Determine beam sizes and footing dimensions for deck structure
Our deck beam span and footing calculator helps you determine the appropriate beam sizes, post dimensions, and footing requirements for your deck structure. Whether you're building a ground-level platform or an elevated deck, this tool provides structural guidance based on standard building practices.
Proper structural design is critical for deck safety. The calculator accounts for typical residential loads (50 psf live load + 10 psf dead load) and estimates beam sizes based on span and load. Footing sizes are calculated using conservative soil bearing capacity assumptions to ensure adequate support.
This calculator is useful for DIYers planning deck construction, contractors preparing preliminary estimates, and anyone asking "what size beam do I need for a 10-foot span?" or "how deep should deck footings be?" Always verify calculations with local building codes and consider consulting an engineer for complex designs.
Follow these steps to calculate beam and footing requirements: