Don’t Cut Corners By DIYing Your Deck Footings – Hire a Professional To Do It Right

Building a deck is a significant investment, and it’s something you want to enjoy for years to come. But the most beautiful deck in the world will be a disaster if it’s not built on a solid foundation. And that foundation starts with properly installed deck footings.

Don’t even think about cutting corners here! this is one area where DIY can lead to serious (and expensive) problems down the road.

Deck Footings – Why They’re Kind of a Big Deal

Your deck footings are the unsung heroes of your outdoor living space. They’re the usually concrete piers that support the entire weight of your deck, including the structure, the furniture, and the people on it. If the footings aren’t done right, you’re risking:

• An Unstable and Wobbly Deck: Footings that are too shallow, too small, or improperly spaced can cause your deck to shift, wobble, or even collapse.
• Premature Deck Failure: Uneven settling or movement due to inadequate footings can put stress on the deck structure, leading to cracked boards, loose railings, and other damage.
• Safety Hazards: An unstable deck is a serious safety hazard, posing a risk of injury to you, your family, and your guests.
• Code Violations: Building codes specify requirements for deck footings (depth, size, spacing) to ensure safety and structural integrity. Failing to meet these codes can lead to fines and even legal problems.
• Costly Repairs: Fixing problems caused by inadequate footings can be extremely expensive, often requiring you to tear down and rebuild part or all of the deck.

DIY Deck Footings – Tempting, But Treacherous

You might be tempted to save money by digging the holes and pouring the concrete yourself. But in reality, it is a terrible idea that might ruin your property before you even start. Here are some reasons why it is often a bad idea:

• Knowing the Local Codes: Building codes for deck footings vary by location and are often quite specific. Do you know the required depth, diameter, and spacing for your area or the frost line depth? Do you need a permit?
• Understanding Soil Conditions: The type of soil on your property (clay, sand, loam, rock) will affect the design and installation of the footings. Do you know how to assess the soil and choose the right footing type?
• Mixing and Pouring Concrete Properly: Concrete needs to be mixed to the correct consistency and poured properly to achieve its full strength. Do you have experience working with concrete?
• Ensuring Level and Alignment: The footings must be perfectly level and aligned to ensure the deck is stable and square. This requires precision and the right tools.
• Dealing with Obstacles: What happens if you hit a rock, a tree root, or an underground utility line while digging? Do you have the tools and expertise to handle these situations?
• Physical Labor: Digging holes, especially deep ones, is hard work. Are you physically prepared for the challenge?

The Pro Advantage – Why Hiring Experts Pays Off

Hiring a professional for your deck footing installation might seem like an extra expense. But in reality, you are investing in the long-term safety, stability, and value of your deck. Here’s what you get:

• Code Compliance: Professionals know the local building codes and will ensure your footings are installed correctly.
• Expertise and Experience: They have the knowledge, skills, and experience to handle any challenges that might arise.
• Proper Equipment: They have the right tools for the job, including power augers, concrete mixers, and leveling equipment.
• Time Savings: They can get the job done quickly and efficiently, saving you valuable time and effort.
• Peace of Mind: You can rest assured that your deck footings are installed correctly, providing a solid foundation for your outdoor living space.
• Warranty: It comes with a warranty.

Don’t risk the safety and longevity of your deck by cutting corners on the footings. Hiring a professional is the smart choice, ensuring your deck is built on a solid foundation that will last for years to come.

Deck Footing Details – What the Pros Get Right

If a professional takes care of your deck, it doesn’t mean your job there is done. You need to look for certain things while your contractors do your job. These details are discussed as follows and are defining traits of experts:

• Proper depth
• Correct diameter
• Proper spacing
• Use of concrete
• Reinforcement (if needed)
• Proper anchoring of posts
• inspection

Proper Depth – Digging Deep Enough

The depth of your deck footings is critical, especially in areas with freezing temperatures. Footings must be installed below the frost line (the depth to which the ground freezes in winter) to prevent heaving and shifting. The frost line depth varies by location, so your contractor needs to know the local requirements.

Correct Diameter – The Right Size for Stability

The diameter (width) of the footing is also important. It needs to be large enough to support the load of the deck, taking into account the soil type and the spacing of the posts. A wider footing distributes the weight over a larger area, providing more stability.

Proper Spacing – No Sagging Allowed!

Proper spacing is something you will most likely miss if you DIY your project. The size and design of your deck and the local building codes determine the spacing of the footings. Footings that are too far apart can cause the deck to sag or become unstable. Your contractor should follow engineering guidelines and code requirements for proper spacing.

Use of Concrete – The Solid Foundation

In most cases, deck footings should be made of concrete. The concrete provides a solid, stable base for the posts and helps prevent them from rotting or shifting. The concrete should be properly mixed and poured to ensure its strength and durability.

Reinforcement (If Needed) – Added Strength

Expansive clay soils or high wind loads may require adding steel reinforcement (rebar) within the concrete footing for extra strength. Your contractor should know if reinforcement is necessary.

Proper Anchoring of Posts – No Room For Wiggling

Anchoring is also an important step.The deck posts should be securely anchored to the footings. A professional does this by using metal post anchors or by embedding the posts directly into the concrete (depending on local codes and the type of post).

Inspection – The Final Check

In many jurisdictions, a building official must inspect deck footings before the deck construction can proceed. This inspection ensures that the footings meet code requirements and are installed correctly. Don’t skip this step!

Avail of The Most Stable Deck Footing Installation From MSG Post Hole Diggers

What if there was a company that not only makes sure to install the deck correctly but also to build it in the most aesthetically pleasing way possible? MSG Post Hole Diggers is that company; we make sure to incorporate the aesthetics. We have served the industry for more than 20 years, and our experts make sure to leave a smile at the end of the work.

If you want to avail of our services for your property, wait no further. You can contact us by filling out the form at http://msgpostholediggers.ca/contact/ or calling us at 6475350754.