If you’re a homeowner in the Twin Cities area, you know that decks are a great way to make the most of your outdoor space. But if you want your deck to stand up to Minnesota weather and last for years, you need to make sure it’s built on sturdy foundations. That’s why it’s important to know when concrete footings in the Twin Cities are needed—and when they aren’t.
When Do I Need Concrete Footings?
The short answer is, if you plan on building a deck more than 30 inches off the ground, then you’ll need concrete footings in the Twin Cities. This is because any structure higher than 30 inches requires additional support for stability and safety reasons. The taller the structure, the deeper and thicker the footings should be – usually about 12-18 inches deep and 6-12 inches wide.
What Kind of Footings Should I Use?
In general, there are two types of footings often used when building a deck – concrete footings or pier blocks. Concrete footings in the Twin Cities are made from poured cement and provide greater strength and stability compared to pier blocks which are precast concrete blocks that sit directly on top of the soil. Depending on your project size and design, either option can be suitable – but in most cases concrete footing is recommended in order to provide adequate support for your decking material over time.
Concrete footings for deck foundations also come with another advantage: they offer better protection against frost heaving during Minnesota winters since they sit below the frost line where temperatures remain steady year round. Pier blocks do not offer this protection as they will move with changing seasons due to their location above ground level.
