Deck footings

[BruceR]

The required bearing areas of the footings depend on the nature of the soil and the load on each post from the deck. I don’t remember the specifics, but we did the calculations for our deck. What I do remember is that with the snow-load (including what may slide off the roof and/or accumulate from drifting), the design load for the deck was about 300 pounds/square-foot!

[Dogwood]

Thank you Larry and Allen! I will probably go 24 inches deep because that is what I used to do for a bit more stability with a few pieces of rebar in the footing even though it may not be necessary.

[jibwaylarry]

FWIW, If the location of the footings will be exposed to heavy runoff (from roof or sloped lot), consider going deeper than required. I have 3 footings that are over-exposed because of soil loss; I wish they had been set deeper. Next project for when the snow melts. 😉

Larry

[allen]

County code shows a depth of 12 inches below ground and top of pier 6 inches above ground. I wasn’t able to find the diameter or area for a deck pier.

[Dogwood]

Hello, I am thinking about a deck extension and will need a few footings. Does anyone know the minimum depth for frost line? Otherwise I would just dig 2 foot by 1 foot for the footing. Thanks!

[Author]

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