What are the Best Footings for a Deck?
There are a few options for deck footing, but some are better than others. One constant for each deck footing option is the use of a concrete foundation. Concrete provides a solid, durable foundation for your deck and will last a long time. But if concrete is utilized for each deck footing type, what’s the difference, and what makes for the best footing for a deck? We’re glad you asked.
In this blog, we’ll discuss the 5 common types of deck footing, and the one option that stands above the rest. Keep reading to learn more!
5 Types of Deck Footings
There are 5 types of deck footings typically used, each with its own unique set of advantages (and disadvantages). Let’s discover these 5 types of deck footings and what you can expect from each:
One of the most common footing types is a concrete footing poured on-site. The concrete is mixed and poured directly onto your job site. The big advantage of this footing type is that it can be customized to any size or shape you need. This provides greater flexibility for your deck design.
Advantages:
- Stronger, more durable, and more customizable than some options.
Disadvantages:
- More expensive than standard precast piers and includes a lengthy curing time.
Buried post footings are most often used for decks that will have a low profile or be close to the ground. With this type of footing, concrete is poured around a buried post that extends above ground level. The posts are typically made from wood but can also be made from steel or composite materials.
Advantages:
- Easy to install and can be used for low-profile decks.
Disadvantages:
- Not as strong as other footing types and will start to experience wood rot within 15 years due to wood-to-ground contact.
A newer type of footing, screw, or helical piles are driven into the ground until they reach a solid soil layer. These piles are then used to support the deck structure. This type of footing is most often used in areas where traditional footings would be difficult to install, such as on steep slopes or next to fragile structures.
Advantages:
- Easy to install and can be used in difficult terrains.
Disadvantages:
- More expensive and not as strong as other footing options.
One of the simplest and most affordable footing types, deck blocks are small precast concrete piers that support the weight of your deck on top of them. Deck blocks are typically placed at regular intervals around the perimeter of your deck. They are easy to install, but not as strong as some other footing types.
Advantages:
- Inexpensive and easy to install.
Disadvantages:
- Not as strong as other options and limited to smaller decks.
One of the most common footing types, precast concrete piers, are poured and cured off-site and then transported to your deck build location. They are typically circular or square in shape and made from concrete with a steel reinforcement bar (rebar) running through the middle. This design gives precast concrete piers both the strength of concrete and the reinforcement of steel.
Advantages:
- Easy to install and the stronger than all other deck footing options.
Disadvantages:
- A bigger investment than some other deck footing options.
The Best Footing for a Deck: Precast Concrete Deck Post Footings
So, what’s the best footing for a deck? Precast concrete deck post footings from Midwest Perma Columns, of course! Call us biased, but we have the facts to back it up.
Since the wood is set above ground, you will never need to worry about wood rot due to wood-to-ground contact. This means no more costly warranties for all you contractors! Plus, the installation process is as easy as a standard wood post installation.
Contact Midwest Perma Columns for the Best Deck Footings on the Market
For the best deck footings on the market, look no further than Midwest Perma Columns. Our precast concrete deck post footings are the strongest and most durable option on the market, and our team is passionate about providing the best products and services to our customers.
Save time and money when choosing precast concrete deck post footings from Midwest Perma Columns. Contact us today to learn more!
