Foundation Washout
If your footings are installed on the side of a steep hill, they may be susceptible to erosion damage or washout caused by water runoff. Over time, the side of the hill may begin to collapse, and this action can cause the nearby footings to fail. You should use the 7-foot rule, which states that the bottom of the footing should be at least 7 feet laterally from daylight. Heavy rains on uneven ground can cause tremendous damage to structures. Sandy and silty soils are more likely to erode than clay. Soil erosion can be controlled by providing adequate vegetative ground cover to hold the soil in place.
Grass and shrubs can provide a living barrier that will absorb the impact of rain drops and slow the flow of water runoff. Try to divert water away from the footings by using gutters. You may also want to dig your footings deeper than normal and tie them together with a concrete trench using rebar. In severe cases, you may want to have conical footings professionally installed specifically to the conditions of the site. In these cases, you will definitely want to consult with your local building inspector. We recommend always overbuilding to prevent even the smallest chance of a tragic accident.
Cutting a Concrete Pad
Learn how to use a concrete saw to cut a hole in a patio slab to install a deck footing.
Prevent Deck Sinking
Sinking deck footings can lead to serious problems. Learn what can cause concrete footings to sink. Properly installed footings will resist sinking.
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 Install Wood Deck Support Posts
Installing wood deck posts on top of concrete footings will provide additional support for your deck. We recommend using 6x6 posts due to their strength. Learn how install them at Decks.com.
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.
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
Foundation Washout
If your footings are installed on the side of a steep hill, they may be susceptible to erosion damage or washout caused by water runoff. Over time, the side of the hill may begin to collapse, and this action can cause the nearby footings to fail. You should use the 7-foot rule, which states that the bottom of the footing should be at least 7 feet laterally from daylight. Heavy rains on uneven ground can cause tremendous damage to structures. Sandy and silty soils are more likely to erode than clay. Soil erosion can be controlled by providing adequate vegetative ground cover to hold the soil in place.
Grass and shrubs can provide a living barrier that will absorb the impact of rain drops and slow the flow of water runoff. Try to divert water away from the footings by using gutters. You may also want to dig your footings deeper than normal and tie them together with a concrete trench using rebar. In severe cases, you may want to have conical footings professionally installed specifically to the conditions of the site. In these cases, you will definitely want to consult with your local building inspector. We recommend always overbuilding to prevent even the smallest chance of a tragic accident.
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.
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.
Access to Hot Tub Decks
How will you access the controls of your hot tub on your deck? Make sure you have space to open and operate control panels when designing your deck.
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