Why The Size of Your Sonotubes Matters
Welcome back to Digging Deeper with The Post Hole Company!
If you’re about to start a deck or footing project, you’ve probably seen Sonotubes – those cardboard things that make concrete footings strong. But here’s a little secret that most people (and even some folks at the hardware store) don’t know: the size printed on the Sonotube isn’t always what you get.
This can cause big headaches if you’re not careful, especially when you need a perfect fit in the hole. Today, we’ll break down why Sonotube sizing is important, how they’re made, and why you should always double-check before you buy. Picking the right size isn’t just a small thing—it can affect how solid your whole structure is. Type 1 and Type 2, or Small and Medium, are what you want for a good fit.
How Sonotubes Are Manufactured
The sizing of Sonotubes can be confusing because of how they’re made. They’re basically created by wrapping cardboard around a big cone. This process makes them in three sizes – small, medium, and large – but even though they’re all marked with the same diameter, they’re not always the same.
Here’s the deal:
When the cardboard is wrapped, if the number of wraps or the pressure isn’t consistent, the tubes can end up being a little smaller or bigger than what’s marked on them. So, two tubes labeled as 8 inches might actually be anything from 7.75 to 8.75 inches.
Why Bigger Isn't Always Better 😔
Okay, so why is getting the right Sonotube diameter a big deal? If the Sonotube is too big for the hole, it can mess with your footing, and that might even break building rules.
Picture this: we drill an 8-inch hole, but you get an “8-inch” Sonotube that’s actually a little bigger. Now what? The tube won’t fit tight, so we’d either have to make the hole bigger (not good) or, even worse, fill around the tube with dirt.
So, why is that a problem?
Building codes say footings need to be on solid ground for them to stay put. Filling around with loose stuff doesn’t do the trick and can make your deck or whatever you’re building unstable. Basically, the footing could start moving over time, which we definitely don’t want!
How to Select the Correct Sonotube
Okay, so you’ve seen how sizes can vary. To pick the right Sonotube, always measure the outside diameter of the tube *before* you buy it. We say go for one that fits nice and snug in the hole – no need to make it bigger. Actually, it’s best to get the smaller or medium size to avoid any mess.
If the ones they have are a bit too big, see if they have smaller ones. Or, just double-check the measurements with a tape measure. Remember, a good fit keeps everything secure and up to code.
Conclusion
Selecting the right Sonotube size is crucial to ensuring the long-term stability and safety of your project. Don’t rely solely on the size printed on the tube—take the extra time to measure the actual outer diameter of each tube. This small step can save you from costly issues down the road and ensure that your deck, pergola, or other structure is built on a solid foundation.
At The Post Hole Company, we drill holes with precision, ensuring the perfect diameter for your footings. Let us help you with your next project, and remember, when in doubt—always measure!
