Everything You Need to Know About Deck Footings

Deck footings are an essential element that provides the foundation to build the deck. They offer structural support for your joists and boards and support the dead load and live load.

Live Load: Weight of the furniture, individuals, and other things on the deck

Dead Load: Weight of the deck itself, which includes all the materials and accessories such as hardware, railing, and stairs

Resistant and robust footings are vital, especially for elevated decks where you will want to prevent the risk of collapse. Today, you get various options with better functionality and ease of installation.

Here are four types of deck footings commonly used by professional deck builders. However, you need to choose the right one depending on the soil characteristics of your property and other project requirements.

Tube Pier

A tube pier footing consists of a tube buried in the ground and filled with concrete. The diameter of each pier should be precisely the same around the base as it relies on the friction and pressure of the soil, which needs to be equal from all sides.

Bell Pier

As the name suggests, it is in the shape of a bell. The deeper it is installed in the ground, the larger the diameter. It requires a more extensive concrete base, ensuring better live and dead load distribution into the deck footing. Although it has good stability, it needs more concrete material, which makes it more expensive.

Pier and Footing

This is one of the standard deck footing options used by professionals and DIY enthusiasts. It is relatively easy to install but requires hard work to accomplish the job. In the first step, you must pour the base into the ground and level it. Then, the first pier is placed onto the base. You need specialized tools, such as a template for the concrete post, to complete the job.

Helical Piles

These are a time-efficient and environmentally friendly alternative to digging and excavating using traditional methods. Helical piles are ideal for building a safe and robust deck footing system for almost any soil type, including loose soils. They are easily screwed into the ground using a lightweight machine. Original Posthole Diggers is an expert and experienced helical piles installer in Ontario.

Before choosing the right type of deck footing, you need to consider certain factors. Original Posthole Diggers provide complete support at this stage, but it is always wise to have thorough information about what needs to be taken care of in advance. Soil begins to freeze above the frost line, damaging your foundation’s integrity. As a general rule, you must install posts below the frost line to avoid constant expansions and contractions of the wood. The concrete you are using can also contract and expand. Choosing deck footings or posts that do not change the composition is essential.

The size of the footings determines the weight your entire structure can support. If you plan for a larger deck, you will want a solid and robust foundation and frames to bear the weight.

The layout helps you determine the spots ideal for installation. You require proper knowledge of the local building codes and regulations. At Original Posthole Diggers, we provide complete service for deck footings, deck framing, and deck hardware. We ensure you get a strong, beautiful deck designed and built in line with local codes.

It is crucial to obtain the locates before installing the footings. Locates are the ground markings that identify the local utility lines hidden underground. You must contact Ontario One Call to get this free service before starting the project or hiring professional posthole diggers.

Why use helical piles to build a deck?

Helical piles provide a reliable and quick solution and allow you to complete your entire project within a day. It is an ideal option for the long winters of Ontario when the ground freezes and causes a traditional material to expand. They are practical, easy to install, and long-lasting compared to other options.

What are the requirements for installing helical piles for deck footing?

It is best to hire a professional to ensure the successful installation of helical piles. They can help you choose the sizing and recommend the number of piles you need for your project. Before calling the professionals, you need to check for potential underground wires with the free service from Ontario One Call. You must also be cautious about anything else hidden underground on your property.

Are helical piles a better option than concrete for decks?

Helical piles are better than concrete in many ways. Concrete expands and contracts with temperature changes, while steel helical piles do not. In addition, they are easy and fast to install and do not require any particular weather conditions. They do not heave or sink and are installable where the water table is closer to the ground.

Are helical piles suitable for soft soil?

Helical piles are ideal for soft soil. You only need extension bars to enable the helix anchor to reach torque load. The extension bars will allow the pier to get a hard ground to meet the requirements.

Original Posthole Diggers is an industry leader in posthole digging, including deck footings service in Ontario and Canada. We are known for reliable and professional craftsmanship among homeowners and commercial property owners. No matter your vision, you can rest assured when you hire us. Here are some of the benefits of our services:

• We are fully insured and WSIB compliant, with years of experience in the posthole digging industry.
• We ensure every post is set below the frost line to make it resistant to the harsh Canadian winters.
• We offer quick and safe helical pile installation eliminating the need for excavation and cleanup.   
• We value customer satisfaction above everything else and work hard to meet your project requirements and deadlines.
• We make sure your investment stands strong for many years to come.

Contact us or fill out our form to discuss your project requirements. We will reach out to you within 24 hours.