Building a Deck Near a Retaining Wall
If your footing locations will require you to dig next to a retaining wall, you will have to be very careful not to damage the wall. Disrupting the soil can cause a wall to cave in. This situation will usually require you to hand dig the footing. If you are digging above a retaining wall, you will have to dig deep enough to maintain the minimum frost depth away from the surface of the wall. This may result in digging some very deep footings.
All retaining walls have a system built into the wall construction that hides behind the wall. In a wood or timber retaining wall, you will see what is called a "deadman frame". These are members usually consisting of the same timber size that make up a skeletal frame backfill over the solid to keep the wall from bulging out or falling over. An interlocking concrete block wall will have a "geogrid" pinned into the wall over other course. These systems usually travel as far back as the wall is high, so if you plan to dig in these areas you will have problems.
Building a deck around a series of retaining walls can definitely present some problems. Under no circumstances should you ever consider setting a post on top of a retaining wall. The walls are not designed to resist this additional loading and could result in a catastrophic failure. Many of these problems should have been addressed during the design phase. Always use an extra degree of caution when working beside a retaining wall.
Cutting a Concrete Pad
Learn how to use a concrete saw to cut a hole in a patio slab to install a deck footing.
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.
Soil Conditions
Learn how soil conditions can affect the size of your deck footings. Do you have gravel, sand or clay soil?
How to Decorate Deck Support Columns
Browse some examples of decorative deck support posts for tall decks.
How to Nail a Deck Beam
Learn how to nail a beam together. How many nails should you use? What type of nails should you use?
How to Use Steel Metal Deck Support Posts and Columns
Steel deck posts with base plates can be used as an alternative to wood posts for supporting your deck.
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Learn structural framing methods

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Learn about wood and composite decking materials

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Railings
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The basics of deck design

Planning
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Build a covered deck to enjoy all seasons

Ledger
Proper attachment techniques

Care
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An overview on water drainage, benches, planters and lights
Building a Deck Near a Retaining Wall
If your footing locations will require you to dig next to a retaining wall, you will have to be very careful not to damage the wall. Disrupting the soil can cause a wall to cave in. This situation will usually require you to hand dig the footing. If you are digging above a retaining wall, you will have to dig deep enough to maintain the minimum frost depth away from the surface of the wall. This may result in digging some very deep footings.
All retaining walls have a system built into the wall construction that hides behind the wall. In a wood or timber retaining wall, you will see what is called a "deadman frame". These are members usually consisting of the same timber size that make up a skeletal frame backfill over the solid to keep the wall from bulging out or falling over. An interlocking concrete block wall will have a "geogrid" pinned into the wall over other course. These systems usually travel as far back as the wall is high, so if you plan to dig in these areas you will have problems.
Building a deck around a series of retaining walls can definitely present some problems. Under no circumstances should you ever consider setting a post on top of a retaining wall. The walls are not designed to resist this additional loading and could result in a catastrophic failure. Many of these problems should have been addressed during the design phase. Always use an extra degree of caution when working beside a retaining wall.
Cutting a Concrete Pad
Learn how to use a concrete saw to cut a hole in a patio slab to install a deck footing.
How to Buy Concrete: Hiring a Ready-Mix Truck
Hiring a truck to deliver ready-mixed concrete for your project may make better sense than mixing it yourself. Learn how to order concrete for your deck at Decks.com.
Footing Size
Learn how large to make your deck footings. Use our table for maximum allowable loads to determine the proper size for your soil type.
How to Decorate Deck Support Columns
Browse some examples of decorative deck support posts for tall decks.
How To Build an Octagon Deck
Learn how to build an octagon-shaped deck. Octagon decks can be used as the floor for a gazebo roof.
Framing a Deck Parallel to a House
Learn about an alternative framing method that allows you to install your decking perpendicular to the house and makes the deck free standing.
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