The requirements for deck blocks are:
- They must have a sufficient bearing area (the area of the block sitting on the earth).
- There must be a minimum of 12 inches below the local frost depth.
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 put deck blocks on ground?
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.
Where should deck blocks be placed?
Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Or if you have a post for a higher deck you can hold it vertically like this but always check your local building codes before you start for our deck we'll use blocks near the end of each joist.
Do I need deck blocks under every joist?
The longer the joists’ span or the deck’s depth, the closer the deck blocks need to be. For example, if the deck is 12′ (3.6m) deep, the deck blocks can be spaced no more than 6′ (1.8m) apart.
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.
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. Allowing you to set the pier block below the frost level on stable ground.
How do you prepare ground for 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.
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.
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.
How far apart should you place deck blocks?
Space the deck blocks at 4′ to 6′ intervals to offer the frame good support.
Can you use screws for joist blocking?
Square down from the chalkline on one side of every joist to provide a reference line for installing the blocking. 10. Through-screw the blocking where possible. Use at least two screws per end to secure the blocking.
Can I use joist hangers for blocking?
Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Blocking is a solid board that goes in between all of these floor joists if you guys can see these floor joists kind of deflect a little bit yet.
Are concrete deck blocks good?
The blocks are preformed concrete units, as such, makes it easy and quick to construct decks. They make excellent foundations for small to medium decks when used correctly, as they have considerable load-bearing abilities.
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.
How do you anchor a deck block?
Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: We get screwed in with some structural screws to the sides. And then some structural concrete screws down into the concrete securing.
What do you put under deck blocks?
Sand or gravel under the blocks works best because these materials don’t change with seasonal freeze-and-thaw cycles. They allow water to seep away in the fall, eliminating frost-related heaving in the winter. Heavy clay soils, on the other hand, can rise and fall substantially because they hold so much moisture.
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.
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].
Why deck posts should not be set in concrete?
Deck Posts Will Rot When Set in Concrete
The concrete around the post is acting as a bowl holding water. Just like a concrete swimming pool holds water, so does concrete around a deck post. The rain falls and collects on top of the concrete with no place to go except into the post.
How high off the ground should decking be?
Make sure you build your deck high enough for ventilation so the ground can dry out. That way, your deck will last longer. Generally, if a deck is less than 12 inches above the ground, the perimeter of the deck must be open for free air to flow beneath the deck.
