What Are Deck Blocks

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.).

Are deck blocks a good idea?

Which type of footings should your deck have? 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.

Can deck blocks 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.

What are the concrete blocks for decks called?

Precast concrete deck blocks are popular for building decks. Some are made with notches designed to hold standard-sized posts, beams and joists. Precast blocks available at home improvement centers are usually 12 inches square and 8 to 12 inches high.

Can you build a deck on deck blocks?

Set the four corners for the deck. 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 far should deck blocks be apart?

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

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 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 heavy are concrete deck blocks?

Block weight around 50 pounds each and are notched at the top to accommodate floor joist. Easy to level with gravel underneath them.

Can you stack concrete 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.

How do you attach a deck to a block foundation?

The deck-to-block connection is done with a ledger board attached to the block using sleeve anchor bolts. The bolts have a special sleeve that expands inside the block when the head is tightened against the face of the ledger. Once you hang the ledger, joist hangers attach to the ledger for hanging the deck joists.

Do deck blocks meet code?

Deck blocks are up to code, as they are a type of precast concrete foundations which are approved by building codes. However, local building code offices may not permit the use of deck blocks if the soil is prone to frost heaves, or there is a tendency for high or uplift winds.

How much does it cost to build a 12×12 floating deck?

A 12 x12 deck can range in cost from $2 200 to $13 000, but the average will be $6 000. Costing $40 a square foot but can be as little as $15 or as high as $85, depending on the deck’s features.

How many footings do I need for a 12×12 deck?

For an attached 12 x 12′ deck, you’ll need at least 3 footings, plus at least 2 more if you’re planning on building stairs with it. If your deck will be a different size, it’s easy to figure out how many you’ll need.

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 you build a deck on gravel?

Floating decks can be set directly on the ground or, preferably, a bed of gravel. But it’s best to support the deck on concrete blocks. This keeps the wood off the ground and away from moisture so the wood stays drier and lasts longer.

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.

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.

How much weight can a 4 inch concrete block hold?

On average, cinder blocks can support at least 1,700 pounds. However, depending on the size of the block and the holes, a cinder block can support more than 1,700 pounds.

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.

Can you build a floating deck next to house?

The design and construction are similar to an attached deck except with an additional beam and a little bracing. Replacing the ledger attached to the house with a beam. Of course, this beam will need to be supported as it is freestanding.Building a Deck Beside the House but NOT Connected to the House. Floating Deck Footing Frost Deck Footing Labour 30 Minutes 2 hours.

What is the cheapest way to build a deck?

Choose wood, but carefully: Untreated wood decks are generally the cheapest to install, but don’t forget long-term costs. Wood decks require yearly maintenance and deteriorate quickly if they don’t get it.