How to Pour a Decking Footer

Mark the deck onto the ground by referring to the deck building plans. Use spray paint or stakes to mark out the edges of the deck area. Mark the locations of the footings based on the location of the posts for the deck.

Review the building code requirements for the deck footings, including the depth, width and shape. Determine if you need additional depth on the hole to accommodate gravel for drainage. The code should require you to dig the footings deeper than the frost line to avoid shifting.

Dig the holes for each footing to the required depth using a post hole digger or a gas-powered auger. Place gravel in the bottom of the hole, if you're using gravel. Otherwise, the dirt at the bottom of the hole should be undisturbed.

Cut a 12-inch builder's tube to the correct length based on the required depth of the footing. Add an extra 2 to 3 inches to the tube so it sticks out of the hole when set into place.

Place the tubes into the holes. Backfill around the tube using dirt you removed so it is secure. Pour concrete into the tubes until they are filled to the top, using a shovel to agitate the concrete to remove air bubbles every 10 inches.

Insert anchor bolts in the concrete before it sets. Leave exposed treads on the bolts to allow for attaching the posts. Allow the concrete to cure fully before proceeding with the deck construction.