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Types of Deck Footings

Lowe's Editorial Team

By Lowe's Editorial Team
Published January 30, 2025

Before building a deck, choosing the right footing is essential. The deck footing serves as a solid foundation that supports the entire structure. With this guide, you’ll gain the knowledge needed to make an informed decision about the various available deck footings.

What is Deck Footing

Before we explore the types of deck footings, let's first define what deck footings are. They are structural elements buried in the ground that support the posts holding up your deck. They spread the deck's weight over a larger area, preventing sinking and uplifting issues that can arise from freeze-thaw cycles and other environmental factors.

Tip

Local building codes may specify the type of deck footings for your area, as well as the required depth for the footings.

Types of Deck Footings

When building a deck, there are several footing options to consider, each with its advantages. Below are the main types of deck footings to help you choose the right one for your project.

Concrete Footings for Deck

These are popular because these decks are extremely strong and last a long time. You can pick from two kinds:

  • Poured Concrete Footings: This method involves digging a hole in a special box shape made of cardboard or wood. Once you have dug a hole at the appropriate depth, fill it with wet concrete. You can place a metal bracket on top when it dries to hold the deck post.
  • Precast Concrete Footings: A simpler alternative, these footings are bought pre-made and require you to dig a hole just deep enough to set the footing in. They generally come with a central metal bracket to hold the deck post.


Caution
Ensure you are wearing safety gloves when handling the concrete mix, as it can cause skin irritation and chemical burns.  

Buried Deck Post Footings

Buried deck post footings are very similar to concrete footings but don’t require as much labor as the previous one. This footing is specifically designed to support deck posts and follow a similar process where you dig a hole and pour concrete into it when at an appropriate depth. Once the concrete has been poured, secure a pressure-treated wooden post to it. 

Helical Piers

Helical piers are a strong alternative for decks constructed on unstable soil. These long, screw-like posts get drilled deep into the ground until stable soil is reached; they provide outstanding support.

Deck Piers vs Footings

You might come across the terms ‘deck piers’ and ‘footings’ when exploring options. Though they serve a similar purpose, there are some important differences that can affect which one is better for your project.

Deck Piers:

These are large concrete structures that go deeper into the ground compared to regular footings. Because they extend further down, they can reach a more stable soil base and can provide stronger support for your deck. This makes them a good choice for bigger decks or those with multiple levels, where more weight needs to be supported. They're especially useful if the ground where you're building is uneven or soft.

Footings:

Regular footings are usually smaller and don’t go as deep into the soil as piers. They are made to support deck posts and keep your deck steady, but they may not provide as much strength for heavier decks or those built on challenging ground. Footings work well for smaller decks or when the soil is firm and stable.

Choosing the Right Type of Deck Footing

Choosing the right type of deck footing is important for the safety and longevity of your deck. Each type has its benefits, so consider your deck's size, weight and soil conditions when making your decision.

  • Soil Type: Asses the type of soil your deck will be on. Soft soils such as clay can’t support heavy weight without wide footing holes. For soft soil, buried post footings work best. In contrast, hard soil can easily support the foundation of your deck. Helical piers work best on hard soil as they screw into the ground.
  • Deck Size and Weight: Larger, heavier decks demand stronger footings.
  • Weather Conditions: Areas with frequent freeze-thaw cycles benefit from deeper footings like piers.
  • Accessibility for Maintenance: Footings should be chosen and installed with future inspections and maintenance in mind.