How to Build a Deck Foundation
The finest deck foundation is made out of a series of piers, or concrete-filled tube forms, one under each deck post. Each pier’s bottom should be supported by four pillars “crushed stone or washed gravel Keep in mind that the top of this gravel or stone should still be below the frost line in your area. Hire an excavator to drill the holes if you have rough soil and a deep frost line. You can also dig them by hand if necessary.
- A posthole digger is used to excavate shallow holes. Using the blades, stab the soil, then squeeze the handles together to lift the soil out.
- 4 gallons “Fill the hole with gravel, then cut a tube form to length and place it in the hole. Fill up the gaps surrounding the tube.
- Mix the concrete and pour it into the tube form entirely. Pull a board across the top of the form to remove any excess concrete.
- Establish the center point of the post on the pier. Now is the time to install a J-bolt in the wet concrete, and then add a post anchor afterwards.
