Quick Answer: How Deep Should Post Holes Be For A Deck?

How deep should decking footings be

Deck footings need to be dug below the frost line.

Make sure the bottoms and sides of the holes are compact and solid before pouring your concrete.

You can dig the footings 6″ deeper than the frost line..

Is 2 feet deep enough for fence posts

The minimum depth that you should dig your fence post holes for panel sections is 2 feet. A general formula is to dig the holes one-third to one-half of the post’s aboveground height. The deeper you dig the holes, the more stability your fence has, but you must also purchase longer posts.

How far in the ground should a deck post be

How Deep to Dig in Posts. Dig posts or footings to local code requirements or at least six inches below the frost line. Always backfill under posts or footings with gravel for proper drainage.

Can I use 4×4 posts for my deck

In the past, many decks were built with 4×4 support posts (also called structural posts). But these can bow seriously, even if a deck is only 3 feet off the ground. For that reason, we strongly recommend that you use 6x6s instead, even if your building department does not demand them.

Can I build a deck directly on the ground

Floating decks can be set directly on the ground or, preferably, a bed of gravel. But it’s best to support the deck on concrete blocks. This keeps the wood off the ground and away from moisture so the wood stays drier and lasts longer.

Why deck posts should not be set in concrete

When concrete is poured around a deck post in this way, the post will rot due to moisture buildup by the soil. … Concrete tends to absorb moisture and wood expands when it gets wet, so these two factors combined will result in the wood breaking the concrete.

Will wooden posts rot in concrete

Simply setting the posts in concrete does create a condition that will accelerate rot in the bottom of the posts. With pressure-treated posts, the rot will be slow. … First, the posts should be set on top of a bed of coarse gravel 3 to 6 inches deep, so the base of the post is in contact with the gravel.

How many footings do I need for a 12×16 deck

four footingsA standard deck will need four footings parallel to the house, but they will need to be temporarily braced by 6 inch-by-6 inch posts. Using doubled boards, you will then need to build beams on the top row of the posts to frame the edges of the deck.

Should I use 4×4 or 6×6 deck posts

4×4 post will be fine. I have built many decks for new homes with them. 6×6 is more sturdy of course and will not twist as easy, but for structure purposes, 4×4 will be fine.

How tall can you make a privacy fence

between 6 and 8 feet tallIf your fence is mainly decorative then the height is not a concern. However, if you desire to add privacy to your yard then your fence will need to be tall enough to block out neighbors’ views. Privacy fences are usually between 6 and 8 feet tall. Fence height is also important if you are seeking to contain dogs.

Should deck posts be in the ground

Elevated decks will require decking posts sinking into the ground. This is no easy task and can be back breaking, especially if you have lots of holes to dig.

How deep should a post hole be for a 6 foot fence

The depth of the hole should be 1/3-1/2 the post height above ground (i.e., a 6-foot tall fence would require a hole depth of at least 2 feet). Add about 6 inches of QUIKRETE All-Purpose Gravel into the bottom of the hole. Then compact and level the gravel using a post or 2×4.

How many bags of concrete do I need for a post hole

Mix two 50lb bags of concrete with water in a mixing tub or 5-gallon bucket. Add concrete into the hole and around the 4” x 4”. Depending on your climate, let concrete set up for 24 – 48 hours.

How long will pressure treated posts last in the ground

3) A deck built with pressure treated wood will last a long time. Promotional literature promises lifelong performance for pressure treated wood. The Forest Products Laboratory and other research groups have shown that treated wood stakes placed in the ground for more than 40 years remain rot-free.