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 I strengthen my pier?





Key points of strengthening bridge pier

  1. Increase cross-section reinforcement method. In the process of strengthening the pillars of municipal bridges, a commonly used technique is to increase the cross-sectional reinforcement method. …
  2. Steel plate reinforcement technology. …
  3. Carbon fiber sheet reinforcement technology.


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.

How do you use concrete deck post blocks?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Level it and backfill around the block. They aren't anchored to the ground. So you can't use them in a lot of areas where there's a lot of wind.

Can I use deck blocks for a shed?





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 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.

How do you reinforce a post and pier foundation?

But steps can be taken to strengthen post and pier foundations. Bolting posts to piers and beams is the most common method. Lateral support can be achieved by installing 2x4s as diagonal bracing from one post to the next. Pre-drilled steel T-straps are recommended for attaching beams to posts.

How deep should piers 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 do you set up a pier and beam foundation?



Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Form this is an effect a cardboard box that will crush over time. And now the concrete on top the perimeter beam. And also the slab. That's going inside our conditioned crawl.

How far apart should pier blocks be for a deck?

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

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.

How do you attach 4×4 posts to concrete deck blocks?



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.

How do you secure a 4×4 to concrete block?

The 4×4 posts are inserted into and resting on top of a concrete decking block.



  1. You can glue the posts in with strong glue or drill and screw through them. …
  2. Glue is never to be considered a structural thing.

Do deck piers need footings?

Decks and other permanent structures require deck supports and footings made from structural strength concrete mix. NOTE: it is important to check local building codes for construction requirements in your area; these requirements will include minimum diameter and minimum depth of the footings.

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 10X12 shed?



Wood Shed Foundations

Shed Size Number of Blocks
8X10 10
8X12 12
10X10 14
10X12 16

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

Calculating Out How Many Deck Blocks for a Floating Deck

Deck Dimension Square Feet of Deck Total Weight Supported by Deck Blocks (50lbs sq’)
8×10 80 4000 lbs
10×10 100 5000 lbs
10×12 120 6000 lbs
12×12 144 7200 lbs

How many concrete blocks do I need for shed foundation?

To build a shed, you will need 20 to 60 blocks for the foundation, depending on the size of your shed. If your shed is on unlevel ground, you will need more blocks to stabilize it. If you are building a 6ft x 8ft or smaller shed, concrete blocks are not required as long as the ground is level.

Should a shed be put on blocks?

Concrete shed foundation blocks are a great way to create a level base for your shed. They can be doubled up to give a wide base, or stacked to build piers for higher clearance or uneven slopes. Concrete blocks are ideal for flat or on-grade foundation support. They raise your structure off the ground and won’t rot.

What should a shed sit on?



Gravel is the best shed foundation, especially for portable buildings that come with a wood floor. Concrete is the ideal foundation for a garage or a shed without a pre-built floor.