Table of Contents
What are pier blocks used for?
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. Allowing you to set the pier block below the frost level on stable ground.
How do you lay block piers?
Mix a tub of mortar according to manufacturer instructions. Spread a 3- to 4-inch bed of mortar evenly with your trowel over the concrete footer on which you plan to build a pier. Set a block on the bed and press it firmly into the mortar. Lay your carpenter’s level across the top of the blocks.
When should you not use deck blocks?
Deck Blocks are Bad for Elevated Decks A deck higher than two feet (0.6m) from the ground needs stable footings. Deck blocks may work well for a ground-level deck were shifting a half or an inch or so will not affect the deck’s structure. But with height comes increase risk and potential for failure.
Do 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.
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 far apart should pier blocks be for a deck?
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. Using a string level or laser level, make sure each block is level.
How far apart should deck blocks be spaced?
Space the deck blocks at 4′ to 6′ intervals to offer the frame good support.
How deep do concrete piers need to be?
By code, the bottom of a footing must be at least 12 inches deep and below the local frostline—whichever is deeper—and bear on stable, undisturbed soil that is free of organic matter. And the code requires a minimum compressive strength of 2,500 psi for the concrete.
How much weight can a pier block hold?
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.
Do concrete piers need rebar?
We usually recommend that a minimum of two pieces of #4 rebar be placed vertically in an 8-inch-diameter concrete pier supporting a structure. The rebar provides the tensile strength needed to resist lateral stresses that can be applied to a concrete pier by ground movement, freeze cycles, and wind loads.
What are concrete pier blocks?
Above-ground deck piers are precast, tapered concrete blocks with a wide base that are intended to rest directly on the ground or a concrete base. When constructing a deck in an area that receives minor amounts to no frost, these piers often serve as suitable deck footings.
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.
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.
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 do you anchor a deck block?
Plant 15-inch-long hoop anchors into the ground about 6 inches from the edge of installed floating deck floor at the corners of the deck placed 6 inches away from the corner. Drive the point of the anchor into the ground until the auger at the point is at the ground surface, and then put a straight rod into the hoop.
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 use adjustable pier blocks?
For Pier Block, insert threaded rod into existing hole. Insert threaded rod and adjust nut to desired height. Do not exceed 2 ½” of clearance between slab and bottom of post. Adjustable Post Bracket For Pier Block, insert threaded rod into existing hole.
Are pier foundations good?
The advantages of pier-and-beam foundations often come down to cost, flood protection, and flexibility. Protection from flooding. Since the house is elevated above the ground, sitting atop posts, it will be protected from flooding.
What are the two common footing problems with piers?
Here are some other disadvantages to pier and beam foundations, which could be potential roadblocks when buying or selling a home: sagging, creaking and bouncy floors. rain accumulation and moisture problems. poor ventilation.
What is the difference between a pier and a pile?
Pier foundation consists of cylindrical columns to support and transfer large superimposed loads to firm strata. Piles are driven through the overburden soils into the load-bearing strata.
How do you level pier footings?
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.
How long does it take concrete piers to cure?
Allow the concrete to cure for one day before constructing your deck or placing heavy weight on the footing (if standard concrete mix was used, wait about 3 days to begin construction).
What is pier footing?
Piers and footings are terms used to describe parts of the concrete foundation built under a structure to support the weight of the building. When a home, commercial building or deck is constructed, the structure must rest on a concrete foundation to prevent the weight of the building from causing the ground to shift.
