Footings might not be very glamorous, but the reality is the quality of the work above doesn’t matter all that much if the footings below fail. When footings fail the results can be truly catastrophic. Code tells you what to do. The articles below tell you how.
Contractor Mike Guertin covers everything from soil issues, proper mix and tough sites in this deep-diving article. Deck Footings Done Right
This article specifically takes on the steps needed to install concrete piers for a deck. A Solid Deck Begins with Concrete Piers
Speaking of piers, check out this expert builder’s answer to a frost vs. pier foundation question. Frost vs. Pier Foundation
This article is a Member Only piece, but it shows why joining is so worth it. Learn how to find the exact spots to put footings. Laying Out Deck Footings
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START WITH A GOOD HOLE Building codes cover most of the basics about footing size, frost depth, and the bearing capacity of soil and concrete. Codes don’t, however, tell how to dig a proper footing hole. A good hole is smooth, straight, and flat-bottomed; includes a footing form; and avoids the pitfalls below.
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