Make your outdoor space last for deck-ades
Deck blocks and post anchors with base plates are DIY options.
Ground screws or helical piles require professional installation.
Digging is often necessary for tall or large decks to ensure stability.
Soil type and weather conditions in your area impact what type of footing to use.
Always check local building codes before choosing your deck footing type.
Whether you’re building a new deck or adding to your current setup, you may wonder if you can create deck footings without digging. While most methods of anchoring a deck involve digging, you can use deck blocks, post anchors with base plates, or a helical pile system. The type of footing you should use depends on your climate and local building code. Learn about deck footings without digging and how to choose the right option for your situation.
Yes, you can secure deck footings with deck blocks, post anchors with base plates, or ground screws, also called a helical pile system. The deck footing type must meet your local building code, which depends on your area's soil and weather conditions. No matter your municipality's guidelines, a taller or larger deck may require digging for your footings.
How do you build a deck without digging footings? By using one of these three alternative types of deck footings: deck blocks, post anchors with base plates, or a helical pile system. Always check your local code to ensure you meet building requirements for your location and climate. There may be specific guidelines for footing depth based on the size and height of your deck. If you live in a cold climate or an area that experiences earthquakes and high winds, you may need to use deck footings that are below ground.
| Deck Blocks | Post Anchors With Base Plates | Ground Screw/Helical Pile System |
|---|---|---|
| Easy to install | Easy to install | Requires professional installation |
| Great for decks low to the ground | Can support decks up to 8 feet tall | Can support most deck sizes and heights |
| Relatively affordable | Relatively affordable | Can be expensive to install |
| Unstable in high winds and earthquakes | Unstable in high winds and earthquakes | Stable in almost all weather conditions |
Deck blocks are precast concrete blocks with an indented area on top to hold a wooden beam or post. To install deck blocks, you or a pro can place the blocks on a level surface, such as a concrete pad. Then, you’ll attach the posts to the deck blocks with heavy-duty hardware to create a secure foundation.
Deck blocks are a solid DIY option and best for ground-level decks not attached to a house. Check if deck blocks meet local codes in your area and climate.
Easy to install
Relatively affordable
No digging required
Can be moved
Unaffected by frost and protects deck posts from rotting
Great for decks low to the ground
May not be stable enough for large or tall decks
May require more posts for stability
Not compatible with unpredictable soil conditions
Cannot hold heavy loads
May not meet local building code
Unstable in high winds and earthquakes
Should not be attached to a home
Requires a concrete slab or level area of compacted gravel
A post anchor with a base plate is a metal bracket that holds a deck post and has flanges that reach deep into the ground. You or a pro can pound the base plate into the soil using a jackhammer. Then, you’ll insert the post into the bracket and screw it in place.
Post anchors with base plates are DIY-friendly and a relatively affordable option. But make sure they can support the size and height of your deck. You’ll also need to see if they are permitted in your area and climate.
Easy to install
Protects deck posts from rotting
No digging required
Easier to build upon than deck blocks
Ties into the ground for extra stability
Can support decks up to 8 feet tall
May require more posts for stability
Unstable in high winds and earthquakes
Should not be attached to the home
Requires use of a jackhammer to ensure proper soil compaction
A ground screw or helical pile system involves screwing a steel shaft into the ground with a hydraulic motor or machine. The deep screw system anchors the deck’s foundation into the ground. With the right machinery, these footings are incredibly sturdy and quick to install. They require a professional and are more expensive than other deck footing options.
No drying or curing time
Works well with most soil types and climates
Extremely durable and reliable
No digging required
High installation and material costs
Requires professional installation
Digging holes for deck posts is arduous but might be required depending on your deck's size, height, and local building requirements. When choosing deck footings, consider a few key factors to ensure your deck meets the code and stands the test of time.
Check your local building guidelines before starting the project to see what’s allowed in your area. If your location is prone to hurricanes, earthquakes, high winds, or other severe weather conditions, you may only have one or two options for deck footings.
Wet or sandy soil is less stable than dry ground. Rocky mountain soil is more challenging to dig into. Consider the soil type on your property and consult a deck building pro if you’re unsure what type of footing to use.
If you’re on a steep slope, you must create a level and solid footing to provide a stable deck foundation.
You can't use deck blocks or post anchors if you attach the deck to your home. But if it's a freestanding deck, ensure your foundation is solid and not prone to shifting in weather conditions.
A large deck requires a stronger foundation than a small one. A tall deck also requires stable footings, often ones that require digging.
You can build a deck yourself if you have carpentry and concrete experience and the right tools. However, hiring a local deck builder can save you several days or weeks of labor-intensive work and ensure you meet local building codes (not to mention a pro can give you a rock-solid deck that lasts for decades). Building a deck can be strenuous work, so hiring a pro can reduce your risk of injury, too. The cost to build a deck falls around $8,100 on average but ranges from $4,400 to $12,400.
You do not have to dig footers for a deck as long as it meets local code and holds up to weather in your area. If you live somewhere that experiences high winds and earthquakes, you may need to dig for your deck posts. Deck blocks, post anchors with base plates, and helical pile systems are the three no-dig deck post options you can choose from if local code permits.
Yes, you can use deck pier blocks instead of footings if they meet your local building code. Deck blocks are great for smaller decks or decks that sit low to the ground. If you live in an area with high winds, earthquakes, or hurricanes, you may be unable to use deck pier blocks. Always check your local code before beginning your deck-building project.
