Deck blocks on patio stones

What goes 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.

What can deck blocks be used for?

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.)

Where should deck blocks be placed?

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.

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.

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.

Do you put gravel under deck blocks?

Deck blocks can work well, but you need to consider a few things. 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.

How many deck blocks do I need for a 10X10 deck?

For example, a 10 x 10 floating deck needs four-deck blocks. Four deck blocks can hold 8 000lbs, almost twice the support necessary for a 10 x10 deck.

How much weight can deck blocks hold?

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.

How many deck blocks do I need for a 10X10 shed?

Wood Shed Foundations

How far should deck blocks be apart?

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

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.

Do floating decks need footings?

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. You can either use small concrete blocks and planks, or you can use a post that sets into a pre-formed hole.

Is a floating deck considered a permanent structure?

Floating decks, on the other hand, sit low to the ground and actually appear to float on two or more sides, depending on the joist system design. They rely on a structural base that’s not permanently fixed in the ground, classifying them in most communities as personal property instead of real estate.

Can I lay decking on gravel?

As a result, it’s critical that you choose the right foundations for your decking. Since gravel is less prone to these issues than grass, you can install decking on top of it.

How do you anchor a floating deck to the ground?

The common link between ground anchors for floating decks is the fact they are driven into the ground. A good example of this the Oz-Deck system which uses a load plate that its fence post anchor fits through. You just need to rent an electric jack hammer and insert the correct hammer tool and away you go.

How do I keep my floating deck from sinking?

This is accomplished by threading a 2×4 through the top of the post, then turning it to auger the post into the ground. As if that’s not enough, once the post has been driven into the earth, a sled hammer is used to make sure the pier is compacted into the earth, preventing sinking once the weight of the deck is added.

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].

What to put under floating deck?

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 you use deck blocks in cold climates?

Precast deck blocks are probably best suited for climates where the frost penetrates into the soil no more than 4 or 5 inches in the winter. There are very few places in the USA that have this climate. Don’t forget, the normal deck block has no way to mechanically attach to the wood deck posts other than friction.

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

A deck will cost much less than adding a similar size room to your home. For example, the cost of a 12 x12 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.