Having proper pier placement makes a deck stable, safe, and long-lasting. Properly positioned piers distribute the weight of the deck evenly, prevent sagging or warping, and keep your deck level. Incorrect pier placement can lead to structural issues, safety hazards, and costly repairs down the line. This guide walks you through the process of accurately placing piers for a simple deck, including how to address common challenges.
Tools and Materials for Deck Pier Placement
Before you begin attempting to place piers, gather all the necessary tools and materials to help streamline the process and ensure accuracy in your measurements and markings.
Batter Boards and Stakes
Batter boards are temporary structures used to establish precise reference points for your deck’s outline. They consist of horizontal boards attached to vertical stakes driven into the ground. You’ll need:
- Scrap 1-by-3s or 1-by-4s for the horizontal boards
- Wooden stakes (2-by-2s or similar)
- Hammer or mallet for driving stakes
Masonry String and Plumb Bob
These materials will help you make accurate guidelines and mark pier locations:
- Masonry string or twine
- Plumb bob
- Small nails or tacks for securing the string
Measuring Tools
Accurate measurements are crucial for proper pier placement. Gather these measuring tools:
- Tape measure (25 feet or longer)
- Carpenter’s square
- Chalk line
- Spray paint or powdered lime for marking
Preparing the Site for Pier Placement
Before you can begin placing, prepare the site where you’ll build your deck. This involves clearing the area and marking the deck’s outline.
Clearing and Leveling the Ground
Start by removing any vegetation, rocks, or debris from the area where you’ll build your deck. If necessary, level the ground as much as possible to create a stable base.
Marking the Deck Outline
Use stakes and string to roughly outline the perimeter of your deck. This will give you a visual reference as you begin the more precise work of setting up batter boards and placing piers.
Addressing Soil Conditions
Soil conditions can significantly impact the stability of your deck. If the soil is too soft or prone to erosion, you may need to add gravel or dig deeper footings to make a solid base for your piers. You also need to consider drainage as well, as water pooling around the piers can weaken the structure over time.
Setting Up Batter Boards for Deck Piers
Batter boards give you accurate reference points for your deck’s outline and pier locations. They allow you to create a level, square framework above the ground.
Positioning the Batter Boards
Place batter boards beyond the two outside corners of the deck. They should be set far enough back that they won’t interfere with your work but close enough to provide accurate reference points. Typically, positioning them about 2 feet beyond each corner works well.
Securing the Stakes
Drive stakes into the ground at each end of where you’ll place the batter boards. Ensure the stakes are firmly secured and level. Attach the horizontal boards to the stakes, making sure they’re level and at a consistent height.
Verifying the Level Framework
Before moving on, double-check that the batter boards form a level framework. Use a carpenter’s level and adjust the height of the stakes if necessary.
Using Mason’s String for Accurate Alignment
With your batter boards in place, you can now use masonry string to create precise guidelines for your deck’s outline and pier locations.
Stretching the Strings
Tie masonry string between the batter boards, creating lines that represent the outer edges of your deck. Make the strings taut and level.
Ensuring Square Corners
To make sure your deck outline is square, use the 3:4:5 method or measure the diagonals. You want a 3-foot length on your straight line, a 4-foot length on your perpendicular line, and a 5-foot length across. Adjust the strings on the batter boards until the diagonals are equal, which verifies your corners are square.
Incorporating Additional Guidelines
For more complex deck designs, you may need to add extra guidelines. These can help you identify specific areas for features such as stairs or built-in seating. Use additional stakes and strings to create any extra lines you need for your design.
Locating and Marking Pier Positions
With your deck outline established, you can now locate and mark the positions for your deck piers.
Corner Piers
Contractors typically place corner piers at each corner of the deck. Use a plumb bob to transfer the location of the intersecting strings to the ground below. Mark these spots with spray paint or powdered lime.
Interior Piers
For larger decks, you’ll need interior piers to provide additional support. Use your masonry strings as guides to locate these pier positions. Typically, you space them according to your local building codes and the size of your deck.
Adjusting for Specific Features
Consider any deck features that may require additional support, such as hot tubs or heavy planters. Adjust the spacing and location of your piers accordingly to provide these areas with more support to prevent future issues.
Measuring and Verifying Pier Locations
After marking your pier locations, we recommend double-checking your work to make sure it’s correct.
Use a tape measure to verify that the distance between pier marks matches your deck plans. Make any necessary adjustments to ensure all piers are correctly spaced and aligned.
Before digging, run a final check of all measurements and alignments. Use a chalk line or spray paint to mark the finalized locations clearly. This final verification step helps prevent errors and ensures a smooth decking process.
Addressing Common Challenges With Simple Deck Piers
Even with careful planning, you may face some challenges when placing piers for your deck.
Dealing With Uneven Terrain
If your yard has significant slopes or uneven areas, you may need to adjust your pier heights or consider terracing your deck design. Always consult local building codes, and hire professional help for complex terrain issues.
Avoiding Underground Utilities
Before digging for your piers, call your local utility companies to mark any underground lines. Adjust your pier locations if you need to avoid these utilities.
Adhering to Local Building Codes
Building codes vary based on location and may influence pier placement, spacing, and depth. Always check your local regulations before beginning work and adjust your plans accordingly.
