Water In Deck Footing Holes
If you have a high water table or it has just rained, you may find that your footing holes have flooded with water. This is not usually a problem. Water can be bailed or pumped out, and the soil at the base of the hole can be compacted. The concrete you pour into the hole will displace the water, this is called wet-placing concrete. Big Foot form tubes can also be installed to keep the water out of your concrete pour. The bell shape of the footing form will help keep the footing in place and prevent it from floating up to the surface. Once the footing is poured, you may want to backfill some gravel around the footing to promote drainage. Concrete poured in wet conditions will actually have more strength. The slower the concrete cures, the stronger it will set.
Cutting a Concrete Pad
Learn how to use a concrete saw to cut a hole in a patio slab to install a deck footing.
Digging Foundations
Learn how to hand dig or mechanically dig your deck footings with step-by-step instructions. Learn what to do if you hit a rock.
Retaining Walls
Avoid problems related to digging deck footings near retaining walls. Learn some tips from the pros for how to handle these difficult situations.
How to Decorate Deck Support Columns
Browse some examples of decorative deck support posts for tall decks.
How to Angle Corners and Joists
Learn how to frame a deck with angled or clipped 45-degree corners using a cantilever beam.
Determining Deck Beam Height
Learn how to measure in order to set your posts to properly position your deck beam to the correct height. We recommend sloping your deck to shed water away from the house.
More Helpful Resources
Explore Articles by Topic
Footings
Information related to installing frost footings for decks
Framing
Learn structural framing methods
Decking
Learn about wood and composite decking materials
Stairs
An in-depth look at the complex issue of how to build stairs
Railings
How to install guardrails and handrails to meet IRC code
Features
An overview on water drainage, benches, planters and lights
Design
The basics of deck design
Planning
Learn about permits and working with contractors
Porches & Patios
Build a covered deck to enjoy all seasons
Ledger
Proper attachment techniques
Care
Maintain your deck to maintain your investment
Materials
An overview on water drainage, benches, planters and lights
How many footings do I need?
Learn how to determine the number of footings and support posts you need for your deck when designing your deck frame.
Cutting a Concrete Pad
Learn how to use a concrete saw to cut a hole in a patio slab to install a deck footing.
Soil Conditions
Learn how soil conditions can affect the size of your deck footings. Do you have gravel, sand or clay soil?
Why is Joist Protection so Important for Your Deck?
If you’ve ever seen a piece of wood left out in the weather for any period of time, you know what happens: decay. Whether through wet rot, insect damage, or mildew, the fibers begin to break down.
Reinforcing Deck Rim or Band Joists
Learn a technique to strengthen your guard rails by installing a double rim joist and adding structural blocking to reduce bounce.
How to Use Shared Load Deck Support Posts
Learn how to support an upper and lower deck using one support post and a larger footing by bolting the lower deck into the side of the post.
Explore Articles by Topic
Footings
Information related to installing frost footings for decks
Framing
Learn structural framing methods
Decking
Learn about wood and composite decking materials
Stairs
An in-depth look at the complex issue of how to build stairs
Railings
How to install guardrails and handrails to meet IRC code
Features
An overview on water drainage, benches, planters and lights
Design
The basics of deck design
Planning
Learn about permits and working with contractors
Porches & Patios
Build a covered deck to enjoy all seasons
Ledger
Proper attachment techniques
Care
Maintain your deck to maintain your investment
Materials
An overview on water drainage, benches, planters and lights