Deck Post Footings Depth

We will teach you how to determine the code compliant size of your footings based on the soil type and tributary loads.

Deck post footings depth.

Hey kevin that has a lot to do with where you live because the most important factor involved is the frost line in moderate to cold climates frost will penetrate into the ground when air. Kevin h greenville sc. How deep do i need to dig before i can pour. Check out our deck footing frost map to help you understand how deep your footings will need to be excavated.

Water pipes should always be set below a frost line to prevent them from freezing in the winter. Exceptional beauty and high performance all in one compact connector. For details on creating a post layout see how to build a deck. When you contact your local building department to get your building permit ask what the frost depth requirement is and the required size and shape of the footings.

You ll need the post layout marked before you begin. It s also important that the footings for a building or a deck be well below the frost line so the posts don t shift as the ground freezes and thaws. Decks and other permanent structures require deck supports and footings made from structural strength concrete mix. Posts must be attached to the footings with appropriate fasteners to prevent lateral movement as well as uplift.

In frigid minnesota the frost depth is 42 in whereas a warmer state like missouri may have a frost depth of only 1 ft. Also the soil type will alter the width of the deck footing. It s important to know the frost line depth for construction purposes. The frost depth varies by region.

For example the size of the deck plus whether it has a roof will change the depth of the footing. These requirements will include minimum diameter and minimum depth of the footings. For example say a deck footing is required to be 450mm diameter in stiff soil the footing will likely be increased to 600mm in diameter with soft soils. You do not have to use fasteners however if the post itself is buried to a depth of at least 12 inches.

One way is to pour concrete in the post hole set the post on the concrete and backfill with gravel. If you live in a warm climate like south florida where frost rarely ever occurs you may be allowed to place your footings on grade but in very cold regions like minnesota and canada you will need to dig down 48 or more. It is important to check local building codes for construction requirements in your area. Learn everything you need to know about installing concrete footings to support your deck.

If you set the posts on top of concrete footings even precast ones you must secure them with positive hardware connections. I m building a detached deck in my backyard and want to pour concrete footings for the posts to stand on. Remember to follow local code for deck posts.