Creating Deck Post Footings

The information in this article applies to:

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.

To create the terrain, first floor, and deck

1. Starting with a New Plan , 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.
   
   For the purposes of this tutorial, we will navigate to Build> Wall> Exterior Wall , then draw four walls in a clockwise fashion to make a completely enclosed room.
   
   
   
3. Once an enclosed square room is created, select Build> Railing and Deck> Straight Deck Railing , then draw a completely enclosed deck off of the square room.
   
   

To create the foundation

1. Select Build> Floor> Build Foundation  to open the Build Foundation dialog.
   
   
   
   
   
2. Click the OK button to accept the foundation defaults.
   
   

To build deck framing and post footings

1. Return to the first floor by clicking Up One Floor , then click on the Select Objects tool.
   
   
   
2. Click one time in the middle of the deck room to select it, then click the Open Object  edit tool.
   
   
   
3. On the Deck panel of the Room Specification dialog that displays, ensure that the Automatically regenerate deck framing box is checked.
   
   
   
4. 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.
     
   
   
   
5. Once all desired changes have been made, click OK.
   
   
   
6. Finally, 3D> Create Perspective View> Perspective Full Overview  to create an overview of your entire structure.