Key Takeaways
- Ledger board attachment location and condition should be confirmed before finalizing the footprint.
- Footing count depends on joist span and local frost depth requirements — don't guess this from footprint alone.
- Stair location affects both footprint and how the deck integrates with existing grade.
- Height above grade changes railing requirements in many jurisdictions.
- A deck near a property line or setback should be flagged even on a working drawing.
Who This Is For
- Deck builders quoting new construction or replacement decks
- General contractors including deck work in a larger renovation scope
- Estimators pricing framing materials from a layout
- Crews confirming footing locations before digging
Tools or Information Needed
- Field measurements of the deck footprint and house attachment wall
- Notes on existing grade, slope, and drainage near the deck
- Local frost depth and footing requirements, if known
- A scaled drawing tool such as the SiteBuildHub Deck Plan Maker
Step-by-Step Workflow
- 1
Measure the attachment wall and confirm ledger feasibility
Record the length of the wall the deck will attach to and check the wall structure at that point — this affects whether a ledger attachment is straightforward or needs additional work.
- 2
Draw the overall footprint at scale
Lay out the full deck footprint based on field measurements, including any notches, wraparounds, or multi-level sections.
- 3
Place footing or post locations
Space footings based on your framing plan and local frost depth requirements — this is a structural decision, not just a visual one, and should reflect actual joist span, not a rough guess.
- 4
Add stairs and landing locations
Draw stair placement and approximate landing area, accounting for existing grade. Stairs often require their own footings, which affects both the layout and the quote.
- 5
Note height above grade
Record the deck's height above grade at the ledger and at any low points — this can trigger different railing and guard requirements depending on local code.
- 6
Flag proximity to property lines or setbacks
If the deck footprint comes close to a setback line, note it clearly so it's addressed before footings are dug rather than after.
- 7
Count materials from the finished layout
With footprint, footings, and stairs drawn at scale, calculate decking, framing, and railing quantities directly from the drawing.
Contractor example
Example: a 16 x 12 attached deck with stairs
A deck builder quotes a 16-foot by 12-foot deck attached to the rear of a house, with stairs down to grade on one 12-foot side. They measure the attachment wall, confirm the rim joist condition is suitable for a ledger, and note the deck will sit 34 inches above grade — requiring a code-compliant guard rail.
The layout places footings at 6-foot spacing based on the framing plan, adds a 4-foot-wide stair section with its own footing, and marks the deck edge as 9 feet from the rear property line, well clear of the local setback. The client approves the layout, and the crew uses the same drawing to lay out footing locations on site.
Why footing placement belongs on the quote drawing
Footing count is one of the largest material and labor line items on most deck jobs, and it depends on more than footprint size — joist span, local frost depth, and load requirements all factor in. Drawing footing locations as part of the quote layout forces those decisions to happen before the price is set, not during framing.
It also gives the crew a starting reference on site, reducing the layout work needed the day digging begins.
Common Mistakes
- Finalizing footprint before confirming the ledger attachment is structurally sound
- Spacing footings by rule of thumb instead of actual joist span and frost depth requirements
- Leaving stairs as an afterthought instead of drawing their footprint and footings
- Not recording height above grade, which affects railing requirements
- Missing a setback issue that surfaces only after footings are dug
Field Tips
- Check the rim joist and band board condition at the ledger location before assuming a straightforward attachment.
- Measure grade at multiple points under the deck footprint — it's rarely perfectly flat.
- Confirm stair landing requirements with local code before finalizing stair footprint.
- Photograph the attachment wall and surrounding grade for reference during framing.
Practical Checklist
- Attachment wall measured and ledger feasibility checked
- Overall footprint drawn at scale, including notches or multi-level sections
- Footing locations placed based on joist span and frost depth
- Stair location and footings included
- Height above grade recorded
- Setback proximity checked and flagged if needed
- Materials counted from the finished layout
Safety and Limitations
- Deck ledger attachment and footing depth are structural decisions — confirm requirements with local code or a qualified professional.
- Call the local utility locate service before digging footings.
- Height above grade may trigger guard rail requirements — check local code before finalizing the design.
- This layout supports planning and quoting; it is not a substitute for a permit-reviewed structural plan where one is required.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far apart should deck footings be?
It depends on joist span, beam size, and local frost depth requirements. Use your framing plan and local code rather than a fixed rule of thumb.
Do I need a permit for a deck layout like this?
Many jurisdictions require a permit for attached decks above a certain height or size. Check with the local permitting authority before starting work.
What if the ledger wall isn't in good condition?
Note the condition on the layout and address it before finalizing the quote — ledger issues can require repair work or a freestanding design instead of an attached one.
Summary
A deck quote layout should show the footprint, ledger attachment, footing locations based on real structural inputs, stairs, and height above grade — enough to price the job accurately and give the crew a usable starting reference on site.