Can you use concrete blocks for deck posts?
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.
How much weight can deck blocks hold?
A deck block with a one-foot base can support 2 000 lbs of deck. A floating deck should be built to support 50 lbs per square foot. A single deck block can support 40 sq’ of deck.
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.
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.
How do concrete deck blocks work?
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.)
Do concrete 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.
How many deck blocks do I need for a 10X10 shed?
How many deck blocks do I need for a 10X12 shed?
| Shed Size | Number of Blocks |
|---|---|
| 8X10 | 10 |
| 8X12 | 12 |
| 10X10 | 14 |
| 10X12 | 16 |
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 far apart should deck blocking be?
4′ to 6′ apart
1. Space. Solid wood blocking should be equally spaced in rows, with a maximum of 4′ to 6′ apart.
How do you attach 4×4 posts to concrete deck blocks?
The 4×4 posts are inserted into and resting on top of a concrete decking block.
- You can glue the posts in with strong glue or drill and screw through them. …
- Glue is never to be considered a structural thing.
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.
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.
What are the disadvantages of a floating deck?
Cons: Usually requires more maintenance. Because these kinds of decks are typically close to the ground, you’ll probably have to deal with weeds growing-up under and between the planks. May not bring a high return-on-investment.
Do freestanding decks need footings?
According to the main code provision for footings, the only requirement for building a deck that is freestanding is that it must have a minimum footing depth of 12 inches below the undisturbed ground surface. There is no need to extend a footing below the frost line, as is required for standard decks.
How many footings do I need for a freestanding deck?
Once you’ve completed the new deck, you’ll enjoy it for many years. Before starting to build, the first question is: How many footings do I need for a 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.
How do you stabilize a freestanding deck?
All decks using horizontal decking should have a diagonal sway brace to prevent racking. You may install a metal “T” brace, which is a long metal strip diagonally across the top of the joists, or install a diagonal deck board across the bottom of the deck frame. Decks using diagonal decking do not require sway bracing.
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].
How do you build a deck with concrete deck blocks?
Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: So i can put my paver base in so i can set my blocks. You don't need to go too deep i'll use some of the leftover soil to fill in the low spots.
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.
