But you really can't go wrong digging a few inches deeper. The 6x6 post is the minimum recommended size in order to provide the strength, rigidity and the proportion in the final appearance. The diameter will be determined by how large the footing or pier size is. So if you have a 12-foot tall post, you'll dig a hole that's 4 feet deep. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. The depth of your footings for a pergola will depend on the size of your pergola, the type of soil you have, the ground and the climate conditions. Get your Ultimate Deck Foot Anchor Guide ebook. Footing depth- varies based on frost line and soil strength (some footings can be shallow, while other must be deep) Concrete Calculator- Figure out how much concrete you'll need for your footings. The best way to do this is start mixing cement first thing in the morning and go for the entire day and get as many footings completed as you can. And yet it retains the common elements of most traditional pergolas. Both sections of the pergola must be level and perfectly squared. Choosing between 26 and 28 for your pergola will depend on the size you require, what the style of the pergola is, and how much weight you think it will support, such as the weight of people, who plan to sit or lounge underneath it, or the weight of snow. If your pergola is sitting on ground and you want to be sure it does not blow away, these can do the job of securing to the posts into the ground. I was using them on a small 10'x8' deck. They also provide more room underneath for heating cables or other electric installations that may serve as part of your garden lighting system. But as soon as you have your post in place, back fill around it while plumbing it vertical. Change the positioning of the post to make it completely straight. The depth of the footing will depend on the type of soil you are building on. Bell form footing with concrete pier and concealed post base. If the post is wobbly use a stake and a scrap 2x4 to brace the post in position until you connect it to the other posts. If you have a lot of hard clay, for instance, your footing will need to be considerably deeper than if you were building on loose sand.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'dreamoutdoorliving_com-box-4','ezslot_2',897,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-dreamoutdoorliving_com-box-4-0'); A general rule is that the posts should sit about 1/4 the length of your pergola into the ground; however, you should consult a local engineer or soil expert to determine what depth is appropriate for your soil. Step 2. When compared the trapezoidal footing with the flat footing, the usage of concrete is less. To begin, we suggest digging the post hole so it is approximately three times wider than the fence post. Its also important to check if the pergola will need to be fixed to a point on the home or if it needs to be staked or freestanding. When shopping for pergolas, you will find that they come in many different sizes. It is recommended that the pergola posts be buried into the ground at least 24 inches deep. You will feel the auger continue to try and pull into the ground. It is important that your pergola is level and well anchored in order to ensure proper installation and structural integrity. If your pergola is larger and you plan to put heavier items underneath it, such as furniture, youll likely want to upgrade to 28. I am not very confident in centering the stirrups in concrete, hence planning concrete footing 600mm deep and 300 mm wide and then bolt the post to the concrete footing with the stirrup. Our frost line is 12" down. They are designed and constructed with great care to see that the top slope of 45 degree is maintained from all sides. For the Big Kahuna, Sombrero, and Melbourne, 8 or 10-foot posts suit most situations unless youre installing your posts more than 2 in the ground. Once you feel that tension in the auger stop driving it down. If you are installing on top of a wood deck (not recommended) chooseWood Lag. Post set in hole on flat concrete footing. Two-story buildings require a minimum of 15-inch wide footings for 1,500 LBV soil. If you love spending time outdoors, this is the blog for you. However, dont be discouraged by the additional work because fence posts usually have superior durability, due to the larger size and higher strength of the posts. The first step is to dig holes in the ground where the pergola posts will be. 24 How do you anchor a pergola? By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. Each hole should be six inches deeper than the frostline in your field. Bet you thought it wasn't possible to build pergola footings without digging and setting the posts into the ground. Desired height above ground. Flat footing with concrete pier and concealed post base. The wrench will not exert any continuous torque so it will be very easy to manage. We are going to build this pergola without having to dig footings or pouring cement. Purchase an 80 pounds (36 kg) bag of concrete and pour the dry concrete dust into a wheelbarrow. The steel should be placed about 3 inches up from the bottom of the footing. In a worst case scenario silt and muck can fill up the forms or soften and destroy them. This will form the frame of the pergola. I have watched the videos on pergola construction, and would like to build a 5x3 unroofed japanese freestanding pergola. As a guide, they should be about 1/3 as deep as the post height above the ground and at least 12 (30cm) in diameter. - K H. May 7, 2021 at 2:26. If you want to create an intimate outdoor seating area for two people - consider purchasing something smaller . In addition, the span of the pergola may be increased by adding a roof or roof structure with sufficient strength. This size typically refers to the size of the rafters that go along the top of the pergola. For our Big Kahuna, Sombrero, Melbourne, and Fedora pergola styles, we offer posts with standard lengths of 8 feet, 10 feet and 12 feet. Honestly one of the best products I have seen. Finding the best way to make your pergola footings can be overwhelming, especially if you are not familiar with building styles. Continue with Recommended Cookies, A pergola is a lovely addition to any outdoor living space; it provides shade from the sun and adds a certain amount of ambiance depending on the style selected. Step 1. Attaching pergola rafters to beams can be done in several different ways. Pulling sonotube footings is a particularly fun activity if you end up having to do that . The pillars can either be clamped in bolt down steel plates or set in concrete . Furthermore, if you plan to use your pergola for aesthetics, like a trellis, a 26 will be more than sufficient as these types of pergolas only need to support minimal weight. Often this is the deciding factor for footing spacing. This is what was done for the job shown in this photo. For example, a #2 or better grade of lumber at the same size and spacing can reach spans of up to 11-12 feet. It is a hybrid helical pier and surface resting load plate. If installing buried in a concrete footer, then you will need to add the length of the post below the ground to the desired height of the posts. However, if youre installing railings or covering the patio with a canopy, the posts should be installed no more than 6 feet apart. The correct depth can be determined by checking with your local building code department or online resource. Under load, it will reconsolidate and cause settling. When constructiong a pergola with 44 posts, make sure to use high-quality, pressure-treated lumber. If you experience seasonal freezing temperatures, make sure you dig your holes about twelve inches deeper than the average frost depth. soil. Post set in hole with pyramid concrete footing. Popular sizes include 16 x 20, 16 x 16, and 20 x 20. This is catastrophic because the only solution is to use a clam shell digger and remove the entire mess right down to the footing. But, keep in mind things like ceiling fans or other accessories, head room for tall people, standing up in a hot tub or dancing on tables! The footings for your deck or pergola will serve as the cornerstones of your support structure. Deeper than that. Loose sand or silt, up to 5,000 psf. Take your post and set it into the saddle. Using a socket or a wrench, tighten the upper nut against the load plate so the plate is compressed against the soil and so the underside of the footing load plate makes contact with the stop washer welded to the auger. One Man Builds a PERGOLA in TWO DAYS on a Concrete Patio. If you are installing the pergola on a deck surface its best to use additional posts and longer timber posts to provide additional support. Fill the room underneath the concrete shape with small stones. So you must make sure the underside of the footings are below the deepest known frost depths in your area for your climate. We are going to build this pergola much faster and easier. To determine the length below ground, we recommend at least 2 feet or more depending upon the frost line and building codes in your area. By: Author Olin Wade (Remodel or Move Stuff). Then place your pergola posts into pergola footers and secure them in place with concrete anchors. Base Price Range: $$, Open Roof Structure The top of the footing must be a minimum of three inches above ground. The beauty of installing pergola footings this way is that you can literally have the footings and posts in place in as little as 30 to 45 minutes if your locations are already set. I think I might be over-engineering this but I live in CT and I'm also worried about snow weight. If you need a wider span, there are various support beams you can use in addition to posts to help maintain the structural integrity of the pergola. If you get to the end of your work day and you do not have time to mix and pour the cement, this is a very important tip to remember. Pressure-treated pine or fir are good options for posts, as they are strong, durable and resistant to moisture, warping and rot. This data will complete a robust body of engineering data and is expected to be published later in 2021. 1. 6 divided by 3 is 2, therefore the depth of the hole required is 2 feet. Dig a hole in the spots for the columns of the pergola. Pass the bolt thru the posts and secure them using the appropriate wrench. Pergola footings. installing them yesterday. How Do You Secure/Anchor A Pergola To The Ground? Install the other posts for your pergola the same way. The depth of your footings for a pergola will depend on the size of your pergola, the type of soil you have, the ground and the climate conditions. The 6x6 have some heft to them, but if you poured a 3-4 deep footer to hold that sucker downgood lord. Its also important to understand that most wood fence posts are pressure treated to resist decay and insects and have a longer lifespan than most posts used for pergolas. complete it was simple to drill down the post part and then ratchet the Home > Deck Foot Forum > Options For Pergola Footings. Pour a 4- to 6-inch-deep layer of the wet concrete into the opening. For my project I would have needed 60 bags of concrete or a lot of deck blocks. The pergola posts are secured to the pier by various connecting hardware. Do you live in a northern state where the ground is frozen for certain months out of the year, or a southern state where the ground does not freeze? 10 out of 10. The 8' x 8' foundation area should be in the center point of this 144 square foot space. Dig a hole 12 inches deep and stuff fresh cement into it. So, in NC, 12 is technically the safe depth for the bottom of a footing. So, does a gazebo or pergola need footings? eg If the post height above ground level is 10 feet then the footing depth should be 3.3 feet. The post saddles for the Deck Foot Anchor have a lateral slide feature which allows the saddle to be moved up to about 2" to make up for any errors in the location of your pergola footings. Creating concrete footings. Here in WI the requirement was 18 dia. Posts. with minimal preparation. The hole in the photo shown here was 60" deep. Use a trowel and try to smooth the top and dome the perimeter edge enough that water egress is permitted. Wear work gloves and hold the auger vertically with one hand while the other hand holds the impact wrench. Lastly, if you are using forms for a concrete pier, be sure to back fill soil around the forms as soon as you have them set in place. For the Fedora, we recommend 10 posts on a slab or footer and 12 posts (or longer) if going in the ground. In some areas you may have to go a lot deeper due to the following factors . Ultimately, the maximum span for a 28 header depends on the specific load-bearing requirements of your project and the type of lumber being used. The smallest beams for patio covers are typically 4-by-6. For anyone considering adding a pergola to their yard, there are some key questions that should be answered prior to construction. If youre adding a roof to your pergola, the footings will need to be deeper to support the extra weight and help spread the load evenly across the soil. In general, the maximum span for a 4-by-6 beam is 6 feet between 4-by-4 posts. The amount of weight that 44 posts can hold depends on a few different factors, such as the type of wood it is constructed from, the method of installation, and the environmental conditions. The post will now be set in . The depth of the footing is ground dependant. This can be purchased at your local hardware store. Use a clam shell digger and a pry bar to help loosen stubborn rocks or cut roots if required. It aint moving anytime soon, Do it right or youll sweat every time the wind blows, on one hand, the footings act as anchors to hold the mass down when subject to lateral and uplift forces so the footings need to weigh enough to do that. Planning on a 10' x 10' Toja Grid pergola using 6" x 6" posts. As suggested, you should try to anchor your pergola to one of the deck's beams. It also can prevent rotting at ground level, which can be an issue in higher rainfall areas. Dig a hole twelve to twenty-four inches in diameter. Your pergola can also be as wide as you want, as long as its beams are strong enough to support the roof. Drive the auger into the ground until the load plate makes good solid contact with the stone dust soil and the upper surface of the plate contacts the nut above it. While Inters is the correct answer the old rule of thumb is 1/3 of the post in the ground; so for a 3meter post above ground that's a hole 1500 deep. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. Do not continue driving the auger or you may just churn up the soil around the helical blade. The standard size is about 13 feet by 19 feet in total. 20 min for 3 deck foot anchors. This ensures that the pergola posts never heave and displace the structure unevenly. If you plan on attaching the pergola posts to the concrete piers, make sure the forms are covered to stop rain water and debris from entering. Yes, you can use fence posts for a pergola, though these posts are somewhat larger and heavier than most pergola posts and could require additional support structures. Adding Anchors To Concrete Base Footing Step 1. For example, if you are using plywood for the roof sheathing, you may need larger rafters to be able to properly attach the sheathing. Next, the location and length of the posts should be measured and marked on the ground. One of the benefits of footings is it allows a concrete pad or pavers to be added at a later date as seen here on this timber frame ShadeScape pergola kit from Western Timber Frame: Common Footing Types Shallow or Strip Foundation Apply it for all remaining pergolaposts. People who cheat the footings will catch a gust of wind and it fails. Back filled with soil or cement. The auger will turn freely and the load plate will stay still as you drive the auger into the ground. The oldest of these are deck blocks, and these are just formed concrete blocks. In many places, the exact regulations will vary according to whether the pergola is attached to the house or not, as well as the size, height, and materials of the structure. For example, if the pergola will be freestanding without any additional supports, a 210 may be able to span up to 11 feet. Use 3-inch screws to attach the 24 pieces, making sure to predrill the pilot holes. Manage Settings If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. deep plunge cut on each side of the post. Now, this is easier to keep level and should be done. The new direct The diameter will be determined by how large the footing or pier size is. Step 3. Nov 2009. You can look up the recommended footing size, based on the size and type of house and the bearing capacity of the soil. Press J to jump to the feed. The ground will be thawed by then making it easier to dig to the proper depth. It was easy to install and performed just as they said! Like Save Related Stories For a six-foot-high fence post, we would need a hole that's 36 inches deep and 12 inches in diameter. Additionally, the width of the headers opening affects the headers span. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,600],'remodelormove_com-mobile-leaderboard-1','ezslot_23',167,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-remodelormove_com-mobile-leaderboard-1-0');If you have a standard wooden pergola, 66 inch posts should be suitable in most cases, but if the pergola is large or its roof will be particularly heavy (for instance if you are using stone or brick tiles as roofing) then you should consider using 88 inch posts or larger. Anchor the remaining posts in their holes with wet concrete.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'dreamoutdoorliving_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_11',879,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-dreamoutdoorliving_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0'); Step 1. Cedar is another popular choice, and it can hold between 500-700 pounds. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'remodelormove_com-box-3','ezslot_6',173,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-remodelormove_com-box-3-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'remodelormove_com-box-3','ezslot_7',173,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-remodelormove_com-box-3-0_1');.box-3-multi-173{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:7px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:7px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:50px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}A pergola will typically be built on either concrete footings or timber posts/timbers. Any footings deeper than 6 feet must be constructed with care as there is potential for flooding. As a further precaution, it is also a good idea to secure the posts together with bolts, screws, and reinforcement plates. While 44 posts are suitable for many small pergolas with limited weight, 66 posts may be required for large, ornate pergolas that have more intricate structural design. Setting the posts in concrete is essential for the rigidity of the carport. Alternatively rent a two-man twelve inch gas powered auger. The posts should be about 8 ft apart for an 8ftx8ft pergola, and a little further apart for larger sizes. Generally speaking, a 26 is usually sufficient for a smaller pergola, since it has more than enough capacity for the weight load on a light frame. First, think about your desired post length. If you dig too deep and replace the soil to recover the grade, you are adding back soil that has expanded by as much as 50%. Honestly installed Others, get a bit more sophisticated and build a wide footing, then use tubular forms to pour cement and finally attach post anchoring hardware to the concrete footing. Pull out resistance varies depending on soil type and whether the soil is disturbed or undisturbed. Even so, a 210 is not suitable for spans longer than 12 feet without additional support, so if the span required is longer than this it may be necessary to use a larger dimensional lumber, such as a 212, or to install additional supporting posts or walls. How deep should pergola posts be in the ground? Hard clay, up to 5,000 psf. The distance between patio posts depends on the size and configuration of your patio and the material used to construct it. Since 2008, Pergola Depot has been building & shipping high quality pergola kits and outdoor living products to locations throughout the lower 48 United States. Pergola & arbor footings: Best Options Compared Garden Fundamentals 63.8K subscribers 135K views 4 years ago Select the right footing for your next pergola or arbor project. The depth you are required to set your frost footings will vary from region to region across the country. When considering porch depth, 6 ft. (1.8 m) is a desirable depth but 8 ft. (2.4 m) is ideal. Other Tools and Material you will need: 8" x 3 or 4ft diameter sonotube form 2-3 bags of ready mix concrete per form Wheel Barrel Building Stakes Shovel This will ensure that the posts are evenly spaced and that the frame of the pergola is properly level. If your project requires a building permit, be sure to check if you are required to provide uplift or pull out data for your footings. The installation method used is also important for determining the posts maximum weight capacity. Since none of us are there, we cannot tell you the strength of your soil, but this should at least give you some idea what your are dealing with. If your gazebo is hexagonal or circular, space out four extra feet from the structure's circumference. It's width is generally between 1 foot and 18 inches, often at a depth of 18 inches. This might mean 48" or deeper depending on your climate. Then, place the form into your dug hole. Many homes are built with shallower depths. The height to the bottom of the beam (low point of the roof structure) is: Post installation method, whether you are installing either buried in a concrete footer, or installed on top of a concrete footer or existing concrete slab; and. My wife even said this is very cool. Then the next big step will be to mix and pour all the cement and then let it set for a day or two. Deep should pergola posts are secured to the following factors 2, therefore the depth you installing... Gloves and hold the auger vertically with one hand while the other posts for pergola. Pour a 4- to 6-inch-deep layer of the rafters that go along the top dome... By various connecting hardware and remove the entire mess right down to the size and type of house the... Your gazebo is hexagonal or circular, space out four extra feet from the structure & # x27 s. Be buried into the saddle a footing 16, and these are deck blocks you seasonal! Across the country use high-quality, pressure-treated lumber patio posts depends on the of. Use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform blog for you sand or silt up... Type and whether the soil around the helical blade, 6 ft. ( 1.8 )... And 20 x 20 a wood deck ( not recommended ) chooseWood Lag 10'x8 '.... Deep should pergola posts never heave and displace the structure unevenly take your post in place with concrete anchors concealed. 12 & quot ; down it also can prevent rotting at ground level, which can be purchased your., therefore the depth of 18 inches part of your support structure wider the. Cheat the footings for your pergola the same way popular choice, and these are deck blocks in! Destroy them I might be over-engineering this but I live in CT and I 'm also worried snow. Soften and destroy them a pergola to their yard, there are key... For a 4-by-6 beam is 6 feet must be level and should be 3.3 feet as. Later in 2021 region across the country it fails can also be wide! Frostline in your field long as how deep should a pergola footing be beams are strong, durable and resistant to moisture warping. Span of the soil is disturbed or undisturbed be increased by adding a roof or structure... Driving the auger or you may just churn up the recommended footing size, based on size! That your pergola is level and well anchored in order to provide additional support by checking with your local code. The first step is to use high-quality, pressure-treated lumber are deck blocks installing on top of footing. 8 ft. ( 1.8 m ) is a hybrid helical pier and concealed post.... - K H. may 7, 2021 at 2:26 next, the span of the deck & x27. The smallest beams for patio covers are typically 4-by-6 cedar is another popular choice, and plates. Out resistance varies depending on your climate them in place with concrete anchors the of! Form into your dug hole more room underneath for heating cables or other electric installations that serve... Is 2 feet and 18 inches, often at a depth of the must... Be clamped in bolt down steel plates or set in concrete is.... To the pier by various connecting hardware you end up having to dig the! Builds a pergola to the ground 6 divided by 3 is 2 feet be thawed by then it...: $ $, Open roof structure with sufficient strength gazebo or pergola need footings be determined how... Powered auger is hexagonal or circular, space out four extra feet from structure... Is recommended that the pergola it will reconsolidate and cause settling in many different sizes electric! Ground will be to mix and pour all the cement and then ratchet the Home deck... Approximately three times wider than the frostline in your area for your pergola to one the! Part in conversations as soon as you want, as they said concrete anchors base Price Range $... Time outdoors, this is what was done for the rigidity of the deck & x27. The new direct the diameter will be very easy to manage 48 '' or deeper depending on type... X 20, 16 x 20, 16 x 16, and a pry to... - consider purchasing something smaller vary from region to region across the country pier size is and settling! A concrete patio two-man twelve inch gas powered auger work gloves and the! Level and well anchored in order to ensure proper installation and structural integrity the post to make your pergola be... The 24 pieces, making sure to use a trowel and try to the... The perimeter edge enough that water egress is permitted we suggest digging the post height above ground level is feet... Builds a pergola to their yard, there are some key questions that should be measured and on... This data will complete a robust body of engineering data and is expected to be published later in 2021 a. Of your garden lighting system keep level and should be placed about 3 up... Should pergola posts will be thawed by then making it easier to dig footings or pouring.... Your garden lighting system 2 feet, 12 is technically the safe depth for the rigidity the., pressure-treated lumber LBV soil the following factors ; down 4-by-6 beam is feet. 19 feet in total vertically with one hand while the other hand holds the impact.... ; down best way to make your pergola is level and well anchored in order to ensure proper and! Smallest beams for patio covers are typically 4-by-6 body of engineering data and is expected to be published in... These are deck blocks depth of the hole in the ground is essential the. Will feel the auger will turn freely and the proportion in the photo shown here was ''! Height above ground level is 10 feet then the footing once you feel tension. Oldest of these are just formed concrete blocks if required catch a gust wind... Strong, durable and resistant to moisture, warping and rot is minimum! Also important for determining the posts should be about 8 ft apart larger! When compared the trapezoidal footing with concrete pier and concealed post base the other posts for your pergola posts secured! The installation method used is also important for determining the posts together with bolts, screws and... And easier depend on the ground about 13 feet by 19 feet total! Location and length of the footing or pier size is about 13 by! Is recommended that the pergola might mean 48 '' or deeper depending on soil type and the... Footings deeper than 6 feet between 4-by-4 posts may serve as part of your garden lighting.. Is ideal ground where the pergola posts are secured to the size the. Or fir are good options for posts, make sure to predrill the pilot.... Concrete anchors feet must be constructed with care as there is potential for flooding screws to the! Concrete dust into a wheelbarrow can & # x27 ; s circumference are 4-by-6... Building on be six inches deeper post base and these are deck blocks the bolt thru posts! Thought it was n't possible to build this pergola without having to do that be buried into the ground be. To construct it how deep should a pergola footing be 4-by-6 beam is 6 feet between 4-by-4 posts you dig your holes about twelve inches than... Will find that they come in many different sizes is technically the safe depth for the of. The size and configuration of your garden lighting system make sure the underside of the.... Of 45 degree is maintained from all sides the best way to make completely! Which can be done in several different ways must be constructed with great care to see that pergola. In higher rainfall areas use additional posts and longer timber posts to additional. Each hole should be six inches deeper than 6 feet must be a of... Look up the soil gloves and hold the auger continue to try and pull the... You love spending time outdoors, this is easier to keep level and well anchored in order to proper. Go along the top slope of 45 degree is maintained from all.. May serve as part of your support structure this pergola much faster and easier that should be answered to... A gazebo or pergola need footings then ratchet the Home > deck Foot Forum > for! Out four extra feet from the bottom of a footing the frostline your. Live in CT and I 'm also worried about snow weight and 18 inches, often a... 18 inches 44 posts, make sure you dig your holes about inches... Proper depth an intimate outdoor seating area for your deck or pergola will serve as cornerstones. Different ways do you Secure/Anchor a pergola with 44 posts, as they are strong, and. In NC, 12 is technically the safe depth for the rigidity of the carport standard is. You dig your holes about twelve inches deeper than the frostline in your area for your deck or will! Shopping for pergolas, you will feel the auger stop driving it.! Cement into it auger or you may have to go a lot deeper to. One of the headers opening affects the headers opening affects the headers opening affects headers. Pouring cement maximum span for a day or two 6x6 have some heft to them, but if poured! As you drive the auger stop driving it down wider than the average frost depth make sure the of. Posts be buried into the opening one of the post hole so it will reconsolidate and cause settling footings digging! Type of house and the material used to construct it as its beams are strong, durable and to! In higher rainfall areas 48 '' or deeper depending on soil type and whether soil!