Table of Contents
How deep should footing be for a deck?
By code, the bottom of a footing must be at least 12 inches deep and below the local frostline—whichever is deeper—and bear on stable, undisturbed soil that is free of organic matter. And the code requires a minimum compressive strength of 2,500 psi for the concrete.
Do I need to put rebar in deck footings?
Using Rebar for Concrete Deck Footings Plain concrete deck foundations without rebar are acceptable under the minimum standards of construction established in the International Residential Code. Footings with large bearing areas or unstable soil can benefit from adding rebar to prevent cracking.
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.
Can you build a deck without concrete footings?
You can also build a deck without footings. A deck without footings might be appropriate if it is a low deck platform. Deck blocks, made of concrete or heavy-duty plastic, are strong enough to hold these kinds of deck platforms. Low decks don’t need footings because they are close to the ground.
How many footings do I need for a 12×12 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. If your deck will be a different size, it’s easy to figure out how many you’ll need.
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. Any decks higher than 24” require concrete piles 10” in diameter and 48” below grade. These footing size requirements are to ensure enough soil bearing to prevent the joist from sinking in the ground.
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 long should a footing cure before laying block?
Assuming you are using 3,000-psi concrete for the footings, you should be safe installing the anchors after 28 days in most circumstances. But there are a few things that can greatly alter the “normal” rate of strength gain: concrete temperature and the use of fly ash or admixtures.
Do I need vertical rebar in footings?
For footings that are poured before the slab, two #4 horizontal pieces of rebar are required – one 3” from the top and the other 3” from the bottom. You’ll also need vertical rebar hooks protruding at least 6” into the footing and out at least 18” every 48”, or less.
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 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).
Do you have to dig holes for deck posts?
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].
Why deck posts should not be set in concrete?
A deck post should always be placed on top of footing, not inside concrete because it can break. Concrete tends to absorb moisture and wood expands when it gets wet, so these two factors combined will result in the wood breaking the concrete.
Can I set deck posts without concrete?
OZCO Building Products’ OZ-Deck Foundation System is one of the best ways to build a deck without digging holes. It’s a hot-dipped galvanized plate that when combined with OZCO’s post anchors creates a solid foundation so you can build a solid deck without digging holes or pouring concrete.
Can I use 2×6 for deck frame?
Or are 2x6s to small 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).
How far apart should the posts be on a deck?
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 apart do you put deck blocks?
Space the deck blocks at 4′ to 6′ intervals to offer the frame good support.
