FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

pouring footer in sections

naphelge | Posted in General Discussion on June 12, 2022 10:52am

I have a 24″W x 48″D x 30’L footer to mix and pour this summer. Because I am mixing the concrete myself ( I regulalry do concrete work, albeit smaller projects, and have no issues mixing my own 1-2-3 mix) I am planning to pour the footer in 5 foot sections, twice per week.

I will be laying 3-4 horizonal rows of rebar supported by 2-3 vertical sections, including an ~18″ overlap between sections. 

Any suggestions or advice to help make things go as smooth as possible with a multi-pour footer would be appreciated. Thks.

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. User avater
    unclemike42 | Jun 12, 2022 11:20am | #1

    Seems like a footer of this size would be in response to some specific engineering.

    Consult with the engineer on suitability and specifics for a multi-pour installation.

    1. naphelge | Jun 12, 2022 02:18pm | #2

      No engineering, except my tendency to over-engineer my own projects. The footer needs to be 48"D to get below the frost line here in Northern Minnestota. Local code specifies 18" as a minimum footer width, so I am just going a little above and beyond with a 24"W footer. I am just looking to gauge other peoples' mileage before getting started this week with multi-pour footers based on experience and-or knowledge. I am pretty sure I remember reading that multi-pour footers in commerical applications is quite common because they are so massive.

      1. greg_e | Jun 16, 2022 09:59am | #5

        An engineer designs a structure to withstand expected loads without wasting material and cost. Overbuilding and overengineering are the opposite of each other. I don't mean offense by this, it's just a pet peeve of mine.

        I have worked on a couple of commercial projects where footings were poured in multiple pours. The engineer was very specific about where the cold joints were placed, and how they were reinforced and waterproofed. Most concrete degredation is caused by rebar rusting and joints in concrete let water in.

        I don't know what concrete costs in your area, for me a truck is about 2000$ What is your time and energy worth? Six days of mixing concrete to save 1000$? I have a concrete mixer attachment for my skid steer and I would still order a truck for an 8 yard pour.

  2. User avater
    unclemike42 | Jun 12, 2022 04:55pm | #3

    A footer is usually at the bottom of a foundation. the width is specified to spread the building weight over more undisturbed earth. Depth to get below frost level. Specification depends on what is above, and the specific soil characteristics.

    https://up.codes/viewer/minnesota/mn-residential-code-2015/chapter/4/foundations#R403

    Thickness of the footing has to be >6 inches, not the full height of the foundation wall.

    The concrete used for footings also needs to be of higher compressive strength than that for walls or floors.

    What are you planning to install over this? Unless this is a 24 inch wide masonry wall, it does not make sense to me.

    But if your heart is set on your plan, make sure the rebar bridges the joint, clean off any loose stuff at the joint, and spray the interface with a bonding agent.

  3. mikemahan3 | Jun 12, 2022 04:56pm | #4

    In my ever so humble opinion you're crazy. You're looking at about 10 yards of concrete. That's a truck load of gravel, a truck load of sand, and at least 60 sacks of cement. You're going to need to shovel that at least once and quite possibly twice or more. I assume you want to mix this yourself because you lack access to the site. You'll have a whole lot of wheelbarrow loads to move. If your time and back aren't worth anything go ahead. I'd just use ready mix and a pump and be done with the whole thing in an hour.

    1. nbco | Jun 18, 2022 07:48pm | #6

      I know, just reading this my shoulders and back started aching. I don't even like mixing .5 yd for a floor patch in a bitch of a basement. Or at least my guys don't. :-)

  4. firedudec56 | Jun 19, 2022 12:45am | #7

    how are you forming the "footer" ?
    48 inch deep for a footer seems more like a retaining wall or a foundation wall and would require some pretty serious framework

    good luck

  5. Tim_William | Jun 19, 2022 02:14pm | #8

    30' is about 5 helical piers at ~$400 per pier installed, and it would take a couple hours. Why kill yourself with all that concrete work? Crazy.

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Affordable Scans, Accurate Plans

Hover's smartphone app offers an easier way to get precise 3D scans.

Featured Video

SawStop's Portable Tablesaw is Bigger and Better Than Before

The 10-in. Jobsite Saw PRO has a wider table, a new dust-control port, and a more versatile fence, along with the same reliable safety mechanism included in all SawStop tablesaws.

Related Stories

  • Podcast Episode 686: Brick Steps, Ground-Source Heat Pumps, and Greenhouses in Nova Scotia
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Efficient HVAC for a New Build
  • Affordable Scans, Accurate Plans
  • FHB Summit 2025 — Design, Build, Business

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers
  • Issue 327 - November 2024
    • Repairing Damaged Walls and Ceilings
    • Plumbing Protection
    • Talking Shop

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data