How to Hide Deck Footings

Are you thinking about building a deck in your backyard? One of the most important aspects to consider is how to hide the footings that support your deck. Unattractive or exposed footings can be an eyesore and take away from the overall appeal of your outdoor space.

Deck footings are essential for the stability and safety of your deck, acting as the foundational support that bears the load of the deck’s structure. However, these functional elements can sometimes detract from the aesthetic appeal of your outdoor living space. The visibility of deck footings can interrupt the seamless look of your deck design, making it seem less polished or integrated with your landscaping.

In this guide, we will explore creative and practical strategies on how to hide deck footings. From using decorative covers to integrating landscaping elements, we’ll cover a range of options to suit various styles and budgets.

What are the Benefits of Hiding Deck Footings?

Aside from the obvious aesthetic reasons, there are several benefits to hiding your deck footings:

• Increased Safety: By covering or disguising your footings, you can minimize the risk of tripping or stubbing toes on exposed edges.
• Enhanced Visual Appeal: Well-hidden footings create a more cohesive and polished look for your deck and outdoor space.
• Protection From the Elements: Covering your footings can help protect them from exposure to water, which can lead to rot and decay over time.
• Versatility in Design: By hiding your deck footings, you have more flexibility in designing your deck. You can choose a variety of materials and styles without worrying about how they will look on top of plain concrete footings.
• Increased Property Value: An attractive and well-designed deck can add value to your home, making it a worthwhile investment for both current and future homeowners.

These benefits make it worth considering different ways to hide your deck footings. Let’s explore some options.

What Will You Need?

Before we dive into the various methods for hiding deck footings, here are some essential tools and materials you may need:

• Concrete Mix: If your footings are not already encased in concrete, you can pour a layer of concrete over them to create a smooth surface to work on.
• Deck Post Anchors: These metal attachments allow you to secure your deck posts to the footing without having to drill or dig into them.
• Decorative Post Covers: These come in various styles and materials, such as PVC, aluminum, or wood, and can be placed over your deck posts to hide the footings.
• Landscaping Materials: You can use natural elements like stones, plants, or mulch to cover your footings and integrate them with your landscape.
• Tools: Depending on the method you choose, you may need tools such as a hammer, drill, saw, or shovel.

Once you have your materials on hand, you can start exploring the different ways to hide your deck footings.

10 Easy Steps on How to Hide Deck Footings

Step 1: Assess Your Deck Footings

The initial step in hiding your deck footings is to thoroughly assess their current state and structure. Check the size, shape, and material of each footing to determine the most suitable method for concealing them. It’s essential to ensure that the footings are in good condition, with no signs of significant wear or damage, to prevent future stability issues with your deck.

This step will help you choose the appropriate materials and methods that will not only hide the footings effectively but also complement your deck’s overall design and aesthetic.

Step 2: Choose Your Concealment Method

Once you have assessed the condition and characteristics of your deck footings, the next step is to choose your method of concealment. Based on your aesthetic preferences, budget, and the practicality of installation, you might opt for one of several methods. The decorative post covers offer a quick and stylish solution while integrating landscaping around the footings can provide a more natural look.

Alternatively, constructing a base that encloses the footings with materials matching your deck can create a seamless appearance. Consider the overall theme of your outdoor space and how each method could enhance or detract from it. This decision is crucial as it will dictate the materials you need and the complexity of the task ahead.

Step 3: Gather Your Materials

After deciding on your preferred concealment method, the next step is to gather all the necessary materials. Whether you’re opting for decorative post covers, planning to integrate landscaping, or constructing an enclosure around your footings, ensure you have all the tools and materials ready before you start.

This may include purchasing decorative covers that match the aesthetic of your deck, selecting plants or stones for landscaping, or acquiring wood and fasteners for building an enclosure. Preparing in advance will streamline the installation process and help avoid delays. Make a checklist of everything you need based on your chosen method and ensure you have everything on hand to create a beautifully concealed footing that enhances the appeal of your deck.

Step 4: Prepare the Area Around Your Footings

Before starting any concealment work, it’s important to prepare the area around your deck footings. This might involve cleaning up any debris, weeds, or loose soil to ensure a stable surface for whatever concealment method you’ve chosen. If you’re planning to use decorative covers or build an enclosure, make sure the ground is level around each footing.

For those incorporating landscaping elements, adjusting the soil or laying down a base layer of gravel for drainage may be necessary. Preparation at this stage ensures a smoother installation process and contributes to the longevity and stability of your concealment solution.

Step 5: Install Deck Post Anchors

After preparing the area around your footings, the next step involves installing deck post anchors. These anchors are vital for securely attaching your deck posts to the footings without direct drilling, which preserves the integrity of the concrete and the structure. To install, position the anchor over the footing according to the manufacturer’s instructions and ensure it perfectly aligns with your deck’s layout.

Then, using appropriate tools, secure the anchor onto the footing. These anchors will serve as a stable base for attaching the deck posts and any additional concealment structures you plan to add, such as decorative covers or enclosures.

Step 6: Attach Deck Posts to Anchors

Once the deck post anchors are securely installed, the next vital step is to attach the deck posts to these anchors. Begin by measuring and cutting your deck posts to the desired height, ensuring each is uniform to maintain a level structure across your deck.

Place the bottom of each deck post into the anchor, checking for vertical alignment with a level tool. After positioning, use screws or bolts (as recommended by the anchor manufacturer) to attach the posts firmly to the anchors. This step is crucial for the overall stability and safety of your deck, providing the support structure for the decking boards and railings that will be added later.

Step 7: Measure and Cut Decorative Post Covers

With your deck posts securely attached to their anchors, the next step is to measure and cut your decorative post covers if this is your chosen method of concealment. Measure the height of your deck posts carefully, then transfer these measurements to your decorative covers, ensuring you allow for any necessary clearance at the top and bottom.

Use a saw suitable for the material of your decorative covers — whether that’s wood, PVC, or another material — and cut them to size with precision. Remember, the better the fit, the more seamlessly your post covers will integrate with the overall design of your deck, enhancing its aesthetic appeal while neatly hiding the footings below.

Step 8: Install Decorative Post Covers

After cutting the decorative post covers to the correct size, the next step is to install them around the deck posts. Begin by carefully sliding each cover over the top of a deck post, making sure it fits snugly and securely. If your post covers are designed to interlock or snap together at the corners, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to assemble them properly around the post.

Once in place, you may need to use screws or adhesive, depending on the type of cover and manufacturer recommendations, to secure them to the deck posts. This step not only conceals the footings and posts but also significantly enhances the aesthetic appeal of your deck, giving it a polished and refined look.

Step 9: Integrate Landscaping Elements

If you have chosen to integrate landscaping elements around your deck’s footings as part of your concealment strategy, now is the time to add these decorative touches. Start by positioning plants, shrubs, or ornamental grasses that complement the overall design of your deck and outdoor space. Ensure that these plantings not only hide the footings effectively but also enhance the beauty and privacy of your deck.

Consider using mulch or decorative stones around the base of each plant to aid in moisture retention and to provide a clean, cohesive look. If opting for stones or pavers, lay them out in a pattern that directs attention away from the footings while adding aesthetic value. This natural approach to concealment can significantly increase the appeal of your deck area, blending functionality with the beauty of landscape design.

Step 10: Final Inspection and Adjustments

After all decorative post covers are installed and landscaping elements are in place, conduct a comprehensive final inspection of your deck and the concealed footings. Examine every aspect of the installation to ensure everything is securely attached and positioned as planned. Check for any loose screws or anchors and make sure all decorative elements are stable and properly aligned.

This is also the time to make any necessary adjustments or touch-ups to the concealment of your footings, ensuring that they blend seamlessly with the rest of your deck. Completing this step guarantees that your deck not only looks aesthetically pleasing but is also safe and structurally sound, providing a tranquil outdoor space for years to come.

By Following these ten steps, you can successfully conceal unsightly footings and improve the overall appearance and functionality of your deck.

5 Additional Tips and Tricks

1. Use Climbing Plants: For a natural and lively way to conceal deck footings, consider planting climbing vines near the posts. Over time, these plants can grow to cover the posts and footings, blending them seamlessly into your garden. Choose perennial climbers for a long-term solution that gets more beautiful with each passing year.
2. Incorporate Lighting: Strategically placed lighting can draw attention away from the footings and create a magical ambiance in your outdoor space. Use solar or LED lights to highlight the deck’s best features while leaving the less attractive areas in shadow.
3. Painting Techniques: If your deck design permits, painting the footings and lower portion of the deck posts in a color that matches the surrounding ground or landscaping can make them less noticeable. Opt for hues that blend with the natural soil, mulch, or ground cover to effectively camouflage the base of your deck.
4. Decorative Skirting: Decorative skirting around the bottom of your deck can conceal the footings while adding an elegant design element. Materials like lattice, horizontally oriented boards or even stone veneer can provide both aesthetic appeal and coverage.
5. Custom Carved Stone Post Covers: For a more luxurious and unique approach, consider custom-carved stone covers for your posts. These can be designed to match or complement any existing landscaping features, such as stone pathways or walls, adding a touch of elegance and hiding the footings beneath a facade of natural beauty.

With these additional tips and tricks, you can further enhance the concealment of your deck footings and create a personalized outdoor space that is both functional and visually appealing.

5 Things You Should Avoid

1. Avoid Ignoring Local Building Codes: Before you begin any concealment strategies, make sure you are not violating any local building codes or regulations. These codes are in place for safety and structural integrity, and ignoring them can lead to fines or required modifications later on.
2. Do Not Compromise Structural Integrity: In the pursuit of aesthetic improvements, never compromise the structural integrity of your deck. Avoid cutting corners or using materials that are not designed to support the weight or stresses that your deck might face.
3. Refrain from Blocking Access for Inspections: While concealing footings, ensure that access is still available for inspections or repairs in the future. Completely encasing footings in a way that makes them inaccessible can create significant issues if problems arise later on.
4. Avoid Using Materials That Do Not Withstand Weather Conditions: Choose materials for concealing the footings that are durable and suitable for your local climate. Materials that cannot withstand moisture, temperature changes, or other weather conditions can lead to deterioration and may expose the footings prematurely.
5. Do Not Ignore Aesthetics With Surrounding Landscape: When integrating your concealment solutions with landscaping elements, ensure that the design is cohesive with the rest of your outdoor space. Mismatched designs or poorly thought-out placements can detract from the overall beauty of the area rather than enhancing it.

By avoiding these common pitfalls, you can effectively hide your deck footings while maintaining safety, functionality, and aesthetic appeal.

What Can You Use Instead of Deck Footings?

While deck footings are the traditional and most commonly used method for supporting decks, there are alternative options available. Some of these alternatives include:

1. Ground-embedded Posts: Instead of using concrete footings, some builders opt to embed posts directly into the ground. This technique is often used for smaller decks or in areas with stable soil conditions.
2. Helical Piers: These are steel shafts with helical blades that are driven deep into the ground and used to support the weight of a deck. They can be an effective alternative for decks built on loose or unstable soil.
3. Surface-mounted Posts: Similar to ground-embedded posts, these are attached to concrete pads on the surface instead of being embedded in the ground. This method can be used for decks built on concrete or other hard surfaces.
4. Deck Blocks: These precast concrete blocks are placed directly on the ground and act as a base for deck posts. They are easy to install and can be used in areas with stable soil conditions.

It is important to consult with a professional before deciding on an alternative to traditional deck footings, as the best option will depend on factors such as soil conditions, deck size and weight, and local building codes.

Conclusion

Successfully concealing deck footings is both an art and a science, blending practical construction techniques with creative landscaping and design elements. By following the ten detailed steps and considering the additional tips and tricks, homeowners can transform the underpinnings of their outdoor decks into seamlessly integrated aspects of their garden and outdoor living space.

Whether you choose to use decorative covers, strategic planting, or clever design tricks, the key lies in planning and executing with attention to detail, safety, and aesthetics. Additionally, avoiding the five major pitfalls ensures that your deck remains a safe, enjoyable, and beautiful extension of your home for years to come.

How to hide deck footings not only increases the visual appeal of your deck but also contributes to the overall value and enjoyment of your outdoor space.