Trees are the classic iceberg situation. Notched, precast concrete blocks help stop lateral, side-to-side movement but arent necessarily code-approved in all areas of the country check with your local building authorities before you plan your deck. In most cities, if a deck permit is required, deck blocks are a bad idea. And you may need special equipment to lift precast piers they weigh up to 1,000 pounds each. Even if its not required its a good practice to follow it. Especially if the frost line is involved which it is for most of the US and likely all of Canada. The first and most noticeable advantage of using post anchors rather than deck blocks is that the post is fixed firmly in place without needing additional cross pieces. Spacing for a deck supported by typical four-by-fours will be about six feet from post to post. I love Mike Holmes and his call to build things better, but. Its a hot-dipped galvanized plate that when combined with. You can build a deck beside a house without attaching it to the house. Only use deck blocks where the ground can support them. Deck Blocks vs Concrete Footings or Piers, How to Build a Shed Foundation with Deck Blocks, 44 adjustable steel deck supports 1 for each deck block. That way, youll know youre building a deck thats as safe as it can be. The main difficulty in using deck blocks with posts is that the indentation for the posts is slightly larger than the post itself. Its a hot-dipped galvanized plate that when combined with OZCOs post anchors creates a solid foundation so you can build a solid deck without digging holes or pouring concrete. If your frost level is less than 6 (150mm) like in southern California or Florida, burying deck blocks a few inches down might be all you need to support your deck. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'decksbye3_com-banner-1','ezslot_9',110,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-decksbye3_com-banner-1-0')};Deck blocks are a good idea in places like RV campground and Trailer parks, where you are not permitted to build something permanent. Generally speaking, you want support every 3-4 for a normal use building and 4-6 for lighter situations. Picture 5: The supports are more secure with the cylinder fully embedded in the concrete. Some areas of the country may require the use of auger tie-downs metal rods that are screwed into the ground and attach to deck framing members to prevent posts from lifting out of the precast notches. Wrong, well, you get the point. If youre building your own deck, the first step is to consult your local building codes for regulations about deck foundations. Learn about decking materials and the options available for your deck project. A Red Seal carpenter, passionate about building decks to be enjoyed. Post anchors make it easy to, or other types of anchoring. For all the same reason not to block a high deck. link to How Much Weight Does a Cantilever Umbrella Need? Once the concrete is cured, align the deck blocks according to your foundation plan and level each one. Close up of pier blocks set under the barn decking. This is because they can suffer from uplifting forces from strong winds in a similar way as deck blocks do. Deck blocks are good for supporting a low deck, but not something overhead. You will have to decide if they will work for your situation and your local building regulations. Then it would be best if you waited at least a day for the concrete to set. Softer soil or heavier structures will require more weight distribution. I am talking about RV campground situations, out at the cabin or planning to move in a few years anyway. For the concrete, forms and post saddle. Putting strain on the houses foundation and potential for the deck to pull away from the house. That will require much more attention to level. One can measure diagonals or use the 3-4-5 multiples technique. The biggest difference between each is from where the deck is supported, below the frost or floating on the ground. Theyre anchored more firmly than deck blocks, and this makes it easier to construct ornamental decks around pools or attractive viewing platformswhatever you can imagine for your yard. The deck blocks can sink if the soil under them erodes for some reason or the weight is unevenly distributed. Related to height are pergolas or deck roofs. There are other types of ground anchors like used for Mobile Homes etc. If a low deck sinks a 1/8 its no big deal. Place the deck block and level with a two-foot or torpedo level. There is more to the tree under the ground than above. Simply placing them on the ground or on a poured concrete pad a few inches deep usually isnt enough to comply with codes they must be set at least 12 inches deep in undisturbed soil. In fact, until recently there was no good way to build a deck without digging holes to anchor it unless you happened to be lucky enough to be building onto an existing concrete slab. How to use deck blocks: Deck blocks stand in for the posts or provide a foundation for a post. Drive the anchor into the ground through the plate foundation, checking the level intermittently to ensure it remains plumb. Even foundations where youre not actually putting a post into the ground require you to dig down deep in order to pour the concrete for a pier or footer. If youre using posts on the blocks, the grade level isnt as important as if your beams etc. A post anchor is a bracket designed to hold a post with flanges underneath. There are some exceptions, but most jurisdictions require frost footings for all permitted decks. It would cause structural damage and separations. As a direct result, you can build higher with more confidence, up to eight feet in height from the ground to the surface of the deck. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'decksbye3_com-box-4','ezslot_8',109,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-decksbye3_com-box-4-0')};No, I am not talking disposable decks. They should be laid out similarly to deck posts, with the caveat that the spacing should be a little closer together, around five feet or so beneath the beams. Spacing for a deck supported by typical four-by-fours will be about six feet from post to post. Not everything we build needs to last forever. With deck blocks just like the mobile home beside it, you can jack it up on a trailer and move it to its new home without worrying about footings when the time comes. Often, that depth is 36 to 48 inches below grade and can be as deep as 70 inches in the far north-central section of the country. deck construction requirements over tree roots, freestanding deck not connected to the house is an option; click here, complete guide to building a floating deck. But I digress, back to deck blocks. Then deck blocks are not for you. A deck block will only cost $15 for the deck block andbase materiallike gravel under the deck block. Place the post in the bracket, secure it with screws, and then build the deck. Dig out the topsoil and level the ground where the deck block will sit. Contact OZCO to find out more about the OZ-Deck Foundation System and other building breakthroughs from OZCO, or locate a dealer near you. Deck blocks are a preformed mass of concrete with formations in the top sized to hold lumber for vertical posts or beams to support a structure. That over a foot now becomes two inches at the top. This is a major part of the foundations ability to distribute the load, and the necessary compaction is difficult to impossible to get with manual tools. Needing a shaded spot poolside or an outdoor living area off the house? Basically they wont be allowed. I hope to share what I have learned from years of wearing a tool belt and am still learning every summer as I have the privilege of building decks. A freestanding deck not connected to the house is an option; click here to read more. But a deck around a tree has some complications, especially with roots. The anchor is in the ground instead of resting on top of it, and if driven in with a jackhammer, the compressed earth beneath the foundation plate will help keep them from shifting. That is also a factor for underground mechanicals that raise to the structure. Shawn Winrich is a regular guy with a normal childhood who started fixing and working on electrical, mechanical and construction projects at a young age learning hands on. Will Deck Blocks Hold Up to Frostline Restrictions and Will They Sink? While the summer sun may burn brightly in places, it won't last forever. Hey, you can even reuse the deck blocks on the next site.. If you are not comfortable with the idea of your deck rising and falling with the ground. From small to greater shaded poolside spots Bolts with sleeves create a cleaner, ornamental look when joining two timbers. Poured concrete footings will often take a couple of hours or more to dig and pour. They will add lateral support and inhibit uplift in stormy or high wind situations. creates a solid foundation so you can build a solid deck without digging holes or pouring concrete. However, concrete deck blocks can be used without restriction for a freestanding deck thats not attached to your house. Structures like small decks or sitting on a rock will require less. Best Patio Furniture Material to be Left Outside in Winter. Use a trowel to fill the hole and slots in the deck block with concrete. If deck blocks will provide sufficient strength, they are cheaper than poured footings and require less work. Ive built many decks, and the hardest part is always digging the holes. They should be laid out similarly to deck posts, with the caveat that the spacing should be a little closer together, around five feet or so beneath the beams. But using deck blocks instead of footings simplifies all this. Privacy Policy. This makes building with deck blocks a two-man job just to ensure everything remains lined up. On their own, these are suitable anchors for a fence or a light structure like an arbor. A foundation is the most important aspect of your project since the whole project rests on it (pun intended). Measuring between the marks should be 5 as illustrated. With a sweet design and hard work, this backyard comes to life as a one hundred year old barn deck is set into place, a concrete chic fire feature and vibrant plants are incorporated into the mix. A floating deck saves you a minimum of $200 compared to a fixed deck in material alone. I go step by step what I all did to build a floating deck. On their own, these are suitable anchors for a fence or a light structure like an arbor. Once the spacing is determined, place the anchor through the deck plate, and place the jackhammer driver bit into the bracket of the anchor. And saw a guy climbing and frustratingly working under his deck. This makes building with deck blocks a two-man job just to ensure everything remains lined up. How to use post anchors: Using post anchors, like deck blocks, starts with laying out the posts and appropriately spacing them. So, if it still seems like a good idea to use deck blocks, here are a few pointers for installation. Set an anchor bolt into the wet concrete that youll use to secure a metal post anchor (Image 2). The steel supports fit into the center hole in the blocks and are easy to adjust to make a level base for your shed, with minimal ground disturbance. Eventually, this will help tie down the deck. If you want to build a deck for the backyard in a weekend, precast deck blocks may be a good idea. 2022 Warner Bros. A little base work on the ground, and theyre ready. If youre building a new deck, make sure to start off on the right foot with the right type of concrete footers for your particular design and location. The quantity will depend on the soil conditions, weight, layout, and the size of your structure. Picture 9: Angle the steel base plate so it rests on the deck block, similar to Picture 4. One of the most noticeable things about deck blocks is the lack of fasteners tying the blocks to the timber. Blocks will allow minimal surface prep or digging as opposed to concrete piers which will usually require excavation of large amounts of dirt, more labor and associated costs. Others also have notches allowing you to run a single-ply beam material over the deck block. If you need something quick and easy, they will likely work. Using post anchors, like deck blocks, starts with laying out the posts and appropriately spacing them. A general rule is any deck that is less than 24 (600mm) in Canada or 30 (760mm) in the States. They may be wider at the base than the top, or they may be square like this. 2021 OZCO Building Products. In order to get enough space to ensure the posts are perfectly vertical, its normal to dig the hole wider than is strictly necessary for the post. Smooth the concrete and remove any mess. A post meant to support a deck must be driven with a jackhammer to thoroughly compact the soil beneath. Additional patents pending. Deck blocks will normally be quicker and cheaper to install than concrete footings. Galvanized post anchors prevent lateral movement and keep the ends of wood support posts from direct contact with the concrete, which gives posts a longer life. Deck blocks can only be used for floating decks. When theyre driven through a base plate and pounded into the soil with a jackhammer, they make a suitable foundation for a heavier structure like a deck, and are a little more secure than deck blocks. First is your level of comfort. In the excitement of a new home, he had built a deck in the backyard before the ground had time to settle. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'decksbye3_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_3',108,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-decksbye3_com-medrectangle-4-0')};Care must still be used in adequately installing the deck blocks. Picture 2: Use dish soap to remove any oil or grease from the steel supports. is a bracket designed to hold a post with flanges underneath. Project Plans: Pavilions & Pergolas for 1216 Patios. Especially in loose soils or wet conditions which requires more weight distribution. Instead of digging, the flanges are driven into the ground by hammering on a bit inserted into the bracket with a sledge or a jackhammer. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Garden arbors with trellises can define areas in a yard as well as provide privacy. For this reason, its best if decks built on blocks are not tied directly to the house. One of my shop teachers use to say, A good carpenter is lazy and cheap. A little for shock value, but really. Some are made with notches designed to hold standard-sized posts, beams and joists. Add or remove base material to level the block as required. Installed correctly, they are great. Concrete blocks are ready to use out of the truck. Push the 44 support cylinder, tape end first, into the concrete in the center of the deck block. Insert the bolt end of the bracket and place the beam into the brackets. They do not have to be level with each other. The post is then inserted into the bracket and held in place with screws. Once the spacing is determined, place the anchor through the deck plate, and place the jackhammer driver bit into the bracket of the anchor. Frost level footings are more stable and can support more weight, and last much longer than deck blocks.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'decksbye3_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_2',107,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-decksbye3_com-medrectangle-3-0')}; But if you are okay with a little up and down and are not building a deck to be enjoyed by your grandchildren, then maybe deck blocks are a good idea. In most regions of the country, that means securing support posts to the foundation with code-approved metal connectors or having the ends of posts set on concrete deck blocks buried at least 12 inches below grade (the top of the soil). Precast concrete deck blocks are popular for building decks. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'decksbye3_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_10',111,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-decksbye3_com-large-leaderboard-2-0')};As an added bonus, if placed incorrectly. Deck blocks are good for some decks, but not all. Read This Before You Build a Ground-Level Deck, 10 Things You Must Know About Paver Patios. Some areas may additionally require the use of auger type tie downs that are like a metal screw that goes into the ground then fasten to structural framing members. One type has an indentation in the top for a four-by-four post, and the other has a cross-shaped indentation meant to directly support the beams with no intervening post. OZCO Building Products OZ-Deck Foundation System is one of the best ways to build a deck without digging holes. The following is a step by step on how to make adjustable deck blocks. The blocks float on the ground and will raise and lower with the frost. This allows a high degree of movement until the beams are fastened to two posts, tying them firmly in position. The post tilting so much that only the edge of the post is supporting the beam. Drive the anchor into the ground through the plate foundation, checking the level intermittently to ensure it remains plumb. E 3 Construction Ltd is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Heres the video that shows how the foundation looks after 2 years of harsh weather. I prefer the advanced method that makes the deck blocks adjustable. Ive built many boardwalks, decks, arbors, pergolas, and pavilions A good stain and high-quality, decorative hardware can take a fence from bland or even outright ugly to a stylish Wood post anchors are some of the easiest ways to install a fence post, and offer other benefits, like protection document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 51730 4x4 POST BASE (2) RAIL SADDLE IW, 56630 4x4 POST BASE (2) RAIL SADDLE LS, 51731 4x4 POST BASE (1) RAIL SADDLE IW, 56631 4x4 POST BASE (1) RAIL SADDLE LS, 51772 6x6 PAST BASE (2) RAIL SADDLE IW, 56672 6x6 PAST BASE (2) RAIL SADDLE LS, 51771 6x6 PAST BASE (1) RAIL SADDLE IW, 56690 6x6 PAST BASE (1) RAIL SADDLE LS, 51784 4 FLUSH OUTSIDE 90 (WITH HCN) IW, 56684 4 FLUSH OUTSIDE 90 (WITH HCN) LS, 56699 5 FLUSH OUTSIDE 90 (WITH HCN) LS, 51799 5 FLUSH OUTSIDE 90 (WITH HCN) IW, 16625 1/4 x 1-3/4 OWT TIMBER SCREWS (1000PCS), 16647 1/4 x 10 OWT TIMBER SCREWS (50PCS), 16648 1/4 x 12 OWT TIMBER SCREWS (50PCS), 16626 1/4 x 2-3/4 OWT TIMBER SCREWS (600PCS), 16627 1/4 x 3-3/4 OWT TIMBER SCREWS (450PCS), 16628 1/4 x 5-3/4 OWT TIMBER SCREWS (250PCS), 16629 1/4 x 7-1/2 OWT TIMBER SCREWS (250PCS), 56698 1/2 x 10-12 OWT TIMBER TIMBER BOLTS, 16652 3/4 x 10-12 OWT TIMBER BOLTS (25), 16649 3/4 x 4-6 OWT TIMBER BOLTS (30PK), 16650 3/4 x 6-8 OWT TIMBER BOLT (30PK), 16651 3/4 x 8 10 OWT TIMBER BOLTS (30), 56659 ORNAMENTAL GATE ACCENT FLEUR-DE-LIS, 56650 ORNAMENTAL GATE ACCENT SPEAK EASY, 30700 24 Oz-Post MB-24 Mailbox Anchor (3 1/2 Square), 30180 T4-600 (3 1/2 Square) OZ-Post Anchor, 30160 T4-850 (3 1/2 Square) OZ-Post Anchor, 30380 T46-850 (3 1/2 x 5 1/2) OZ-Post Anchor, 30400 T6-850 (5 1/2 Square) OZ-Post Anchor, 30000 GB-700 (1 5/8 Round) OZ-Post Anchor, 30020 HB-700 (1 7/8 Round) OZ-Post Anchor, 30060 IS-600 (2 3/8 Round) OZ-Post Anchor, 30500 ISW Base For Signs/Fences (2-3/8 Round), 30040 ISW-850 (2 3/8 Round) OZ-Post Anchor, 30340 I25-850 (2 1/2 Square) OZ-Post Anchor, 30410 T6-700 (5 1/2 Square) OZ-Post Anchor, 50120 EZ-Hide Wood 2 Wood Fence Rail Bracket (Pair), 50100 WAP-238 Steel 2 Wood Fence Bracket (Single), 50130 WAP-238 Steel 2 Wood Fence Bracket Project Pack (50), 50110 WAP-OZ Steel 2 Wood Fence Bracket (Single), 50111 WAP-OZ Steel 2 Wood Fence Bracket Project Pack (50), 50140 WAP-OZ w/ Inside 90 Full Wrap Bracket (Single), 67708 Floating Arm Plug Mounting Accessory, Build a Deck Without Digging Holes Using a Deck Post Base and Post Anchor.