In his third episode of our six parts series, how to build a deck, we’ll show you how to set the proper footings to support your deck, first steps on design and layout watch the previous episodes in this series at Lowes.com/Videos. There are various methods for constructing footings. For additional information on other types of deck footings, check out the printable instructions for this project at Lowes.com/Videos.
Now on our area, we’ll dig below the pros line and set our post on concrete. Now that requires a manual labor so it’s a good idea to have some assistance. Oliver here is going to help us out. Now remember, if this doesn’t sound like something you want to do, call us. We can install your deck for you.
Now, the tools and materials you’ll need to get started are an earth auger, or posthole digger and spud bar, a shovel, a tape measure, utility knife, landscape fabric, gravel, concrete, wheelbarrow, mortar hoe, water source, your deck post, and post level. You might need some extra lumber for braces. Also, work gloves, safety glasses, and ear protection. You may want to use a back brace. Make sure you have a building permit and follow the building code for your area.
A code may recommend how to construct your footings. They should stake minimum whole diameter and depth. In most cases you let to set the foundation below the pros line.
Now in the previous video, we showed how to layout the deck, now here we’ve already removed the sod and now we are digging the postholes. Now, when it comes to digging you can do a couple of ways. You can use a shovel, posthole digger, and spud bar, or you can use an auger to get the job done.
Now, this machine cans the job easier, but it does require some strength to operate. Use a shovel to get rid of the excess dirt. Now, once you get to the depth required by code move on to the next hole. When all the holes are dug don’t go any further before you check with your building department to see if an inspection is required at this point.
Now, roll out the landscape fabric. Cut openings for the holes and your ready to set the post. Now make sure your posts are long enough to reach the proper height once they’re set in the ground.
Now, if you’re doing a large deck with a lot of post, you might consider having the concrete delivered pre-mixed, but for the smaller job, we’ll mix ours in a wheelbarrow following the manufacturer’s directions, scoop the concrete into the hole to code level. Then use a board to work the concrete eliminating air pockets. Check if the concrete is leveled. When the concrete is set, place the post on the footing, check it’s plump with the post level, use the layout strings to keep the post in line. You can attach temporary braces if needed, and then fill the hole with gravel.
Once the rest of the posts are set, cover the landscape fabric with gravel. Then let the concrete set for few a days to ensure that the footings are solid and strong.
The next step is to attach the beams that will support the decking so more tools and materials you will need to do. This part of the job are your beams, a pencil and square, a chalk line and line level, a circular saw, a drill with bits, two by four for clips, a three pound hammer, a dust mask, carriage bolts, washers and knots, a socket wrench and sockets, screws or nails, some clamps, and reciprocating saw. There are several ways to do this, now our code requires us to use carriage bolts through the beams and posts. For other methods check our printable instructions.
In the previous video of this series, we made a mark on the house that indicated the bottom of the joist. That’s going to help us locate the beams. So, we’ll start by setting the end of the chalk line at the mark while holding it against the post, when it’s leveled snap the line. This is where the top of our beam should line up. Mark all the post these ways, now measure down the width of the beam to make a mark where you’ll attach cleats just use two by the same width as your post and attach with nails or screws.
Now, we’ve already cut our beams to length. Now, they might have a slight arc called the crown. You want to make sure the crown is always up, now place them on the cleats. Use a clamp if you need to, then draw the bolt holes, insert the bolts and tighten. Now, cut the post to length. So, with the foundation set, we’re ready to start framing. To learn how check out the next episode of this series, framing and decking at Lowes.com/Videos.
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