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Deck footing before concrete checklist

A pre-pour deck footing checklist for verifying approved layout and setbacks, utility clearance, excavation safety, undisturbed bearing or engineered preparation, footing diameter and shape, depth for frost and soil conditions, bottom elevation, groundwater and loose material, reinforcement where specified, forms, post-base or anchor layout, concrete access and weather plan, required inspection release and dimensioned photographs before concrete permanently conceals the excavation.

6 items to check

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Footing centers, edges and elevations match the approved framing plan

Critical item

Support geometry should align with beams and property constraints.

Excavation reaches accepted undisturbed soil or engineered bearing

Critical item

Loose fill, organics and water-softened soil should not support footings.

Diameter or dimensions, thickness and depth meet approved frost and load requirements

Critical item

Nominal auger size may not equal clean bearing area.

Reinforcement, cages, dowels and cover match the approved detail where required

Critical item

Steel should be supported and positioned before placement.

Post bases, bolts, embeds or future pier alignment are coordinated

Critical item

Anchors should not be guessed during the pour.

Inspection approval, concrete specification, weather protection and photos are complete

Critical item

Pour should not proceed without the hold-point release.

Use after excavation and before concrete. Never enter an unsafe excavation. Do not enter unsupported excavations, work below suspended framing, climb incomplete structures, load unbraced decks, remove shoring or test guards by hazardous body loading. Structural changes, ledgers, stairs, guards, electrical work and elevated porches require appropriate design, permits and qualified construction.

Reference standards

  • Locally adopted residential and building requirements, authority having jurisdiction permits and inspection sequence, approved plans and engineering where required, site and soil conditions, property and utility constraints, selected wood, steel, concrete, connector, fastener, flashing, membrane, decking, guard and railing instructions, and signed scope and changes
  • Approved footing plan, geotechnical information where applicable and concrete or anchor instructions

    • Tools

  • Approved plans, site survey, permit, product approvals, connector and fastener schedule, material receipts, inspection records and photographs
  • Tape measure, level, camera, string line and owner-safe observation tools; qualified layout, soil, concrete, torque, moisture and structural measurements where needed
  • Qualified designer or engineer, excavator, concrete, framing, waterproofing, electrical and inspection professionals as applicable

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