How Many Footing Do You Need For Your Deck?
The answer depends on the size and shape of your deck, the size of your footings, and the size of your beams. The larger the beam and footing size, the fewer footings that are required. For most situations, you will want to place footings and posts less than 8' apart. If you are planning on installing a hot tub or porch on top of your deck, you will usually need more footings and posts to support the additional loads. Freestanding decks that are not attached to the house with a ledger board will require an additional beam and row of footings. Decks with lots of angles may also require additional footings. Use the Decks.com footing and beam calculator to test your design.
Cutting a Concrete Pad
Learn how to use a concrete saw to cut a hole in a patio slab to install a deck footing.
Water in deck footing holes
Find out what to do if your deck footing holes fill up with water.
Monolithic Pier
Compare the pros and cons of installing a solid concrete deck footing using a cardboard tube or engineered forms.
How to Decorate Deck Support Columns
Browse some examples of decorative deck support posts for tall decks.
Deck building tools
As with any professional job, having the right tools can make all the difference.
Engineered Deck Beam
Use treated engineered deck beams for long spans with fewer posts and footings. Engineered beams can be designed and specially ordered from your lumberyard.
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 Footing Do You Need For Your Deck?
The answer depends on the size and shape of your deck, the size of your footings, and the size of your beams. The larger the beam and footing size, the fewer footings that are required. For most situations, you will want to place footings and posts less than 8' apart. If you are planning on installing a hot tub or porch on top of your deck, you will usually need more footings and posts to support the additional loads. Freestanding decks that are not attached to the house with a ledger board will require an additional beam and row of footings. Decks with lots of angles may also require additional footings. Use the Decks.com footing and beam calculator to test your design.
Cutting a Concrete Pad
Learn how to use a concrete saw to cut a hole in a patio slab to install a deck footing.
Can I reuse existing footings
Our inspector discusses the topic of reusing footings for a new deck.
How to Install & Build Deck Footings
Learn how to install concrete footings to properly support your deck. Watch our step-by-step foundations video.
How to Decorate Deck Support Columns
Browse some examples of decorative deck support posts for tall decks.
Deck building tools
As with any professional job, having the right tools can make all the difference.
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?
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