Creating Deck Post Footings

QUESTION

How do I generate deck post footings in my design?

ANSWER

Prior to creating a deck, it's recommended that a terrain perimeter is created. Once a terrain perimeter has been created, the first floor footprint and deck can be drawn, a foundation floor level can be added, and deck framing and post footings can be generated.

Creating a deck with post footings

1. Starting in a New Project , select Terrain> Create Terrain Perimeter .
   
   

   Note: If the option for Create Terrain Perimeter is grayed out, then you already have a terrain perimeter in the drawing. If this is the case, you can skip this step.

   
   
2. Once the terrain perimeter has been created, you can draw a first floor, then draw a deck. Navigate to Build> Wall> Straight Exterior Wall , then draw four walls in a clockwise fashion to make a completely enclosed room.
   
   
   
3. Next, select Build> Railing and Deck> Straight Deck Railing , then draw a completely enclosed deck off of the square room.
   
   
   
4. With the first floor and deck complete, go to Build> Floor> Build Foundation  to open the Build Foundation dialog. Make any desired adjustments and click OK.
   
   
   
   
   
5. Return to the first floor by clicking Up One Floor , then click the Select Objects tool.
   
   
   
6. Click one time in the middle of the deck room to select it, then click the Open Object  edit tool.
   
   
   
7. On the Deck panel of the Room Specification dialog that displays, ensure that the Automatically regenerate deck framing box is checked, then specify the deck planking and deck joist settings to your liking. 
   
   
   
8. On the Deck Support panel:
   
   
   
   
   • For post footings to be created, deck posts have to be created. Ensure that the Deck Posts box is checked and your desired settings are specified.
     
     
   • Check the Deck Post Footings box if it's not checked.
     
     
   • Specify the Height Above Terrain, Thickness, Width, and shape of the footings.
     
     
   • Make any other desired adjustments here, such as to the Deck Beams, then click OK.
   
   
   
9. Finally, navigate to 3D> Create Perspective View> Perspective Full Overview  to create an overview of your entire structure.