TRENDING ON FINEHOMEBUILDING

previous
  • Clever daily tip in your inbox
    Clever daily tip in your inbox
  • 12 Remodeling Secrets
    12 Remodeling Secrets
  • Remodeling in Action
    Remodeling in Action
  • 9 Concrete Countertops Ideas
    9 Concrete Countertops Ideas
  • 2013 HOUSES Awards
    2013 HOUSES Awards
  • The Hobbit House and More
    The Hobbit House and More
  • 15 Coffered-Ceiling Ideas
    15 Coffered-Ceiling Ideas
  • All about Roofing
    All about Roofing
  • 2014 HOUSES Awards
    2014 HOUSES Awards
  • What’s the best decking?
    What’s the best decking?
  • 7 Smart Kitchen Solutions
    7 Smart Kitchen Solutions
  • Read FHB on Your iPad
    Read FHB on Your iPad
  • Outdoor Kitchen Inspiration
    Outdoor Kitchen Inspiration
  • Basement Remodeling Tips
    Basement Remodeling Tips
  • 7 Small Bathroom Layouts
    7 Small Bathroom Layouts
next
Pin It

A Solid Deck Begins with Concrete Piers

Build this simple foundation with basic tools and ingredients

Build your deck on concrete piers, and you'll have a solid foundation that won't heave or twist as a result of frost or poor soil bearing capacity. Veteran builder Rick Arnold walks us through the how-tos of building deck piers. Rick explains how to size piers for a basic deck and shares his method for a precise layout. You'll also learn techniques for digging and pouring piers (which include valuable tool tips), when to use spread footings, and how to deal with poor soil bearing capacity.

From Fine Homebuilding180 , pp. 44-49 July 1, 2006