Yes, you can build a deck without footings, however, it is not recommended. Footings are important for several reasons.
First, footings provide stability to the deck. The foundation of the deck is the most critical element in preventing the deck from sinking and becoming uneven. Footings also distribute the entire weight of the deck on the ground and spread the load.
When concrete footings are used, they are normally poured below the frost line to ensure the deck does not move from the freeze and thaw cycle of the soil.
Second, footings raise the deck off the ground, increasing the usable space underneath and providing more usable area for a patio. Footings also create a more attractive finished product by preserving the edge of the deck from the soil line.
Third, footings are required for decks above a certain height. Building codes for decks specify a minimum height above grade at which footings are required. This height varies depending on the local building codes and climate.
For these reasons, it is recommended to use footings when constructing a deck. However, if you choose to build a deck without footings, it is important to properly support the deck frame. Utilizing support posts, pier blocks, and galvanized metal brackets are all methods that can provide the necessary support.
Can I build a deck directly on the ground?
No, you should not build a deck directly on the ground. It is important to use a solid foundation to ensure that your deck is well supported and safe. The best foundation you can use is concrete footings.
These support posts or beams need to be embedded roughly 12 – 18 inches deep, set into the ground and usually require at least one bag of concrete per post. You may also need to use sonotubes to extend the posts above ground if the deck is higher than 8″ off the ground.
It is also important to make sure the ground you are building on is level and smooth, with no big bumps or dips. If the ground is not even, consider digging out the area to level it before laying the concrete footings.
How deep should footings be for a ground level deck?
The depth of footings for a ground level deck should depend on the local building code requirements in your area. Generally speaking, footings should be at minimum 18” deep and 12” wide for a standard deck.
If you are building in an area with a frost line (areas typically with cold winters) the frost line is what you should be aiming for. In this case footings should be below the frost line to ensure that the deck is not affected by shifting or heaving during the winter due to freezing temperatures.
It is important to check with your local building code prior to beginning any project to ensure that your deck footings are deep enough for the area in which you are building. In addition to depth, the width of your footings is also important as well as how far apart the footings should be placed.
These details may depend on the size, load and materials being used for the deck. It is always recommended to hire a professional to help assess your project and make sure that the footings are properly placed for a safe and secure deck.
Does a ground level deck need joist hangers?
Yes, joist hangers are an important part of building a ground level deck. Joist hangers are necessary to strengthen and support the joists, which hold up the decking boards. Joist hangers are nailed or screwed into studs or other structural stability components of the deck, such as posts or beams.
The hangers prevent the joists from bending or shifting, which can cause cracking in the deck boards. It is important to use the right type and size of joist hangers for your deck, as not doing so can compromise the structural integrity of the entire deck.
When in doubt, it is best to consult a professional deck contractor to ensure the deck is properly constructed.
How many footings do I need for a 12×16 deck?
The number of footings you will need for a 12×16 deck depends on a number of factors, such as the type of decking material you plan to use, the local building code, the type of soil in your area, and the size and weight of the deck itself.
Generally, most builders recommend six footings for a 12×16 deck. However, larger decks may require more footings, and different decking materials may require different spacing lengths between each footing.
It is important to check with your local building code before beginning to construct your deck so that you can make sure the footings comply with necessary requirements and are the correct distance apart.
How deep and wide do footings need to be?
The depth and width of footings generally depend on the characteristics of the soil and the size of the structure being built. In general, footings should be placed a minimum depth of 12 inches below the surface and extend at least 12 inches beyond the edge of the foundation wall.
However, this can vary depending on soil conditions and the size and weight of the structure. For example, footing for a large structure with heavy loads may need to be deeper and wider than normal. In addition, footings may also need to be wider in some soil conditions, for example in soil which is soft or has a high water table.
It is important to ensure that footings are designed by an engineer who can accurately determine the soil conditions and size of the structure and can design footings which are suitable for the conditions and the loads the structure will experience.
How far below frost line should footings be?
The exact depth of a footing below the frost line will depend on local building codes and the geographic area in which the building is located. Generally, the frost line is determined by the frost penetration depths for a particular area, which can vary from a few inches up to several feet.
Footings should typically extend a minimum of 12 inches below the frost line, but some areas may require footings to be deeper. Installing footings deeper than the frost line helps ensure that the building foundation won’t be damaged from frost heaving.
The best way to find the correct depth to install footings in your area is to contact a licensed contracting professional or local building department and inquire about the specific requirements.
Does a freestanding deck need footings?
Yes, a freestanding deck will generally need footings to ensure adequate stability and to prevent the deck from settling unevenly over time. The type and size of footings required will depend on the type of soil, the size of the deck, and the loads that the deck will be supporting.
For smaller decks, concrete pier blocks may be used, but larger decks typically require deeper footings dug into the ground and concrete poured into the holes. Footings should be constructed at least a few inches wider than the post that will be placed on them, and should also be placed below the frost line so they don’t move when the soil below it freezes.
Should you put gravel under deck?
Yes, you should put gravel under a deck to provide a stable foundation. The gravel will distribute the weight of the deck evenly and also provide drainage to prevent water from pooling underneath and helping to reduce the risk of corrosion or rot to the structure.
Additionally, the gravel will act as a platform for the deck, helping to eliminate any potential trip hazards due to uneven ground and providing a level surface for the deck frame, joists, and boards.
When installing gravel under a deck, it is important to use the correct gravel size and depth. Gravel should be applied at a depth of at least four to six inches and a size of three-quarters of an inch or smaller to prevent any settling or movement of the gravel over time.
How do you support a deck on the ground?
To support a deck on the ground, footings or pilings should be installed in the ground beneath the deck to support the weight of the deck, its occupants, and any furniture or accessories. Once the footings (or pilings) are in place, posts can be connected to them with anchor brackets.
These posts will run from the footings up to the support beams of the deck. Depending on the size and shape of the deck, there will likely be additional support beams, joists, and/or bracing used for stability.
Finally, after everything else is in place, decking should be installed to complete the project.
How do you prepare the ground under a deck?
Preparing the ground under a deck is an important part of the construction process, as it will provide the solid foundation needed to ensure the safety and longevity of the structure. It begins with clearing the area of any existing vegetation and debris.
Then, you should excavate the area to the required depth, typically 8 to 12 inches. Make sure to keep the edges of the excavation square and level. If the underlying soil has poor drainage, add a few inches of gravel to the excavated area to improve drainage.
Compact and level the finer soils, such as clay and topsoil, until you are left with a layer of about 4 inches of compacted soil. Lastly, fill the excavated area with a layer of crushed stone or gravel, spread to an even depth, and compact until it’s level and firm.
This will provide the necessary stability and drainage for the deck. If there are any freeze-thaw cycles in your area, you may want to add a layer of frost cloth to further protect the deck from shifting due to freeze-thaw cycles.
Once complete, you can then begin the construction process.
