Building a deck without burying posts starts by planning the size and shape of the deck. Before starting construction, measure the height of the ground, and bear in mind any drainage or slopes around the proposed area that might affect the support posts.
Once the measurements and layout of the deck have been established, the deck can be built using a combination of concrete and metal post support systems.
When using concrete to support the deck, a concrete footing should be created and sunk into the ground roughly 30cm deep. The metal posts can then be set into the concrete footing and secured with metal rebar as an anchor.
The footing should be spread out to bear the load of the deck over a wider area, ensuring that the structure is secure.
The joists of the deck should then be fastened to the posts and secured to the concrete anchors with metal baskets, or other appropriate fittings. Once the deck is in place, it should be covered in a waterproof decking membrane and sealed to prevent water getting in and rotting the wood.
Finally, the top of the deck should then be covered with a non-slip surfactant such as paint or stain.
By following these steps, you will be able create a secure, attractive and safe deck without needing to bury posts.
Can you bury a concrete deck block?
Yes, you can bury a concrete deck block. Bury it no more than 8 inches in the ground, and keep in mind that concrete deck blocks should only be used for decks that are no more than 12 inches above grade.
Make sure there is a good base of soil in the area, as the blocks need to be buried in soil that is free of debris and will not easily erode, and not over hard-packed soil. When preparing the site, create a level surface and cut away any grass.
To provide proper drainage, use a few inches of gravel beneath the block and keep these blocks at least two feet away from any structures. Once the blocks are placed, fill in the area around the blocks with soil and tamp it down.
After you are finished, allow the blocks to settle for at least a week before you begin building.
Do deck footings need to be above ground?
No, deck footings do not necessarily need to be above ground, but it depends on the size and span of the deck. Footings that are not above ground are known as “pier” footings, and are often used for decks that are small or don’t span a large area.
A pier footing is typically a cylindrical concrete column that is sunk into the ground and topped with a bracket for attaching the beams that support the deck. These footings can provide great stability, though the depth and width of the pier must be adjusted based on the pressure from the deck.
For larger decks, footings that are above ground are recommended. These footings are often mounted on precast concrete pillars, also known as grade beams. The grade beam will normally consist of a beam of reinforcement and a concrete base, and can typically be up to 18” in width and 36” in height depending on the region and deck requirements.
In addition to being properly sized and installed, it is also important to ensure that all footings are placed below the frost line. In areas with freezing temperatures this helps to keep the footings protected from the frost heaves that often occur when excessive moisture gets into the soil.
Taking all of this into account is important to ensure the longevity of the deck and keep it safely structurally sound.
Should a deck post be buried in concrete?
When deciding whether to bury a deck post in concrete, it is important to consider the structure of the deck, location, purpose, and materials. Burying a post in concrete can provide good support and stability for a deck, especially if it is located in an area with a lot of wind or precipitation.
For a deck structure to benefit from a post buried in concrete, the post should be of a large size and weight, such as 4x4s or 6x6s. Concrete is strong and durable, making it an ideal material for a deck post that is taking a lot of weight and pressure.
This is especially true for second-story decks, or decks with a significant height, as they will be holding more weight than a lower-level deck.
Following the correct installation and maintenance instructions is also important. When burying a post in concrete, a steel or wooden post should be used, as they do not rot or rust. The post should also be properly secured in the ground, using stakes or other appropriate anchors.
It is also important to use the right mix of concrete, with the correct wetness and setting time.
In conclusion, if a large, sturdy post is needed to support a deck structure, then burying that post in concrete may be a good solution. Following the correct installation and maintenance instructions is important for well-sustainable deck structures.
In rainy or windy regions, a buried post may be necessary for adequate support and stability for the deck structure.
How deep does a deck footing need to be?
The depth of a deck footing varies depending on the soil type, climate, size of the footing, and structure being built. Generally, it’s recommended to have the footings at least 12″ deep in cold temperatures and as much as 18″ deep in warmer climates.
In higher load areas such as stairs, double railings or heavy shelter structures, it is recommended that the footings be even deeper, at 24″ or more. When using concrete footings, a minimum of 6″ below the frost line is recommended.
Regular soil typically requires the footings to be 16-24″ below grade. Clay soil requires a deeper footing, typically 36″ below grade. Also, if the soil type is unknown, it’s best to err on the side of caution and set your footings at 24-36″ below grade.
It is also important to consult a professional to make sure the footing is adequate for the structure you want to create.
Can you put a deck directly on the ground?
No, you should not put a deck directly on the ground. This is because the ground is not a stable nor consistent surface, which can lead to sagging and/or uneven footing. Additionally, the wood on the boards can rot or become termite-ridden when in contact with the dirt or mud over an extended period of time.
When building a deck, it is best to lay a layer of gravel or crushed stone down first to add stability and set the posts in concrete footings which extend a minimum of 12” down into the ground. This will provide a stable and level platform for the deck and will prevent decay as moisture is prevented from leeching up into the boards.
If you don’t want to use concrete to set the footings, you can use specially designed deck blocks that have sets of pre-drilled holes for the posts and can be secured to the ground with reinforced spikes.
These blocks are designed to support the deck frame, however it is best to use them along with a composite board to provide additional stability.
Where do you place footings on a deck?
The placement of deck footings is an important factor in ensuring the stability of the structure. In general, deck footings should be placed at least one foot away from the home and roughly one foot away from any other structures, such as a fence or sheds.
It is important to ensure that the footings are placed at least one foot away from the house to prevent settlement from impacting the house’s foundation.
Footings should be placed in an evenly spaced grid pattern, at least one foot apart from one another, to ensure the deck is level and evenly supported. The thickness of the footings should be based on the weight that the deck is expected to bear.
For example, a deck that is expected to support a hot tub may require heavier footings than a deck with light furniture. Additionally, you should consider the type of soil and local building codes when determining how deep the footings should be.
It is also important to ensure the footings are level to prevent the deck from swaying when it is in use. Using a level to check the footing placement before pouring the concrete is crucial. For added stability, deck support posts should be attached to the footings.
These posts should also be placed at least one foot away from the house and in strategic locations to provide a strong support base.
Overall, proper placement of deck footings is critical for supporting the structure and chosen deck materials, and for withstanding the elements. Professional deck contractors ensure the safety of their clients’ projects by following all necessary regulations and paying attention to detail.
Can a deck be built without footings?
Yes, a deck can be built without footings, but with certain caveats. The first caveat is that the deck must be constructed on level, solid ground, and the area underneath the deck must be well-drained.
Any water that accumulates beneath the deck can quickly lead to rot and decay. The second caveat is that the deck must be able to support its own weight without the need of footings. This means that the deck must be built out of strong, durable materials such as cedar, redwood, pressure-treated lumber, or composite deck materials.
Additionally, any deck posts supporting the deck must be firmly secured with galvanized post anchors, and the beam supporting the joists must be adequately supported with joist hangers. Finally, if the deck is more than two feet above the ground, it will require railing for safety and stability.
Ultimately, building a deck without footings can be done, provided that these caveats are taken into consideration.
Do you need posts for a deck?
Yes, posts are typically required when building a deck. Posts provide support to the structure, helping to keep it level and sturdy. They serve as anchor points to attach other components, such as railings and the deck itself.
Posts come in varying sizes and materials, so it is important to consider the type of deck you are building and the purpose it will serve before purchasing posts. For example, if your deck will be used to support a weighty hot tub, you will need sturdier posts than for a small gathering/sitting area.
Additionally, building codes often govern what size and type of posts need to be used, so it is important to check with local regulations.
Do freestanding decks need footings?
Yes, freestanding decks do need footings. Footings are used to transfer the deck’s weight and load down to the ground, providing stability and preventing sinking. Deck footings should always be below the frost line in most areas of the country.
The minimum size of the footing depends on the size and weight of the deck, but 12” x 12” should usually be adequate. Ideally, the footings should be set in concrete and reinforced with rebar to maximize stability.
Additionally, some municipality codes require a permit and inspection of the footings. It’s important to do the footings correctly and follow local ordinances to ensure a safe and stable deck.
When building a deck How deep should the posts be?
When building a deck, it is important to make sure the posts are installed to the proper depth for maximum stability. The general rule of thumb for determining how deep the posts should be is to measure from the top of the footing pads to the final grade of the property, and then add at least an additional 12 to 18 inches of depth.
This will ensure the posts are buried far enough to provide sufficient support. In addition, the soil should be compacted after the post is installed in order to give it extra strength and stability.
How many footers do I need for my deck?
The number of footers you need for your deck will depend on several factors, including the size, shape, and weight of the entire structure. Generally speaking, residential decks require at least one footer to provide adequate support and distribute the load evenly.
To determine the exact number of footers your deck will need, you will need to consult a professional engineer. Depending on the size and shape of your deck, you may need multiple footers to provide adequate support in all areas of the structure.
A professional engineer can help you assess the exact number of footers you will need for your deck, calculate the appropriate size and spacing for each footer, and incorporate any other necessary features to ensure your deck is safe and secure.
What is the anchor to use in concrete block?
The anchor that is used with concrete block is dependent on the task that needs to be accomplished. If you are looking to provide an anchoring point for a pull-out or tensile force, the most common type of anchor is an expansion anchor.
Expansion anchors consist of sleeves, hooks, and springs that can be inserted into predrilled holes on the concrete block, allowing them to be tightened with a fastener. Other anchors that can be used in concrete block include sleeve anchors, which consist of a threaded bolt and expansion clip, and wedge anchors, which are designed to provide a secure hold in concrete, masonry, and other hard surfaces.
