Can a free standing deck touch the house?

The deck floats with the ground. A freestanding deck on footings below the frost level will cost more to build and involve more work but will not float with the seasons. With the deck supported below the frost level. So regardless of how the ground freezes or thaws, the deck will stay consistent with the house.

How deep should footings be for a ground level deck?

According to the main code provision for footings, the only requirement for building a deck that is freestanding is that it must have a minimum footing depth of 12 inches below the undisturbed ground surface. There is no need to extend a footing below the frost line, as is required for standard decks.

How far should a freestanding deck be from the house?

For a deck to be free standing it really must be unattached to any other structure like a house. It can be within 3/4″ to 1″ from the siding or exterior of the house and appear like it is connected to an untrained eye but it is truly freely standing from the house.

Can I build a deck without digging holes?

Yes. It’s possible to build a deck without digging holes. This type of deck is called a floating deck, and it sits right on top of the ground without any posts or support areas that you’d dig down into the ground [to secure].

Can I use deck pier blocks instead of footings?

Pier blocks can be used instead of footings for a ground-level deck not requiring permits. Any decks higher than 24” require concrete piles 10” in diameter and 48” below grade. These footing size requirements are to ensure enough soil bearing to prevent the joist from sinking in the ground.

Can you build a deck not attached to house?

A freestanding deck, simply put, is a deck that isn’t attached to another structure. It can be built right next to a house, almost like it’s attached to it, but it will still be self-supporting.

How far can a 2×6 decking span without support?

Decking boards span from joist to joist. If you use 5/4 decking, joists must be no farther apart than 16 inches. Decking made of 2x4s or 2x6s can span up to 24 inches.

How deep should a 20 foot post be in the ground?

In general, holes should be at least 3 feet deep for posts that extend 8 feet or more above ground level. Posts that extend 6 feet above ground level should have holes at least 2 1/2 feet deep.

How many footing do you need for your deck?

For an attached 12 x 12′ deck, you’ll need at least 3 footings, plus at least 2 more if you’re planning on building stairs with it. If your deck will be a different size, it’s easy to figure out how many you’ll need. Just decide its size and shape, then calculate and measure each element of the design as detailed step-by-step below.

How deep do my footings need to be for a deck?

When solid ground is reached, it is recommended to dig an additional 50mm into the solid ground. Regardless of reaching solid ground before a minimum depth of 600mm, the deck footing should be at 600mm deep (always dig bigger, never smaller). If your engineer has specified a minimum depth, you need to dig to that depth.

Do deck footings need to be spaced evenly?

If you’re building a simple deck, footings and posts should be placed less than 8 feet apart. However, if your deck will include a hot tub or roof, you must support that weight with additional footings.

How deep to dig deck footers?

The depth of the foundation footer largely depends on the frost line for your exact location, the size and height of your deck and the type of supporting structure. For most decks, regulations require an 8-inch diameter hole dug at least 12 inches below grade with 6 inches of the footer above grade.