Deck Footing

[jhamelin819]

Hello, i didn't want to thread jack so i decided to ask the question on here. I am looking to build a ground level deck (or one just under 2 feet) and it will be detached from the house. Maybe around 20x16 or slightly smaller. I want to know what will be the best rout for footings. Anyone have experience with the cheap 50" pylex screw piles? Or is there a better rout for a low detached deck thats not massive in size.

thanks.

[Okotok]

Pre-cast concrete spread footings from a home store will work fine for a floating deck like you describe.

[jhamelin819]

are you talking about simple decking pier blocks?
or below grade blocks?

[Sundancefisher]

Originally Posted by jhamelin819

Hello, i didn't want to thread jack so i decided to ask the question on here. I am looking to build a ground level deck (or one just under 2 feet) and it will be detached from the house. Maybe around 20x16 or slightly smaller. I want to know what will be the best rout for footings. Anyone have experience with the cheap 50" pylex screw piles? Or is there a better rout for a low detached deck thats not massive in size.

thanks.

City made us put additional footings/supports ins. If you need a building Permit be forewarned before starting to make sure you are compliant.

[jhamelin819]

thankfully i dont need a permit, just wondering how bad frost heave is going to effect the footing and what the best rout is.

[Rastus]

I have two decks, one about 2 or 3 feet above ground about 12 by 16 and joining it about 12 by 16 about ground level, well 6 inches above ground, and they are free from taxation and permits because they do not touch the house, about an 1/2 inch away. And they are built on cement blocks above the ground, well sitting on the ground, and have been there for at least 20 years. So find out what your regulations are and build. PS, I love my decks and the maintenance is minimal. All I have heard about the decks is to us decking board, but I find them too hot.

[Okotok]

Originally Posted by jhamelin819

are you talking about simple decking pier blocks?
or below grade blocks?

Yes. Dig away the sod and make sure they are on solid clay. Otherwise, dig down a foot or so to a more solid base and put a 5 gallon bucket of 3/4 crush or so in each hole. Compact it and put the piers on top. Frost heave will not be noticeable in a detached, low deck.

[Redneck 7]

I’ve used those screw piles before on few decks and on a walkout stair from the top deck. They work really good, Easy to adjust if anything settles by chance, just screw them in with a 18” (or bigger) pipe wrench. Just screw them in all the way, leave the top of the pile out 3”.