Building deck footings. When building decks or other permanent structures, local building
codes typically require the use of concrete footings. Before proceeding with your deck
construction, consult with your local building department to determine the specific footing
requirements for your area. These requirements will include minimum diameter and minimum
depth of the footings. Footings, typically, must extend below the frost line to prevent
shifting during freeze-thaw cycles. Other code requirements may include the minimum
height above ground and the type of deck hardware that must be used. QUIKRETE QUIK-Tube Forms
are the best way to build new concrete footings for deck supports. QUIK-Tubes are available
in four-foot lengths and come in diameters of 6, 8, 10 and 12 inches. These wax-coated
cardboard tubes can be cut to length, to keep specific code requirements, using a handsaw,
and after the concrete is poured, the forms can be leveled in-place. Once you have determined
the minimum footing depth, based on the local building codes, dig the footing holes about
six inches deeper than required and slightly larger than the QUIK-Tube diameter. Then,
fill the bottom of the hole with six inches of QUIKRETE All-Purpose gravel, and compact
the gravel with a 2 x 4 or wood post. Measure and mark the QUIK-Tube for the hole depth,
and use a hand saw to cut the tube to length. Place the QUIK-Tube into the hole, and level
the form. It is best to use the uncut end of the tube for the top of the footing, if
possible. Decks and other permanent structures require deck supports and footings made from
structural-strength concrete mix. QUIKRETE 5000 is recommended for footing applications
because of its heavy-duty 5000 PSI strength. Add the QUIKRETE 5000 Concrete Mix to the
form. After half of the form is filled, consolidate the concrete with a piece of re-bar or a shovel.
This will eliminate voids and air pockets. Continue to add concrete, until the form is
over-filled, slightly. Then, consolidate and level the surface. Immediately after leveling
the surface, align and insert any deck hardware, and then, smooth the surface of the concrete.
Allow the QUIKRETE 5000 to cure for 24 hours before constructing your deck or placing heavy
weight on the footing. If standard QUIKRETE Concrete Mix was used, wait about 3 days to
begin construction.
