A standard deck will need four footings parallel to the house, but they will need to be temporarily braced by 6 inch-by-6 inch posts. Using doubled boards, you will then need to build beams on the top row of the posts to frame the edges of the deck. These must be topped with adjustable post caps.
How do you calculate deck footings?
To calculate the load, you should use 40lbs per square foot for live loads (these are variable loads that are dynamic such as the weight of people and furniture) and 15 lbs per square foot for dead loads (this is the weight of the materials used for the construction of the deck) for a total load weight of 55 lbs per …
Do all decks need footings?
Large decks that are attached to the house should always have footings because they act to spread the heavy load of the deck from the surface of a support post over a large surface of the soil so the ground can adequately support it. … The footings ensure that the deck will not fall, tip or rot away after a few years.
Can you build a deck without digging holes?
Yes. It’s possible to build a deck without digging holes. This type of deck is called a floating deck, and it sits right on top of the ground without any posts or support areas that you’d dig down into the ground .
Why deck posts should not be set in concrete?
A deck post should always be placed on top of footing, not inside concrete because it can break. … Concrete tends to absorb moisture and wood expands when it gets wet, so these two factors combined will result in the wood breaking the concrete.
How far apart should 6×6 deck posts be?
For Building a Deck Railing, Deck Frame, or Fence
The maximum spacing of 4×4 deck posts should be 6 feet on center, while the maximum spacing of 6×6 deck posts should be 8 feet on center.
What size footings do I need for a 6×6 post?
FOOTINGS: – Poured concrete footings should be a minimum of 8” wider than the posts (4×4 post – 12” min. width, 6×6 post – 14” min. width), a two level deck or deck with roof – 24”x24”. – The bottom of the footings must be a minimum of 36” below finish grade level.
What is the standard footing size?
Footing width can vary according to the structure, site, and conditions. Under code, generally, one-story buildings with footings on undisturbed soil with LBVs between 1,500 and 4,000 should have a minimum width of 12 inches. Two-story buildings require a minimum of 15-inch wide footings for 1,500 LBV soil.
How much does it cost to build a 12×16 deck?
12×16-foot Raised Deck: You could build a 12×16-foot treated-lumber raised deck with stairs, for about $3,100 in materials. Hiring someone to do the work for you brings your total cost to $3,700-$9,500.
Is a 12×12 deck big enough?
A 12×12 deck is the perfect starter size, offering plenty of room for an outdoor furniture set. Enjoy an intimate evening with a friend or a solo night catching up with your favorite author’s latest.
How far can a 2×6 decking span without support?
Decking boards span from joist to joist. If you use 5/4 decking, joists must be no farther apart than 16 inches. Decking made of 2x4s or 2x6s can span up to 24 inches.
How far can a 2×6 span without support?
A 2×6 can support up to 50 pounds per square foot of weight without sagging with a maximum span of about 12 feet when spanning a distance horizontally, with the 2×6 standing in a vertical position. This number includes both live and dead weight.
Can I use 2×6 for deck joists?
2×6 joists should only be used on ground-level decks that do not require, and will not provide for, any guards. … Most decks use 16″ on center spacing for joists. Most decking is not strong enough to support longer spans than 16″.
How many bags of concrete do I need for a 6×6 post?
Most fence post holes will need between 1 – 4 bags of concrete to securely hold the post in place. The best way to determine the size of the hole is: Diameter of the hole is 3 times the width of the fence post. Depth of the hole is one-third to half the above ground height of the fence post.
How do you calculate pier size?
For sizing pier diameters for small foundations, the rule of thumb is “1 inch per foot of span.” Thus, a deck that spans 8 ft. will stand comfortably on 8-in. -diameter piers, while a deck that spans 10 ft. requires 10-in. -diameter piers.
Do deck footings need rebar?
Most deck builders don’t place steel reinforcing rebar in footings, but in areas with expansive or other unstable soils rebar is usually required.
Should deck posts be 4×4 or 6×6?
Deck posts must be a minimum of 4×4 according to the IRC but many jurisdictions require a 6×6 post as a standard. To avoid code violations, many deck builders choose the 6×6 even if the 4×4 is acceptable.
What is code for deck post spacing?
U.S. building code requires support posts for the rail structure to be no further apart than 6 feet on a deck with 4×4′ deck rail posts and no more than 8 feet apart for decks with 6×6′ deck rail posts. Posts should be no further apart than 5.5 feet on stairs.
What size post should I use for a deck?
Deck Post Sizing
Deck posts are usually 4 feet x 4 inches, 6 feet x 6 inches or 8 feet x 8 inches as determined to be appropriate for the expected load.
Will decking posts rot in concrete?
The post will only rot at ground level, it does not matter what you put in the bottom of the hole. A pressure treated post will last around 10 years.
Will treated wood rot in concrete?
Pressure treated wood will eventually rot in concrete….not nearly as quickly as untreated, but it WILL eventually. And any structures lateral strength comes from proper construction, not inserting the support members in concrete….
How long will pressure treated 6×6 last in the ground?
5 Answers. A PT post will last a long time in concrete, maybe 5 to 10 years in soil alone.
Does a deck need posts?
Distance Between Deck Posts
Deck railings are required by the International Residential Code for any deck that is more than 30 inches above the ground. Typically, builders rely on 4-by-4-inch lumber for a good, solid railing material. … Any deck that is 8-by-12 or larger will need a post installed at each of the corners.