[jenze]

Hello,

I have an issue with my footer placements for a multi-level deck. I would like some advise as to how i would set them.

The upper deck will be attached to the house at a height of 32 inches. Deck size is 24ft in length and 12-13ft in width - it would depend on the footers because i currently have a concrete patio that's 12ftx12ft coming off of the house. It's 4ft from the start of the deck. I don't want to break the patio but i certainly don't want to reduce the space from the lower deck by making the upper deck longer. The lower deck is 16 inches off the ground so about 2 steps down from the upper deck. The lower deck is roughly 24 ft in length but going around a 24 ft semi-above ground pool.

Can i set the footers uneven? meaning 1 in each corner and the middle 2 at about 14ft apart? I've added circles as footings in the attached sketch.

The next question is for the lower deck. Is there a way to attach the lower deck to the beam of the upper deck? Would increasing the joist of the upper deck help?

I've attached a screen shot of a rough sketch up. Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Jesus

 

[Calson]

Footer size and spacing depends entirely on the load they need to support and the dimension of the beam and how it needs to be supported. The greater the spacing or the greater the live load (people on the deck) the larger the footings need to be. Be smart and take the time to find load tables and footing specs and how to determine the static and live load from the deck. This is not something to Mickey Mouse or do on the fly.

Consider going up a dimension as you do not really know what you are doing. If the plan calls for 2x8 joists then go to 2x10. If it calls for posts every 7 feet then space them at 6 feet. If footings are to be 8 inches deep then go with 10 or more inches.

When a deck is at ground level you can wing it and many deck contractors do so. But with a deck off the ground it becomes more complicated if you want a SAFE deck for you and your family and friends.

 

[Nealtw]

Something like this.

 

[jenze]

Hello Nealtw,

Thanks, that's exactly what i was looking for. I'll have to check if it's up to code in my area.

 

[jenze]

Hello Calson,

I do know how to frame and I go by code. I couldn't find the spacing limits for the footers. I found them this morning though by combing through the 2015 IRC code book. Thanks.

 

[Nealtw]

Hello Nealtw,

Thanks, that's exactly what i was looking for. I'll have to check if it's up to code in my area.

does the rest f it look something like this

 

[jenze]

I'm attaching what I thought I should do. The yellow highlighted section is my 12ftx12ft patio. Each block on the excel sheet represents 1 foot.

 

[Nealtw]

I'm attaching what I thought I should do. The yellow highlighted section is my 12ftx12ft patio. Each block on the excel sheet represents 1 foot.

This is the way I would see it. I have moved the footings inline and added the 2 ply beams. Full width step and a touch wider on the right.

 

[jenze]

So, 12 footers?

 

[Nealtw]

So, 12 footers?

I think you could make that work, likely a 3ply beam to hang that double going to the house on the left.

 

[jenze]

I would do the 3-ply beam so it can be sturdy enough to hold the weight. I appreciate your input!

I will draw it out and bring it down to the city for approval. I will let you know how it goes. Thanks so much!

 

[jenze]

Hello Newltw,

I received my permit a couple weeks ago. They had me alter the design to their liking in order to receive the permit. Here's the final design layout. I'll keep you updated as we start building! Thanks for your help!