Knowledge Builders

what is decking a block

by Sterling Tromp Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Decking the Block Decking is the process of cutting down the portion of the block to which the cylinder heads mate. This is important for several reasons. First, it is often necessary to remove some material from this part of the block just to "square up" the cylinder heads.Mar 22, 2007

Full Answer

What is the purpose of deck blocking?

The purpose of deck blocking is to provide a secure anchor point for the ledger board. The ledger board is the wood that attaches the deck to the house, and it must be securely attached.

Why is deck joist blocking so important?

A deck is an extension of the living space and should be a solid platform for your outdoor activities. A wobbly or bouncy deck is a cause for concern and doesn’t instill confidence in the skills of the builder. An easy deterrent or fix is the use of deck joist blocking.

How do you fasten blocks to a deck board?

Alternating block placement on either side of the line from joist to joist makes it easier to direct fasten than in from above or below. Many deck framers will measure so that the staggered line of blocks falls under a deck board to protect them from moisture and make them invisible from above.

Should I use pier blocks for my Deck?

Overall, pier blocks are best suited for low- or ground-level decks, where smaller framing materials are common and additional posts and blocks are not an eyesore. Uplift and lateral forces on the posts are also of less concern in ground-level decks. The deck foundation blocks can be purchased at most home and garden stores.

What is a good deck block for?

How to drain ice from a deck block?

What is a deck pergola?

How long does it take to build a deck?

How high should a deck be in Canada?

How long does it take for concrete to set on a deck?

Is it a good idea to use a deck block?

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How much does it cost to deck a block?

Decking the block runs about $180. On the high end we have spent about $640; on the low end, $575. If the block did not need to be align-bored (honed), the cost would be $400 to $460.

What does decking an engine do?

Decking an engine block is the process of cutting down the portion of the block where the cylinder heads meet. It is sometimes necessary to remove material from this part of the block in order to square up the cylinder heads. The deck of the block should be perpendicular to the crankshaft center line.

Does decking a block raise compression?

Often, production engines can have as much as 0.020 to 0.040 inch of clearance between the top of the piston and the deck. Machining the block surface can reduce this distance, an operation referred to as decking. Reducing this distance increases the compression ratio.

How far can you deck a block?

A single deck block can support 40 sq' of deck. the maximum beam span between supports, the deck blocks is 8′ (2.4m), and the minimum is 4′ (1.2m) according to the residential deck guide. So, the max distance between deck blocks is 8′ (2.4m), and there is no need to have them closer than 4′ (1.2m).

When should you resurface an engine block?

Cylinder heads and blocks may need to be resurfaced to restore flatness or to improve the surface finish, or milled to change the deck height for a variety of reasons. The deck surface on the head or block may need to be resurfaced if the surface isn't smooth or flat.

What does decking a cylinder head mean?

Decking a cylinder head, or block for that matter, involves removing material from the face of said cylinder head. That would reduce the volume of the chamber, hence, raising the compression ratio. It will move the valves closer to the piston.

How do you deck an engine block?

The deck of the block must be perpendicular to the crankshaft centerline. In a V-8, the decks on both sides of the block are at 90-degree angles to each other. A block should also be decked to ensure a good, flat surface so that you can achieve a good gasket seal.

Does Overbore increase compression?

There's a whole lot of things to consider and you may have to change some things. A bigger bore gives you more CC's yes, but also affects compression ratio and the CC's in the combustion chamber. A bigger piston will also effect the balance of the engine.

How can I increase my car's compression?

One of the easiest and most cost-effective methods of increasing engine compression may be done by simply replacing the existing head gaskets. Substituting steel shim gaskets, for example, in place of traditional composition-style units can raise the compression ratio slightly and reduce quench clearance by roughly .

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 I need gravel under deck blocks?

Gravel sitting under the deck block allows quick drainage, not damming the water preventing it from being absorbed by the ground under the deck block. Also, gravel is the most stable material with great bearing capacities. A deck block with compacted gravel under it will support more weight than the other two options.

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.

What does deck height mean on an engine?

The deck height of a block is the measurement from the center of the crank to the top of the cylinder head mounting surface.

How do you deck a LS block?

1:038:58Decking an LS Engine Block | Strom Vulcan 85B - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipUm so what this allows me to do is i put an indicator up here down or from the cutter head from theMoreUm so what this allows me to do is i put an indicator up here down or from the cutter head from the cutting head here to the bar. And run it along the bar.

What is the deck height of a big block Chevy?

9.800 inchesAs an example, a big-block Chevy's deck height is 9.800 inches.

How do you calculate deck clearance?

How is it measured?Rotate the crankshaft so the piston is at TDC.Position the calipers on the deck surface (jaws up).Expand the calipers until the depth rod contacts the piston deck. The measurement is the deck clearance.

Using Deck Blocks To construct a Deck | DoItYourself.com

Deck blocks are specially constructed portable foundations, generally made from poured concrete. To support a wooden deck, deck blocks are quick and easy alternative to digging footings. Each block is design to support a wooden structure at the primary joints, acting in the same fashion as a poured concrete foundation.

What is a good deck block for?

If a few hundred pounds of timbers could fall on you and your guest, you want something that is stable. Deck blocks are good for supporting a low deck, but not something overhead. Overhead structures should be supported by permanent footings designed to support the load.

How to drain ice from a deck block?

Place about 2″ (50mm) of non-organic drain material in the hole and compact. This is to provide drainage under the deck block to minimizing heaving. The water draining away and space between the rocks provided room for the ice to form without moving the block.

What is a deck pergola?

A deck pergola or roof with its tall posts increases the impact of sinking or heaving along with the risk of failure. If a few hundred pounds of timbers could fall on you and your guest, you want something that is stable. Deck blocks are good for supporting a low deck, but not something overhead.

How long does it take to build a deck?

Really eating up your deck building time. Even when properly installed, deck blocks should take no more than 30 minutes each.

How high should a deck be in Canada?

A general rule is any deck that is less than 24″ (600mm) in Canada or 30″ (760mm) in the States. But check your local building code. Frost levels and permits play into the answer. But with many low-level decks, deck blocks are a good idea.

How long does it take for concrete to set on a deck?

Even when properly installed, deck blocks should take no more than 30 minutes each. Poured concrete footings will often take a couple of hours or more to dig and pour. Then it would be best if you waited at least a day for the concrete to set. Concrete blocks are ready to use out of the truck.

Is it a good idea to use a deck block?

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. The use of deck blocks is rarely a good idea for decks requiring permits.

What is a pier block?

A deck pier block is in many ways just a simplified version of a “precast foundation”, a foundation type recognized by building codes. They’re subject to all of the same requirements as a typical footing, regardless of not being cast-in-place. They must have a sufficient bearing area (the area of the block that sits on the earth) and be a minimum of 12-inches below grade, or below the local frost depth. They cannot, however, be simply placed at grade level.#N#The connection of the deck support post to the blocks is not consistently regulated throughout the country. Some regions with high winds and concerns of uplift forces may not approve them, as there is typically no physical connection between the post and block. For lateral forces, like a post getting hit with a lawn mower, we don’t want the post kicked out. Therefore, building codes require lateral restraint at the base of a post. While pier blocks commonly have protruding concrete lugs that surround the post, there is only opinion as to whether they are of sufficient strength.#N#The small bearing area of pier blocks is limited in supporting much load. Therefore, beam and joist spans must be limited and more blocks must be used over typical construction. Overall, pier blocks are best suited for low- or ground-level decks, where smaller framing materials are common and additional posts and blocks are not an eyesore. Uplift and lateral forces on the posts are also of less concern in ground-level decks.

How deep should a block be for frost?

They must have a sufficient bearing area (the area of the block that sits on the earth) and be a minimum of 12-inches below grade, or below the local frost depth. They cannot, however, be simply placed at grade level.

Can pier blocks be used on a deck?

Overall, pier blocks are best suited for low- or ground-level decks, where smaller framing materials are common and additional posts and blocks are not an eyesore.

Is there a physical connection between a deck support post and a block?

Some regions with high winds and concerns of uplift forces may not approve them, as there is typically no physical connection between the post and block.

Do pier blocks have lugs?

While pier blocks commonly have protruding concrete lugs that surround the post, there is only opinion as to whether they are of sufficient strength. The small bearing area of pier blocks is limited in supporting much load.

What is a block used for on a deck?

Most deck builders use scrap or unusable joist boards to cut into blocks for use at mid-span or 8’ spacing between beams. Blocking is also frequently used to create a frame or racetrack to support deck board designs such as picture frames, herringbone, zipper, parquet, and diamond patterns.

What is Joist Blocking in Deck Construction?

Deck joist blocking is pieces of wood cut from joist material and installed perpendicular to the joist to connect or bridge the gap between joists. The blocks are commonly uniform in length, being 14-1/2” for joists spaced at 16” centers, 10-1/2” for 12” centers, and 22-1/2” for 24” centers.

Should You Nail or Screw Deck Blocking?

To fasten deck blocking 10d nails are commonly used. Nails have greater shear strength and screws greater pulling and holding ability. Some builders use specially designed and manufactured structural screws instead of nails to pull twisted joists against the blocks and to prevent squeaks.

How often do you need to block 2 by joists?

2-by blocks the same depth as the joists are required by the IRC at open joist ends to prevent rotation or the use of rim or band joists. Additional blocking every 8’ or less is also mandated for joists larger than 2×12. The NDS requires 2-by blocking every 8’ or less for 2×10 and 2×12 joists.

What is the IRC code for deck joists?

The 2018 International Building Code (IRC) Section 502.7 requires deck joists to be blocked with 2-by material the same depth as the joists at the ends to prevent rotation. A band or rim joist, or a header are acceptable alternatives to end blocking. Section 502.7.1 of the IRC identifies that joists greater than 2×12 require blocking at intervals of not more than 8 feet.

How many feet between end joists?

The American Wood Council’s 2015 edition of the National Design Specifications (NDS) requires 2×10 and 2×12 joists to be blocked at intervals of 8 feet or less. The NDS also requires blocking between end joists or the use of rim or band boards to prevent rotation.

How to install block between joists?

Alternating blocking is an easy way to install solid blocking between joists. Measure where the blocks are needed at both ends of the deck and snap a chalk line. Alternating block placement on either side of the line from joist to joist makes it easier to direct fasten than in from above or below.

What is zero decking?

Zero decking the block IS machining the surface of the block ( where the heads meet the block ) to have zero clearance with the piston at top dead center. Or in commom terms...... the piston is the exact same height as the block when the piston is all the way up.#N#Do this before you bore the block.#N#A lot of engine builders do this to increase compression and to get the distance between the bottom of the head and the top of the piston to be a certain thickness. A lot of engine builders want .039 to about .048 distance ( this includes the head gasket thickness ).#N#.

Why do I bore my engines with a deck plate?

I always bore my engines with a deck plate to simulate the heads being on. If you deck the block AFTER you have bored the block...... you would not have a round hole.....just like boring a engine without plates.

Do you have to surface the block before you bore?

I'm not sure how you could do it before you bore, since you haven't checked the piston height with the new pistons. Since most modern boring bars set up off the mains it isn't neccesary to surface the block first.

What is deck height?

Deck height is a term that gets thrown around often when discussing engine builds but it might not be familiar to some. The deck height dimension comes from a measurement from the center of the crankshaft main bearing journal to the surface of the block. What this measurement does is lay the cornerstone of the rotating assembly’s foundation.

Who added detail to this short deck block application?

McInnis goes on to add some additional detail to this short deck block application.

Why is deck height important?

The deck height itself is important for high-performance engines for several different reasons. Jack McInnis from World Products explains what role deck height plays when building an engine. “Having the deck height matched to the rotating assembly components offers greater control over the compression ratio and the quench area ...

Why are truck blocks heavier?

This was common with the Chevrolet big-block engines where the truck blocks were heavier due to the taller deck, but they could use a longer stroke and have more displacement.

Can you build a deck with a shorter engine block?

In some cases, a build might actually benefit from an engine block with a shorter deck height. McInnis explains why you might want to look at all of your options before a block is selected.

Can power adders increase deck height?

If power adders are being employed, a small increase in deck height can be a big advantage. Also, be aware of things like the availability of intake manifolds. For some deck heights, there are few choices, and for some, a custom intake will be the only option,” McInnis explains.

What is a good deck block for?

If a few hundred pounds of timbers could fall on you and your guest, you want something that is stable. Deck blocks are good for supporting a low deck, but not something overhead. Overhead structures should be supported by permanent footings designed to support the load.

How to drain ice from a deck block?

Place about 2″ (50mm) of non-organic drain material in the hole and compact. This is to provide drainage under the deck block to minimizing heaving. The water draining away and space between the rocks provided room for the ice to form without moving the block.

What is a deck pergola?

A deck pergola or roof with its tall posts increases the impact of sinking or heaving along with the risk of failure. If a few hundred pounds of timbers could fall on you and your guest, you want something that is stable. Deck blocks are good for supporting a low deck, but not something overhead.

How long does it take to build a deck?

Really eating up your deck building time. Even when properly installed, deck blocks should take no more than 30 minutes each.

How high should a deck be in Canada?

A general rule is any deck that is less than 24″ (600mm) in Canada or 30″ (760mm) in the States. But check your local building code. Frost levels and permits play into the answer. But with many low-level decks, deck blocks are a good idea.

How long does it take for concrete to set on a deck?

Even when properly installed, deck blocks should take no more than 30 minutes each. Poured concrete footings will often take a couple of hours or more to dig and pour. Then it would be best if you waited at least a day for the concrete to set. Concrete blocks are ready to use out of the truck.

Is it a good idea to use a deck block?

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. The use of deck blocks is rarely a good idea for decks requiring permits.

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1.Engine Block Decking - Joey Arrington

Url:https://www.arringtonspeedsport.com/product/engine-block-decking/

14 hours ago Deck blocking is the practice of attaching a wooden block to the deck’s rim joist. This block provides an attachment point for the ledger board, which helps to ensure that the deck is properly secured to the house. The purpose of deck blocking is to provide a secure anchor point for the ledger board. The ledger board is the wood that attaches the deck to the house, and it must be …

2.Are Deck Blocks a Good or Bad Idea? Plus Installation

Url:https://decksbye3.com/are-deck-blocks-a-good-idea-and-bad-plus-installation/

30 hours ago  · 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. The use of deck blocks is rarely a good idea for decks requiring permits. Well, that settles it.

3.Using Concrete Deck Blocks Instead of Footings

Url:https://www.decks.com/how-to/articles/concrete-pier-blocks-for-decks

2 hours ago  · Zero decking the block IS machining the surface of the block ( where the heads meet the block ) to have zero clearance with the piston at top dead center. Or in commom terms...... the piston is the exact same height as the block when the piston is all the way up. Do this before you bore the block. A lot of engine builders do this to increase compression and to …

4.Deck Blocking and Bridging: The Only Guide You'll Ever …

Url:https://plasticinehouse.com/deck-blocking-spacing/

15 hours ago  · "0" deck means the top pf the piston (flat area, not the dome) is flush with the top of the block at TDC. However, unless the shortblock was mocked up, there is no way to know if it is "0" or not. Odds are the deck was cut .020 to 9.780" which in most cases will get you to "0" deck or within .005" depending on the piston compression ht whether it is 1.645 or 1.640.

5.zero deck the block | Hot Rod Forum

Url:https://www.hotrodders.com/threads/zero-deck-the-block.7625/

2 hours ago  · When using RTV as a gasket, you do not want to move the intake manifold back and forth when yoiu install it. Lower the manifold evenly onto the RTV and the intake manifold gaskets. IMO, milling the heads and block more than a total of .020" will likely create a problem with bolt hole alignment and gasket seal. Milling the end rails of the block ...

6.Hit The Deck: What You Should Know About Engine Block …

Url:https://www.dragzine.com/news/hit-the-deck-what-you-should-know-about-engine-block-deck-height/

8 hours ago

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