Tamp the dirt with a block to make a firm base then spread the gravel.
Free standing ground level deck footings.
There is no need to extend a footing below the frost line as is required for standard decks.
This requires you to dig what mount to holes and or trenches in order to pour the concrete for the footings.
Establish the highest and lowest points with a string and string level to get a rough idea of how deep to dig and how much gravel to put in to make the ground level deck footings blocks level figure a.
Use a 48 long level and set the post plumb to the soil.
Once your footings are buried below the frost line the ground will act as a barrier to insulate the soil below the footing from freezing in the winter.
This is the depth at which the moisture present in the soil is expected to freeze.
Up from the bottom of the footing.
If you re building a simple deck footings and posts should be placed less than 8 feet apart.
The footings should be below the ground level.
Then dump concrete through the tube into the bottom of the hole.
Do this by nailing the sides of the tube to the center of a tic tac toe grid of 2x4s at the top of the hole.
The standard rule for footings is that for a basic deck the larger the beam and footing size the fewer footings you ll need.
This assumes the deck will be on level ground and not attached to your home with an estimated building time of 16 to 24 hours.
While freestanding decks of any size can be built without footings that extend to the frost depth r403 1 4 1 frost protection exception 3 grade level decks are prime candidates for taking advantage of this code provision.
No shallow footings required according to the main code provision for footings the only requirement for building a deck that is freestanding is that it must have a minimum footing depth of 12 inches below the undisturbed ground surface.
Dig holes for posts these instructions review how to build a deck that will be approximately 8 feet wide and 10 feet long.
Secure the post to the saddle by driving x 3 lag screws through the vertically aligned and embossed holes.
Frost line map for deck footing depth when you excavate your footings you will need to dig below the frost line.
However if your deck will include a hot tub or roof you must support that weight with additional footings.
Attach pergola posts to the footings take your post and set it into the saddle.
You just screw the auger portion into the ground using a lightweight hand held impact wrench and never experience any kick back.