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Types of Deck Footings: A Simple Guide

When building a deck, choosing the right type of deck footings is one of the most important steps. Why? Because the footings are what keep your deck sturdy and safe. They hold everything up, from the deck posts to the planks you’ll walk on. 

So, if you’re planning a new deck or updating an old one, this guide will break down the different types of deck footings in the simplest terms possible. 

Key Takeaways

  • Choose from concrete, deck blocks, buried post footings, or precast cement footings based on deck size, soil, and local codes.
  • Always dig below the frost line to prevent shifting caused by ground freezing and thawing.
  • Deck blocks and stackable cement footings are ideal for temporary decks, while poured concrete suits large, permanent structures.
  • Wet climates need elevated or concrete footings, while sandy or clay soils require reinforced, stable options.

What Are Deck Footings?

Deck footings are the base that supports your deck. Think of them as the foundation of your deck construction. They hold up the deck posts and keep everything stable, even in bad weather. Without good footings, your deck could sag, tilt, or even collapse over time.

Types of Deck Footings

There are a few main types of deck footings to choose from. The one you pick will depend on your deck’s size, the ground it’s built on, and the local building codes in your area.

1. Concrete Deck Footings

Concrete deck footings are super popular because they’re strong and long-lasting. They’re usually made by pouring concrete into a hole in the ground, which then hardens into a solid base. These are great for large or heavy decks because they can handle a lot of weight.

Steps to Install Concrete Deck Footings:

  1. Dig a hole that goes below the frost line (this is the depth where the ground freezes in winter).
  2. Place a tube-shaped form in the hole to hold the wet concrete.
  3. Pour the concrete into the form.
  4. Let it harden completely before attaching the deck posts.

2. Deck Blocks

Deck blocks are a faster and easier option. They’re pre-made blocks that sit on top of the ground, so there’s no digging or pouring concrete required. Deck blocks are ideal for small, light decks.

Why Use Deck Blocks?

  • Quick to install.
  • No need to dig deep holes.
  • Great for DIY projects.
However, deck blocks might not meet local building codes for some projects, so always check before you use them.

3. Buried Post Footings

Buried post footings are exactly what they sound like. You bury the posts directly into the ground and secure them with concrete. This method works well for decks that don’t sit too high off the ground.

Steps to Install Buried Post Footings:

  1. Dig a hole below the frost line.
  2. Place the deck post in the hole.
  3. Pour concrete around the post to hold it in place.
  4. Allow the concrete to harden before building the rest of the deck.

4. Poured Concrete Footings

Poured concrete footings are a bit like concrete deck footings, but they’re wider and often include a bell-shaped base for extra stability. These are a must for tall or heavy decks, especially in areas with loose soil.

The Pouring Concrete Process:

  1. Dig a hole below the frost line.
  2. Create a wide base at the bottom of the hole.
  3. Place a form in the hole to shape the footing.
  4. Pour concrete into the form, making sure it fills the wide base and rises above ground level.

5. Precast Cement Footings

Precast cement footings are pre-made and ready to use. They’re like deck blocks but heavier and designed for more permanent structures. You just place them where you want your deck posts to go and start building.

Advantages of Precast Cement Footings:

  • No waiting for concrete to harden.
  • Easy to install.
  • Great for decks in areas with minimal frost.

6. Deck Block Footings

Deck block footings are stackable cement footings designed for smaller decks. These are super easy to use – just stack them to the desired height and place the deck posts on top.

Why Use Stackable Cement Footings?

  • Perfect for small decks or temporary structures.
  • No digging required.
  • Easy to adjust height.

Why Is the Frost Line Important?

When installing deck footings, you need to dig below the frost line. Why? Because if the ground freezes and thaws, it can cause the footings to shift. This movement could make your deck unstable over time.

How to Choose the Right Deck Footings

Choosing the right deck footings depends on a few key factors:

  1. Deck Size: Bigger decks need stronger footings like poured concrete footings or buried post footings.
  2. Soil Type: Loose soil might require a wider base, like a pier deck footing.
  3. Local Building Codes: Always check the rules in your area to make sure your deck meets safety standards.
  4. DIY vs. Professional: If you’re doing it yourself, deck blocks or precast cement footings are the easiest. For more complex projects, hire professional deck builders to handle the job.

Weather Conditions and Deck Footings

The climate in your area plays a huge role in choosing the right deck footings. Here’s how different weather conditions might affect your choices:

  • Rainy Areas: If you live somewhere with heavy rainfall, make sure your deck footings are elevated or use a drainage system to avoid water pooling around them. Concrete deck footings and poured concrete footings are particularly effective in wet climates.
  • Dry Areas: In arid regions, the ground can shift as the soil dries out. Precast cement footings or buried post footings with extra stability are good choices here.
  • Snowy Areas: If you get lots of snow, digging below the frost line is non-negotiable. Frost heave can push footings upward, damaging your deck.

Eco-Friendly Options for Deck Footings

If you’re thinking about the environment, you can take steps to make your deck footings more eco-friendly. Here are a few options:

  • Recycled Materials: Some precast cement footings are made from recycled concrete, reducing waste.
  • Minimal Excavation: Deck blocks and stackable cement footings require little to no digging, which helps preserve the natural landscape.
  • Durability Over Time: Choosing long-lasting materials like poured concrete means fewer repairs and replacements, which is better for the environment.

Foundation Depth for Different Soil Types

Not all soil is created equal, and your deck’s stability depends on how well the footings interact with the ground.

  • Clay Soil: Clay expands and contracts with moisture, so go deeper with your footings. Poured concrete footings with a wide base work well.
  • Sandy Soil: Sandy soil shifts easily, so using concrete footings with reinforcements like rebar can help keep things stable.
  • Rocky Soil: If the ground is rocky, you might need to adjust the footing placement or use a pier deck footing for better support.

Temporary Decks and Portable Footings

Not every deck is permanent. For temporary or seasonal decks, you don’t have to go all-in with buried post footings or poured concrete. Here are some alternatives:

  • Deck Blocks: Easy to install and remove, making them perfect for a temporary setup.
  • Stackable Cement Footings: Adjust the height as needed and relocate them if necessary.
  • Precast Cement Footings: Quick to set up and sturdy enough for short-term projects.

Avoiding Common Mistakes with Deck Footings

Even a small mistake during installation can cause big problems later. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

  • Skipping the Frost Line: Not digging deep enough is one of the most common errors.
  • Uneven Placement: Footings that aren’t level will make the entire deck crooked.
  • Using Weak Concrete: Low-quality concrete or improper mixing weakens the footings.
  • Ignoring Local Building Codes: Skipping permits or ignoring codes can result in fines or having to redo the entire deck.

How Deck Footings Protect Against Electrical Hazards

If your deck has electrical devices, like lighting or outdoor outlets, footings play a role in keeping things safe. Here’s how:

  • Stability: Proper footings prevent tilting, which could strain electrical wires or outlets.
  • Height: Elevating the deck with solid footings keeps electrical devices above ground level, reducing the risk of water damage.
  • Grounding: Some footings can incorporate grounding elements to enhance safety.

Adding Aesthetic Touches to Your Deck Footings

Footings don’t have to be purely functional. Here are some ways to make them look better:

  • Decorative Covers: Hide deck blocks or concrete footings with wood or stone veneer.
  • Paint or Stain: Match your deck’s color scheme for a cohesive look.
  • Built-In Planters: Surround footings with planters to blend them into the landscaping.

Planning for Future Deck Expansion

If you think you might add onto your deck in the future, it’s smart to plan your footings accordingly:

  • Extra Footings: Install additional footings now to support future extensions.
  • Strong Materials: Use concrete footings or buried post footings to handle extra weight.
  • Strategic Placement: Position footings where they can support future additions without needing to dig more later.

The Role of Deck Posts in Stability

Deck posts are what connect the footings to the deck itself. They transfer the weight from the deck down to the ground. That’s why it’s crucial to have strong footings that can support your deck posts without shifting or sinking.

What Are Pier Deck Footings?

Pier deck footings are like poured concrete footings but are specifically designed for areas with poor soil conditions. They use a wider base to spread out the weight and provide extra stability.

Do Local Building Codes Matter?

Yes, they do! Local building codes tell you things like how deep your footings need to be and whether you can use deck blocks or need concrete footings. Ignoring these rules could lead to safety issues – or worse, needing to tear down your deck and start over.

Deck Footing FAQs

Yes, but it depends on the type of footings. Deck blocks and precast cement footings are DIY-friendly. For more complex options like poured concrete footings, you might want to hire a professional electrician or deck builder.
You’ll need to dig below the frost line, which varies depending on where you live. Check your local building codes for the exact depth.
Poured concrete footings or concrete deck footings are the best options for heavy decks. They provide the most stability and can handle a lot of weight.
Deck blocks are safe for small or temporary decks. However, they might not meet local building codes for larger, permanent structures.
It usually takes 24–48 hours for concrete to harden enough to support deck posts.

Find the Right Deck Footings for Your Project

Deck footings might not be the most exciting part of building a deck, but they’re definitely one of the most important. Whether you go with concrete deck footings, deck blocks, or buried post footings, the right choice will keep your deck safe, sturdy, and long-lasting.

 Ready to start your deck building project? Contact us at (765) 620-4668.