How to Pick a Deck Footing Style

When you're getting ready to design and build a deck, you must start with the footers. These concrete mount points support the deck's main posts. There are several different styles of deck footings available, so choose the one that's right for you.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Check your local building codes for regulations. In many cases, building codes specify exactly what type of deck footings you're required to install. If your local codes require a certain type of footer, they probably will stipulate the size of the footer footprint you can use.

2. Pour custom deck footings if you're building your deck in an area where the posts might slip, such as on a hill. You should only dig out and pour these footers for extreme grades.

3. Select standard triangular or bell-shaped deck footings for most permanent deck designs. Purchase these footers at any major home improvement store.

4. Decide whether you want to rest your support posts on top of the footers or pour concrete around the posts, anchoring them within the footers. While the containment technique holds the deck posts firmly, there is less of a chance of the deck posts rotting if you simply rest them on top of the footers with anchors.

Tips & Warnings

• Purchase deck blocks for small decks if you live in an area where digging to install permanent decks isn't allowed, such as a mobile home park. Deck blocks rest directly on the earth and prevent a small deck from sinking.
• If you attach the deck posts to the tops of the deck footers, rather than containing them from within, replace the posts if they begin to rot.