The answer depends on the size and shape of your deck, the size of your deck 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.

Written by: Decks Team

Meet the Decks.com team, a passionate group of decking enthusiasts, builders, and writers committed to delivering trusted, easy-to-understand guidance for every step of your outdoor project. With years of hands-on experience and industry knowledge, we’re here to help you design, build, and enjoy a beautiful, functional outdoor space. From expert tips to planning tools, Decks.com is your go-to resource for confident DIY success.

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