48 hours, or according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Attach the deck post to the metal anchor using lag screws or bolts, making sure it is level and plumb.
- Repeat the process for each deck post.
Conclusion
Deck footings are an essential part of a secure deck. They assist in uniformly distributing the weight of your deck, stop it from sinking or leaning, and make sure it is stable and long-lasting. Your deck’s safety depends on the footings being installed correctly, which should only be done by an expert who is familiar with the local building regulations. You can make sure your deck is secure, safe, and ready to use for many years by taking the time to follow these instructions. Or you can hire a professional deck footings installation contractor to do it for you.