Are deck blocks a good idea?

Deck blocks are a good idea for low decks, decks around trees, areas with low frost levels and economical decks. It is a bad idea to use deck blocks when attaching the deck to the house, on stable ground or supporting elevated decks, pergolas or a roof.

What do you put under deck blocks?

Deck blocks should be installed on stable, non-organic material with good drainage. You can put gravel, sand, or limestone screening under a deck block. Deck blocks can also be set on poured concrete columns dug to below the frost level.

Do deck blocks need to be buried?

Simply placing them on the ground or on a poured concrete pad a few inches deep usually isn't enough to comply with codes — they must be set at least 12 inches deep in undisturbed soil. However, concrete deck blocks can be used without restriction for a freestanding deck that's not attached to your house.

Can I use concrete deck blocks instead of footings?

The acceptability of deck pier blocks instead of footings depends on two things deck height and frost level. Pier blocks can be used instead of footings for a ground-level deck not requiring permits. Piers blocks can also be used if the frost level depth is less then the height of the pier block.

How much weight can a deck block support?

A deck block with a one-foot base can support 2 000 lbs of deck. A floating deck should be built to support 50 lbs per square foot. A single deck block can support 40 sq' of deck.

Solving Several Problems at Once - Titan Deck Foot

How far apart do you put deck blocks?

Space the deck blocks at 4' to 6' intervals to offer the frame good support.

How far apart should deck blocking be?

1. Space. Solid wood blocking should be equally spaced in rows, with a maximum of 4′ to 6′ apart.

When should you not use deck blocks?

Don't Use Deck Blocks for Decks Attached to a House

Deck blocks are only for floating decks, but if you attach the deck to the house, one side is floating. The other is not. Putting strain on the house's foundation and potential for the deck to pull away from the house.

Can you build a deck without digging holes?

Yes. It's possible to build a deck without digging holes. This type of deck is called a floating deck, and it sits right on top of the ground without any posts or support areas that you'd dig down into the ground [to secure].

How much weight can a pier block support?

A single 8” x 16” concrete block can carry 8,000 lbs. Don't go over 36′′ high. The single blocks that can be used for your pier can easily carry 5,500 lbs. They limit a dry stack, single block pier to 5,760 lbs.

How do deck blocks work?

Deck blocks are precast concrete blocks used to hold up beams for supporting structures, especially floating decks. There are different types of deck blocks; some have notches to hold beams, joists, and posts, which makes them excellent for constructing freestanding decks (decks not attached to the building.)

Will deck blocks heave?

Dig out the topsoil and level the ground where the deck block will sit. It is essential to remove all organic material as this will make the block unstable. in the hole and compact. This is to provide drainage under the deck block to minimizing heaving.

How much gravel do you put under deck blocks?

If one block is too high, remove some material underneath; if it is too low, add some gravel. 3.8 - Backfill the entire perimeter with 0-¾" gravel.

Can you build a shed on deck blocks?

Size matters when considering shed foundation material.

Small- to medium-sized sheds, up to 160 square feet, can rest on an on-grade foundation. The types of foundation for these sheds can include a gravel pad, paving blocks and lumber, solid concrete blocks and lumber, or deck blocks and lumber.

Do freestanding decks need footings?

According to the main code provision for footings, the only requirement for building a deck that is freestanding is that it must have a minimum footing depth of 12 inches below the undisturbed ground surface. There is no need to extend a footing below the frost line, as is required for standard decks.

Can I build a deck directly on the ground?

Yes, you can build a deck directly on the ground, but with some conditions. A deck on the ground must be built with ground-contact wood, and the substructure needs to be adapted for minimal height. Even though technically a ground level deck is elevated up to 24”, here we will discuss decks built less than 8” high.

Can you stack deck blocks?

Trade secret – It's often necessary to stack two or more solid-concrete blocks on top of one another to create a level foundation. To keep the blocks from sliding out of position as you set the floor frame in place, use a caulking gun to apply a generous bead of construction adhesive between the blocks.

Does footing need to be below frost line?

Depth of Footings

Footings also must extend at least 12 inches below the frost line (the depth to which the ground freezes in winter) or must be frost-protected.

Are Floating decks safe?

Because floating decks sit low to the ground, there is an increased likelihood of weeds growing up between the decking planks. A floating deck can become a hazard in serious storms, as high winds can potentially toss it off its base.

Is bridging or blocking better?

We think that metal bridging is much easier to install and accomplishes the same thing as solid blocking. Also, solid blocking seems more likely to cause squeaks because of all the extra joints and nails required for installation.

Does blocking increase joist span?

Some deck builders install blocking throughout the frame to increase the strength of long joist spans and promote a more solid structure. Often times, scrap materials from your framing lumber may be used for blocking.

Do I joist require blocking?

Blocking panels are required at each end of floor joists not otherwise restrained from overturning by a band joist or rim board. Blocking panels are required between floor joists supporting load-bearing walls running perpendicular to the joists.