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The Deck Foot Anchor installs with a handheld ½" impact wrench. Use our hand auger tool if you prefer a manual installation.
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Turn a week-long job into a weekend project.
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Save money on labor, materials and time.
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No sledge or jackhammers or heavy machinery.
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Install in the morning and build in the afternoon.
Will An Auger Work In My Soil?
Some soil is not well suited for augers. The soil may be full of rocks, roots or other obstructions, or frozen. So you have to do some due diligence first to know if your soil is suited for this kind of solution.
If you're unsure about your soil conditions, we recommend using our Deck Foot Anchor - Test Kit for accurate results. This kit will help you assess soil composition and confirm compatibility with our augers before you buy, giving you confidence in your foundation choice.
If continuous torque is applied after hitting an obstruction, the auger may be damaged and become difficult to remove.
Additional Information
GROUND LEVEL
You can build your deck with joists as low as 2"-3" above grade if you wish. Simply hang the joists from the perimeter joist. If you want to extend the deck beyond the footing, extend the side perimeter joists 6"-10" and fill with blocking joists along the length.
EASILY UP TO SIX FEET
With proper bracing in both directions from 6x6 posts to beams, you can make a six-foot high freestanding deck as solid as a rock. It's possible to go even higher but it is not intended to support decks at a second-floor elevation.
FRAMING AND BRACING TECHNIQUES
HOW MANY FOOTINGS DO I NEED?
The Rule of Thumb is 6'-0" apart for each footing. This corresponds to a design load of 50 psf and tributary areas over each footing of 36 sqft.
So the total load imposed on the soil below each footing would be a maximum of 1800 psf as the footing is just slightly larger than 1 sqft.
If you have a large deck where three or more beams are going to be used, consider adding one additional footing along the interior beam. This is because the tributary loads of any structure are always greatest in the middle.
CONVEX PLATE FOR GROUND CONTACT
Designed for direct ground contact, the convex load plate ensures stability on compacted gravel or soil. Pairs perfectly with our Shorty or Tall Boy style Post Saddles.
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Installs directly into the ground—no need for a hard surface.
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Ideal for use on gravel, soil, or other compacted bases.
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Provides a secure, anchored footing for your structure.
FLAT PLATE OVER PAVER STONES
Our flat load plate allows simpler installations over pavers or stone. Pairs perfectly with our Shorty or Tall Boy style Post Saddles, or Pergola Brackets.
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Remove enough pavers to allow the helical blade to clear.
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Load plate rests on a hard surface.
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Also useful over asphalt.
WHAT IF MY POSTS AREN'T 6x6 OR 4x4
For projects with posts that aren't using traditional 4x4 or 6x6 posts—or if you just prefer a more versatile mounting solution—our Pergola Post Brackets are the perfect choice.
They accommodate a wide range of post types, including wood, metal, hollow, and closed-bottom posts.
When using a solid wood post or a closed bottom metal post, an access hole for the drive head of the auger must be bored into the post (1-3/4" to 2" dia.).
A common bi-metal hole saw can be used to cut a hole in the flat bottom of metal post. This hole allows the drive head of the auger to reside inside the post.
INSTALLATION OVER PAVERS
This installation guide will walk you through securing the flat load plate over pavers using our Pergola Post Brackets, providing a strong and versatile foundation for your structure.
The flat plate rests on a hard surface while the helical anchor drives into the ground for added stability
If you prefer a more traditional approach, the brackets can be swapped out for our Shorty or Tall Boy Post Saddles, allowing you to customize your installation to fit your needs.
HOW DOES FROST AFFECT THE ANCHOR?
The Deck Foot Anchor™ is designed to remain securely in place, unlike traditional fence posts that can gradually lift out of the ground over time. It stays anchored while moving with the natural expansion and contraction of the soil during freeze-thaw cycles, ensuring long-term stability.
The Deck Foot Anchor - Floating™ is not promoted as a frost footing and falls under Section R403.1.4.1. Exception 3 (IRC) and Section 9.12.2.2.(7) (NBC). Therefore it is recommended for use with freestanding decks.
If you want a true frost footing that also accommodates ledger attached structures check out the Deck Foot Anchor - Ledger or the Ledger - Load Max
AUGER COMPRESSION
Here are the data from the compression tests of the auger in the best and worst type of soil.
AUGER UPLIFT
Pull out resistance (tension) from undisturbed soil varies by soil type and auger length. If you are building a project where known uplift data is required please see our Tension Test data for sandy or clay soils based on auger length.
This is data taken from field testing by Intertek in a location in Colorado and is part of an extensive residential code compliance review program this is expected to be completed in 2022.
Optimal Times for Installing the Deck Foot Anchor
To ensure the best results and avoid potential damage, it's important to install the Deck Foot Anchor when the ground is fully thawed and free of frost. Attempting to drive the auger into frozen or partially frozen soil can cause excessive stress on the anchor, potentially leading to bending or breakage.
We recommend scheduling your installation during late spring, summer, or early fall — typically once overnight temperatures consistently stay above freezing and any frost has fully melted from the ground.
If you're unsure whether the frost line has completely thawed, it's best to test the soil with a metal rod or soil probe before installation. Soft, unfrozen soil will allow the Deck Foot Anchor to perform as designed, giving you a secure and lasting foundation.
Recommended for You
Z
These anchors are fairly lightweight, durable and easy to install. They will be perfect for two sheds I'm building.
R
The deck anchors work fantastic. I’ve been using them for a few years ..110% satisfied. Great product and support!!!
M
With The right tools this entire system is fantastic. Saves time and energy for a perfect result.
E
I just installed these and they were perfect for my project. I'm want to build a solar pergola on top of pavers. I removed a few blocks and drove in the auger
If you don't have super powerful tools, definitely get the 2x4 auger tool. My impact driver was only able to get the auger in a few inches. Then I switched to the auger tool and 4' 2x4 and the auger went in fairly easily.
Professionally installed pavers are set in top of sand, several inches of rocks before hitting dirt. It went through the rock with no problems.
t
We purchased 2 of the Deck Foot Anchors for a storage shed project that had a covered lean too attached to it for some animal cover. They worked great, were easy to install, and the building inspector was very impressed with them and we passed our inspection easily.
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