Protecting Your Holes from Collapse
Once your holes are in place, how do you make sure they don’t cave in and waste all of your hard work? One easy solution is to purchase cardboard form tubes and place them in the holes to prevent the holes from collapsing. These tubes are sold in different sizes. You will probably want 12” or 16” diameter tubes that are at least 6’ tall. For about $20 each, you can save yourself the frustration of redigging collapsed holes. You can remove the tubes after the footing inspection or leave them in the ground to naturally degrade in the soil.
You will also want to cover the holes with something to keep water out. If your holes fill with water, they are more likely to collapse and you will not be able to pass a footing inspection while water is in the bottom of the hole. You can use plywood or tarps, some people have even used garbage can lids. Try to coordinate your footing inspection so that you don’t have to leave the footings open for a long period of time.
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.
Extending Your Current Deck
Learn about the pros and cons of adding onto your existing deck. First, make sure your existing deck frame and footings can support additional loads.
How to Use Shared Load Deck Support Posts
Learn how to support an upper and lower deck using one support post and a larger footing by bolting the lower deck into the side of the post.
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
Protecting Your Holes from Collapse
Once your holes are in place, how do you make sure they don’t cave in and waste all of your hard work? One easy solution is to purchase cardboard form tubes and place them in the holes to prevent the holes from collapsing. These tubes are sold in different sizes. You will probably want 12” or 16” diameter tubes that are at least 6’ tall. For about $20 each, you can save yourself the frustration of redigging collapsed holes. You can remove the tubes after the footing inspection or leave them in the ground to naturally degrade in the soil.
You will also want to cover the holes with something to keep water out. If your holes fill with water, they are more likely to collapse and you will not be able to pass a footing inspection while water is in the bottom of the hole. You can use plywood or tarps, some people have even used garbage can lids. Try to coordinate your footing inspection so that you don’t have to leave the footings open for a long period of time.
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.
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.
Blocking And Bridging
Learn how to strengthen your deck by adding blocking or bridging material at the mid-span of your joists. Blocking can be used to strengthen guardrails.
How To Build a Hexagon Deck
Learn some tips on how to build a six-sided hexagon-shaped deck.
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