The Buried Post Footing
This footing method involves pouring a concrete pad at least 12” thick at the base of your hole. Next, set a pressure treated wood support post rated for "ground contact" on top of the pad and backfill the soil into the hole. "Ground rated" treated wood contains a higher concentration of preservative chemicals than normal wood and will offer increased protection from decay while buried in soil. This is the same type of wood that is used for retaining walls. The pressure treatment companies insist that these posts will last longer in the ground than the deck frame that is built above it, and this practice is accepted by the IRC code.
The buried post method offers the advantage of reducing the amount of concrete work required for each footing and actually provides additional lateral (side-to-side) support to the post to resist wind loads. It also reduces the amount of soil you need to haul away and can save you some money because you no longer need concrete anchors and post base hardware. The only obvious disadvantage is that if the post is ever damaged, it will be very difficult to replace.
Cutting a Concrete Pad
Learn how to use a concrete saw to cut a hole in a patio slab to install a deck footing.
Working With Concrete
Learn tips from the pros on how to mix and pour concrete for deck footings.
Layout Deck Foundations
Learn how to lay out your deck footings accurately using triangulation with our step-by-step instructions.
How to Decorate Deck Support Columns
Browse some examples of decorative deck support posts for tall decks.
How to Install Deck Post Wraps and Sleeves
Learn how to install trim or post sleeves over your pressure-treated support posts for a cleaner finish and to protect the material from checking.
How to Build a Multi-Level Deck
Multi-level decks are very popular. Learn how to build a deck that steps up or down using shared posts and footing connections.
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
Cutting a Concrete Pad
Learn how to use a concrete saw to cut a hole in a patio slab to install a deck footing.
Soil Conditions
Learn how soil conditions can affect the size of your deck footings. Do you have gravel, sand or clay soil?
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.
How to Decorate Deck Support Columns
Browse some examples of decorative deck support posts for tall decks.
Decks vs Patios: Cost, Pros, Cons, & Comparisons
Learn what factors affect the costs of decking and patios. Discover all the comparisons factors to help you choose the right space for your home with Decks.com.
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.
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