What is the minimum width of a footing for light-frame construction?

What is the minimum width of a footing for light-frame construction?

• A. 4 inches
• B. 2 inches
• C. 12 inches
• D. 6 inches

Answer: (C)

Footings must be wide enough to spread the wall’s load across the soil so it isn’t concentrated in a small area. For light-frame construction, the baseline width of a footing is twelve inches. This size provides enough bearing area to transfer the load safely and to handle typical soil conditions and frost effects. Narrower options—four, six, or two inches—do not meet this standard and could lead to excessive bearing pressure, cracking, or settlement. If the soil or frost conditions require, footings can be wider, but twelve inches is the standard minimum.

Footings must be wide enough to spread the wall’s load across the soil so it isn’t concentrated in a small area. For light-frame construction, the baseline width of a footing is twelve inches. This size provides enough bearing area to transfer the load safely and to handle typical soil conditions and frost effects. Narrower options—four, six, or two inches—do not meet this standard and could lead to excessive bearing pressure, cracking, or settlement. If the soil or frost conditions require, footings can be wider, but twelve inches is the standard minimum.