Table of Contents
Can I build a deck using deck blocks?
Deck blocks are never good for elevated decks, but for a ground-level deck, they may work. A general rule is any deck that is less than 24″ (600mm) in Canada or 30″ (760mm) in the States. But check your local building code. But with many low-level decks, deck blocks are a good idea.
Can I use deck pier blocks instead of footings?
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.
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.
How many deck blocks do I need for a 12×12 deck?
Calculating Out How Many Deck Blocks for a Floating Deck Deck Dimension Square Feet of Deck Number of Deck Blocks 12″ x12″ Supporting 2000 lbs 8×8 64 4 8×10 80 4 10×10 100 4 10×12 120 6.
How many deck blocks do I need for a 10X10 shed?
Wood Shed Foundations Shed Size Number of Blocks 8X10 10 8X12 12 10X10 14 10X12 16.
Will deck blocks sink?
The deck blocks can sink if the soil under them erodes for some reason or the weight is unevenly distributed. That’s why it’s a good idea to use more than less. Especially in loose soils or wet conditions which requires more weight distribution.
Do deck blocks need to be buried?
Although they can be buried, and sometimes are, they’re really designed to rest on the ground and spare the builder from digging, although the ground may require some leveling first. One advantage of sitting on top of the ground is that deck blocks are unaffected by frost heaving.
How far apart do deck blocks need to be?
Space the deck blocks at 4′ to 6′ intervals to offer the frame good support.
Do freestanding decks need footings?
A freestanding deck will need additional beams and footings to support the load which if attached to the house, would be supported by the ledger. A freestanding deck is better than an attached deck in that water remains away from the house.
How much weight can a deck block support?
All concrete blocks must support at least 1,700 pounds of weight per square inch according to standards published in 2003 by the international building standards non-profit. Minimum requirements are only described in the standard.
Can I 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 do you space out deck blocks?
Set and Level Four Corners of Blocking Digging about 6 inches into the ground, create holes for the blocks so you can adjust (raise or lower) to make them even. The blocks should be spaced to make a 7′ x 19′ rectangle, leaving about 6 inches from each block for deck boards to add another 8′ x 20′ rectangle.
How safe are deck blocks?
While deck blocks may be code approved, it is best to restrict their use to low, floating decks. Additionally, do not use deck blocks if: The soil is susceptible to frost heave. The location experiences high or uplift winds.
Can deck posts sit on concrete blocks?
But this rule only really applies to large decks because smaller decks that are a few inches off of the ground can sit securely on concrete blocks, which should be reinforced with some rebar. When it comes to floating decks, which are decks that are built very close to the ground, they don’t need any sort of footing.
What is a floating deck?
A floating deck, also called a free standing deck, is simply a deck that’s not attached to any structure, including (of course) your house. Instead, you can put your deck’s structural members — posts, girders, and joists — on precast pier blocks set directly in the ground.
Can I use cinder blocks for a shed foundation?
Any time you build a shed, it needs some sort of foundation to act as a buffer between the shed and the ground. An on-grade shed foundation made out of cinder blocks is a quick and easy foundation to construct. Made of concrete masonry units, or CMUs, this type of foundation usually takes very little work to set up.
How do you level pier blocks?
You can cut a slight angle at the bottom of the posts, or shim the top of the pier with concrete to make a level surface. Just make sure the posts are “perfectly plumb.” Adding patching concrete to the tops of the piers is one option. Another is to grind the concrete flat, as several posters suggested.
Should I use 4×4 or 6×6 deck posts?
Unfortunately, a 4×4 post may not be able to withstand the weight, causing the entire porch to buckle. A 6×6 post gives you a little more long-term stability, particularly in those colder climates. Not only does it perform better when carrying heavier loads, but it also makes the heading for your roof more secure.
How do you hide pier blocks?
Uneven deck piers can be hidden by planting ornamental flowers, shrubs or vines around the perimeter of your deck. Place weed barrier around the perimeter of your deck where you intend to place your plants. Use plastic gardening fencing or stone to separate the area to be landscaped from the rest of your yard.
What material do I need for a 12×12 deck?
You will need 18 boards of 2-by-6-inch lumber or nine 2-by-10 inch boards to build the joists, also known as the beams. You should purchase an additional 25 percent wood to allow for framing pieces and waste.
Can 2×6 be used for deck joists?
2×6 joists should only be used on ground-level decks that do not require, and will not provide for, any guards. Most decks use 16″ on center spacing for joists. Most decking is not strong enough to support longer spans than 16″.
