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Can I reuse the footings from my old deck for a new deck project?

It really depends on how the existing footings were installed. If the deck was permitted and inspected by the local building department, we can assume that they were installed correctly. If the footings appear settled, cracked, tilted or heaved they should not be reused. The next consideration is the deck load each footing is supporting. If the size of the footings is known, then the new deck design must not overload any existing footing.

The addition of a roof or shading structure over the deck must also be considered. These features apply additional loads on the foundation and must be evaluated. In most cases, it should not be assumed that the existing footings could support additional loads from these features.


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Footing Installation

Can I reuse the footings from my old deck for a new deck project?

It really depends on how the existing footings were installed. If the deck was permitted and inspected by the local building department, we can assume that they were installed correctly. If the footings appear settled, cracked, tilted or heaved they should not be reused. The next consideration is the deck load each footing is supporting. If the size of the footings is known, then the new deck design must not overload any existing footing.

The addition of a roof or shading structure over the deck must also be considered. These features apply additional loads on the foundation and must be evaluated. In most cases, it should not be assumed that the existing footings could support additional loads from these features.


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Cutting a Concrete Pad

Learn how to use a concrete saw to cut a hole in a patio slab to install a deck footing.

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Learn how to install a concrete deck footing with a buried treated support post as an alternative to a solid pier foundation.

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Soil Conditions

Learn how soil conditions can affect the size of your deck footings. Do you have gravel, sand or clay soil?

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