I’m replacing a deck and need to install concrete footers which per my building code need to be 13″ square or 15″ diameter round and at least 6″ high. I’m setting the footers at 30″ below grade and want to come up to grade with a 10″ sonotube column that the posts attach to. The problem is the smallest molds I can find are 22″ (Redibase, SquareFoot) and digging a 22″ dia hole just to get that mold into it would probably require a mini-loader with a larger auger attachment compared to digging by hand or getting a smaller 1 or 2 man auger. Any suggestions for the best solution would be appreciated such as sources for smaller molds or diy mold ideas?
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Replies
Why not dig your hole to accommodate 13” sq footer?
Or this not cheap alternative:
https://www.finehomebuilding.com/project-guides/decks/time-consider-helical-pile-footings
Thanks. What I not able to find is a small footer form. They all seem to be 22"+.
Make the form for your 13” square footing.
If in clay, dig the footing hole square, correct depth and you pour……self forming.
Or
http://carrollsupply.com/pd11951/sonoco-sonotube-concrete-forms-tube-base
There might be the right combo for your specs.
Helicoil if you’ve got the money
Why form the footing?
As Calvin said, dig the bottom 8-12" of the excavation by hand, to the size required by local code. Mix and place the concrete in that hole WITHOUT a form. Be sure to slightly mist in soil just ahead of placing the concrete.
Constructing the piers is a simple matter - cardboard concrete form tubes can be found at your nearest Lowes or Home Depot or a good building supply house. Apply some construction adhesive to the bottom edge of the tube. Stick it onto the footing, allow time for the adhesive to set, then evenly backfill around the tube. The purpose of the adhesive is primarily to seal the connection to the footing to prevent backfill soil from sneaking underneath. Once secure, you could backfill up to the final depth. Be sure to check alignment before installing the tubes.
Protect the the pier form(s) from rain if you're not placing concrete right away.
You could do it in one shot by connecting the tube form to a product like BigFoot (https://www.bigfootsystems.com/index.htm). Set the assembled form(s) into the hole(s), check alignment, backfill part way, double check the alignment, finish the backfill. Protect from rain/water until the concrete is placed.
Very simple project with a bit of labor required.