What is the purpose of a sonotube?
Similar to screw piles, sonotubes support a residential or commercial structure. Sonotubes are cardboard tubes in which concrete is poured to create solid concrete, cylinder-shaped pillars. For people looking to install twenty-foot columns, sonotubes serve both a structural and esthetic purpose.
Do I need sono tubes?
I also agree that you don’t need the sonotube. For what you’re doing it will only weaken the lateral strength. If your local soil keeps collapsing into the hole a sonotube would help with that. Also, you can use a foot of sonotube to just make what you’re doing look neater.
Why do decks need footings?
The footings ensure that the deck will not fall, tip or rot away after a few years. Footings are especially important in areas that have troublesome soils because it helps keep the foundation set and prevents it from settling.
Does a sonotube need a footing?
Once adjustments have been made, your Sonotube should stand evenly on its own. However, if you are using an in-ground footing, your tube should sit evenly on top of it. In theory, your Sonotube should stay in place on its own.
Do you need footing with sonotube?
Can I build a deck without footings?
You can also build a deck without footings. A deck without footings might be appropriate if it is a low deck platform. Deck blocks, made of concrete or heavy-duty plastic, are strong enough to hold these kinds of deck platforms. Low decks don’t need footings because they are close to the ground.
Do you leave sonotube in ground?
Your sonotube should only be below ground level a few inches, just enough into the hole to help hold it. Know how you are bracing your sonotube with 2×4, screws, and stakes.
Why deck posts should not be set in concrete?
A deck post should always be placed on top of footing, not inside concrete because it can break. The photo on the left shows a post set in a bracket that has been mounted to the top of a footer. The photo on the right shows a post that has concrete poured around it, which can lead to a crack like you see here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QeAsBIRcMoc