How to Prevent Sagging & Sinking Decks
Before you dig your frost footings, you will want to make sure the soil is properly compacted to support the deck load. Often when new houses are built, the process of digging the foundation disrupts the soil and leaves the yard unsettled. This means the entire yard will slowly drop in elevation relative to the house.
It is not uncommon for this to cause patios and driveways to crack. Likewise, if you anchor a deck to footings that are built on soil that is not properly compacted, your deck will probably sink. Needless to say, this is something you want to avoid. If you suspect your soil is unsettled, you will either have to wait for the yard to settle or dig the footings to a depth where the ground is compact. Certain kinds of soils are more problematic than others. Clay soils are particularly prone to shrinking and swelling. If you live in a new house, you may want to talk to your builder or local building inspections department to see if they have any information or suggestions. You can mark the level of the yard as it meets the house where you will be building your deck and observe it over a couple of months to see if you notice any change. If you have reason to believe settling may cause you problems, you may consider hiring a soil engineer to assess the situation, but this will result in an added cost to your project.
Cutting a Concrete Pad
Learn how to use a concrete saw to cut a hole in a patio slab to install a deck footing.
Monolithic Pier
Compare the pros and cons of installing a solid concrete deck footing using a cardboard tube or engineered forms.
Installing footings on a sloped yard
Our inspector explains how to install concrete deck footings on uneven ground.
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.
How to Install Concrete Support Deck Posts & Columns
Learn how to install concrete deck piers to support your deck frame. Use cardboard form tubes to extend your footings above grade.
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 to Prevent Sagging & Sinking Decks
Before you dig your frost footings, you will want to make sure the soil is properly compacted to support the deck load. Often when new houses are built, the process of digging the foundation disrupts the soil and leaves the yard unsettled. This means the entire yard will slowly drop in elevation relative to the house.
It is not uncommon for this to cause patios and driveways to crack. Likewise, if you anchor a deck to footings that are built on soil that is not properly compacted, your deck will probably sink. Needless to say, this is something you want to avoid. If you suspect your soil is unsettled, you will either have to wait for the yard to settle or dig the footings to a depth where the ground is compact. Certain kinds of soils are more problematic than others. Clay soils are particularly prone to shrinking and swelling. If you live in a new house, you may want to talk to your builder or local building inspections department to see if they have any information or suggestions. You can mark the level of the yard as it meets the house where you will be building your deck and observe it over a couple of months to see if you notice any change. If you have reason to believe settling may cause you problems, you may consider hiring a soil engineer to assess the situation, but this will result in an added cost to your project.
Cutting a Concrete Pad
Learn how to use a concrete saw to cut a hole in a patio slab to install a deck footing.
Bigfoot Footings
Learn about the advantages of using Bigfoot systems concrete footing forms. Research their testing and code compliance reports.
Protecting From Collapse
Learn how to use cardboard sonotubes and hole covers to protect your deck footing holes from caving in and flooding before pouring concrete.
How to Decorate Deck Support Columns
Browse some examples of decorative deck support posts for tall decks.
Sistering or Joining Joists
Learn about how to sister deck joists over a beam for framing a large deck or adding onto an existing deck.
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.
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