How to Cut Concrete and Pavers
If your deck will be built above a concrete patio, it is always best to have the deck footings in place before the patio is installed. However, if the patio exists, you will need to cut openings in the patio in order to install your frost footings. Using a sledge hammer or jack hammer can break up the patio, but will leave a broken edge and will likely crack the entire slab.
SaveIf you want a small, clean hole, this must be done by using a diamond-bladed concrete saw. These tools are expensive and require some skill. You may want to consider hiring someone to do this for you. If you decide you are up to doing it yourself, remember to pay special attention to safety. Cutting concrete will be extremely noisy and dusty. You should wear ear and eye protection and be careful not to breathe in the concrete dust. Once the footings are in place, you may be able to refinish the surface of the patio to its original condition.
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.
Deck Footing Depth
Find out how deep you need to dig your footings in your area. Look at our U.S. map of extreme frost penetration.
How to Buy Concrete: Hiring a Ready-Mix Truck
Hiring a truck to deliver ready-mixed concrete for your project may make better sense than mixing it yourself. Learn how to order concrete for your deck at Decks.com.
How to Decorate Deck Support Columns
Browse some examples of decorative deck support posts for tall decks.
Building a Balcony Deck
Learn information about balcony decks that use cantilevered joists that attach to house floor truss systems.
How to Angle Corners and Joists
Learn how to frame a deck with angled or clipped 45-degree corners using a cantilever beam.
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 footings do I need?
Learn how to determine the number of footings and support posts you need for your deck when designing your deck frame.
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 Install & Build Deck Footings
Learn how to install concrete footings to properly support your deck. Watch our step-by-step foundations video.
Why is Joist Protection so Important for Your Deck?
If you’ve ever seen a piece of wood left out in the weather for any period of time, you know what happens: decay. Whether through wet rot, insect damage, or mildew, the fibers begin to break down.
Building A Deck Over An Air Conditioner
Things to consider when building a deck near an air conditioning unit. You may want to relocate the AC unit if possible to avoid some problems.
How to Use a Triple Deck Beam to 6x6 Post Connection
Learn how to use a post beam connector to attach a 3-2x10 beam to a support post for a deck when there isn't enough material on the post to create a notched connection.
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