Deck Beam Span & Footing Calculator

Determine beam sizes and footing dimensions for deck structure

Project Details
Enter your measurements and requirements
Results
Calculated estimates for your project
Recommended Beam Size2x8
Recommended Post Size6x6
Footing Diameter25" (min)
Footing Depth42" (below frost line)
Beam Load4800 lbs
Number of Posts Needed2

Additional Information

About This Deck Beam Span Calculator

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.

How to Use This Calculator

Follow these steps to calculate beam and footing requirements:

  1. Enter the joist span (distance joists travel from beam to ledger or beam)
  2. Enter the beam span (distance between posts)
  3. Input the total deck width to calculate number of posts
  4. Select your wood species for appropriate span tables
  5. Enter your local frost depth for footing depth calculation
Frequently Asked Questions

Free Deck Beam Span Calculator - Footings & Structure | DIYProject.ai