While the frost line is usually around 40″ deep, it can be as deep as 70″ in some regions of the US. The hole must reach below the frost line to ensure maximum effectiveness. Concrete is extremely strong and able to withstand extreme forces and substantial weights.Ī poured concrete footing is created by digging a hole and pouring concrete into it. Pour Concrete Footing Poured Concrete Deck FootingsĪ poured concrete footing is a good option when building a large deck that sits high up from ground level. Still, each will be effective in the majority of circumstances to ensure your deck’s longevity and functionality. The types of deck footings to be discussed here include:Įach footing type has its advantages and disadvantages. Your deck’s height and overall size will also influence what type of footing will work best for your specific situation. The building codes will need to be consulted to establish the restrictions and expectations in your area. To choose the correct type of deck footings, you will first have to consider whether the deck is attached to the house or a freestanding deck. Generally, half of a deck’s load goes to the ledger board of the house (for an attached deck), and the other half goes to the footings. The importance of deck footings cannot be underestimated because they provide the support needed to ensure the deck will remain standing. This is achieved through techniques such as spraying concrete slabs with compounds that create a film over the concrete that retains water, as well as ponding, where concrete is submerged in water and wrapped in plastic.There are several types of footings available for decks. Ensuring that the concrete is damp can increase the strength of the concrete during the early stages of curing.

It typically takes concrete around four weeks to reach over 90% of its final strength, and the strengthening can continue for up to three years. The process of concrete hardening once it has been placed is called curing, and is a slow process. Alternatively, in some factory settings, concrete is mixed into dryer forms to manufacture precast concrete products such as concrete walls. Some concretes are even designed to harden more quickly for applications that require rapid set time. Production of concrete is time-sensitive, and the concrete must be placed before it hardens since it is usually prepared as a viscous fluid. It involves mixing water, aggregate, cement, and any desired additives. Proper mixing is essential for the production of strong, uniform concrete. While there are many types of cement, Portland cement is the most commonly used cement, and is an ingredient in concrete, mortar, and plasters.Ĭoncrete can be purchased in multiple forms, including in 60 or 80-pound bags, or delivered in large amounts by specialized concrete mixer trucks. Cement is a substance that is used to bind materials, such as aggregate, by adhering to said materials, then hardening over time.

Hole, Column, or Round Footings Diameter (d)Ĭircular Slab or Tube Outer Diameter (d 1)Ĭoncrete is a material comprised of a number of coarse aggregates (particulate materials such as sand, gravel, crushed stone, and slag) bonded with cement. Slabs, Square Footings, or Walls Length (l) Purchasing slightly more concrete than the estimated result can reduce the probability of having insufficient concrete. The Concrete Calculator estimates the volume and weight of concrete necessary to cover a given area. Home / other / concrete calculator Concrete Calculator

Precast concrete deck blocks