How to Install Footings for a Deck

You've laid out the plan for the footings of your deck and now it's time to dig some holes and play in the mud (concrete-type mud that is).

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Concete Footings
• Shovels
• Concrete Piers
• Levels
• Posthole Diggers
• Shovels

1. Get the code requirements for footing structures in your area and make sure you understand and follow them.

2. Check with your local utilities service before you dig. Most companies provide a free service that will come and check the construction area to make sure you are not going to run into any utility service lines.

3. Remember that in areas where strong, annual freezing occurs, the tops of your footings should be at least 6 inches below the frost line.

4. Dig your holes on the marked points of your layout using a two-man gas-powered auger or manual post-hole diggers. The power auger can be rented on an hourly or daily basis at your local tool rental center.

5. Mix concrete mix (just add water) to the manufacturer's recommended consistency and pour into the holes. Level it roughly with a short piece of 2-by-4, then allow the concrete to begin to set (harden) before continuing.

6. Wet down your pier blocks before you set them in place on top of the footing in areas where the temperature is very hot. This keeps the blocks from absorbing moisture from the drying concrete below too quickly, which could weaken the drying concrete.

7. Place the pier blocks on top of the semiset concrete. Level the blocks with a small carpenter's level.

8. Allow the concrete to dry at least over night and then cover with dirt. The footing pier block combination is now ready for deck posts to be set into place.

Tips & Warnings

• In areas where ground freeze is not a problem, it is often possible to skip the digging and pouring of concrete footing. Premanufactured concrete pads can simply be placed on the ground in the appropriate spots and leveled. The pier blocks are then set on top of these.