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. Dispersing the weight is the idea and diverting water away from the structure. Especially in loose soils or wet conditions which requires more weight distribution.
Why do my 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. Dispersing the weight is the idea and diverting water away from the structure. Especially in loose soils or wet conditions which requires more weight distribution.
When should you use deck blocks?
When Should They be Used? Deck blocks are generally a more temporary simpler type of foundation for free standing or floating structures and used when below grade (the top of the soil) concrete piers aren’t needed, wanted or an option. The blocks are frequently used where mixing concrete is difficult to use or transport.
Will my deck sink if I anchor it to footings?
Likewise, if you anchor a deck to footings that are built on soil that is not properly compacted, your deck will probably sink. Needless to say, this is something you want to avoid. If you suspect your soil is unsettled, you will either have to wait for the yard to settle or dig the footings to a depth where the ground is compact.
Can you use pier blocks for a Floating Deck?
This limits the use of deck piers because a deck post cannot be in ground contact. Meaning you cannot bury the pier and post below the frost level in the ground. You could use pier blocks for a floating deck less than 24” from grade and not attached to your house.
What is a deck pergola?
What is a good deck block for?
How long does it take to build a deck?
How high should a deck be in Canada?
How long does it take to install concrete footings?
How long does it take for concrete to set on a deck?
How to drain ice from a deck block?
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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.
2 x 4 for floating deck using Deck Block Possible?
Mar 17, 2013 Rating: Deck Blocks will for fine for this job by: Editor - Rich Bergman Deck blocks are a great little invention that are truly your most affordable way of building a small floating deck like you describe.
How to stabilize a floating deck?
To help stabilize deck piers under a floating deck, dig down to clay, removing all the loam, topsoil. Topsoil contains unstable organic matter. A deck supported on topsoil will sink unevenly into the ground. Organic matter also acts as a sponge absorbing water, increasing the level of expansion and contraction in winter and spring. Once below the topsoil dig and extra 6” out and fill with compacted gravel. The gravel will allow water to drain away from under the pier. Also, the space between the stones will provide room for water to freeze without pushing against the pier.
Why do floating decks fail?
A floating deck attached to your house will increase stress on the house foundation, possibly causing the house foundation to fail. Then the extra work for concrete footings will seem like nothing compared to the work to repair the foundation.
Can you use deck pier blocks instead of footings?
The acceptability of deck pier blocks instead of footings depends on two things deck height and frost level.
Can you bury a deck post below the ground?
This limits the use of deck piers because a deck post cannot be in ground contact. Meaning you cannot bury the pier and post below the frost level in the ground.
Can you dig down 4 feet to pour concrete?
Yes, when you are digging down four feet to pour concrete piles below the frost level, you may be thinking O’ if I just use deck piers I will be able to enjoy my deck sooner but you will also be able to enjoy your deck less when it collapses and needs to be replaced. Build it right the first time, enjoy it for years.
Can I build a deck with a concrete column?
This is why I build all decks with concrete columns, 10” wide, and 48” deep. Yes, it may be a low deck, not requiring a permit or to meet code requirements, but you will never regret building a strong deck that can be enjoyed for years.
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.
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.
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.
What to do if your yard is unsettled?
If you suspect your soil is unsettled, you will either have to wait for the yard to settle or dig the footings to a depth where the ground is compact. Certain kinds of soils are more problematic than others.
What to do before digging frost footings?
Before you dig your frost footings, you will want to make sure the soil is properly compacted to support the deck load. Often when new houses are built, the process of digging the foundation disrupts the soil and leaves the yard unsettled. This means the entire yard will slowly drop in elevation relative to the house. ...
Can a deck sink if you anchor it to a footing?
It is not uncommon for this to cause patios and driveways to crack. Likewise, if you anchor a deck to footings that are built on soil that is not properly compacted, your de ck will probably sink.
Is clay soil shrinking?
Clay soils are particularly prone to shrinking and swelling. If you live in a new house, you may want to talk to your builder or local building inspections department to see if they have any information or suggestions.
Will Deck Blocks Hold Up to Frostline Restrictions and Will They Sink?
Basically they won’t be allowed. If your area has frost line restrictions which vary up 70” in northern areas, they won’t likely be allowed for permanent or residential structures.
How Many Deck Blocks Do I Need?
Softer soil or heavier structures will require more weight distribution. Structures like small decks or sitting on a rock will require less.
What is a deck block?
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. They will look similar to below but may vary slightly in size or shape. They may be wider at the base than the top, or they may be square like this.
Why 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. Dispersing the weight is the idea and diverting water away from the structure.
Why do you need concrete footings?
Concrete footings will provide greater support due to the higher mass and surface area but will usually require more time and money. Piers will provide a greater lateral (sideways) and overall support than blocks.
How to measure diagonals?
One can measure diagonals or use the 3-4-5 multiples technique. Which means mark from corner to 3′ on one leg, the other side should be 4′.
Is it cheaper to install deck blocks or concrete footings?
Deck blocks will normally be quicker and cheaper to install than concrete footings. 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.
How much PSF can a footing support?
Each footing can support up to a minimum of 19,000 psf according to independent Intertek destruction testing. It is well made option and very reliable. This is a very good, easy to install and an affordable option to consider for any floating deck.
How far should a deck be from a post to a beam?
If your deck is 6 feet or less with proper post to beam and joist bracing, it is a perfect candidate for a floating deck.
What is flat concrete?
(other than the digging and mixing concrete) It's a flat concrete form that saves so much space transporting instead of big round sonotube forms.
How much does a deck foundation cost?
The cheapest deck foundations are concrete deck blocks that just sit on the ground. The blocks are usually less than $10 apiece. However, you must buy a lot of them to ensure the weight of your deck is spread out over enough soil surface area so that they don't sink.
What is helical pier?
Engineered helical piers have been around for a long time and are proven technology. The system is designed so that there is no budge even if there is frost heave. They usually require heavy machinery to install and are most common for home foundation repairs.
What is ground spike?
Ground Anchored Spikes. Ground anchored spikes are used for fence posts. But some of them use modified load plates and are a good deck foundation option. They are less expensive than an engineered helical pier and provide more lateral strength than surface deck block footing.
Can you build a 4x4 deck with 6x6 posts?
However, most concrete deck blocks can only hold 4x4 posts, not 6x6s and they have no lateral strength at the base of the post. Also, if you drop set the framing into the groove, the underside of the joist is still 5-6" above grade. So, you may want to build a deck that is lower to the ground.
How many dek blocks are needed for a 2x6 deck?
I don't know what your expertise is, but if you are going to use a poured footing then using DekBlocks is not only unnecessary, but it's unwise. These blocks are intended to be used so that there is only about 8-12 sq. ft. of deck supported per block maximum. Each 2x6 joist requires a DekBlock every 5 feet. This means that a 12' 2x6 will be supported by at least 3 dek blocks and even an 8' 2x6 would have 3 DekBlocks supporting it. If the ground moves up or down under one of the blocks, the rigidity of the joist will cause the load to be distributed in a greater or lesser degree to the soil beneath it. This redistribution of load results in the entire deck essentially floating much like a floating dock does on water.
Why aren't dek blocks allowed?
The other 1/2 of the reason that Dek Blocks aren't allowed here is that there is no attachment between the block and the framing.
What happens when the ground moves up or down under a deck?
If the ground moves up or down under one of the blocks, the rigidity of the joist will cause the load to be distributed in a greater or lesser degree to the soil beneath it. This redistribution of load results in the entire deck essentially floating much like a floating dock does on water.
Can you use Dekblocks with girders?
In the case of DekBlocks, use of girders is prohibited and decks can't be more than specific heights above grade. If the specific requirements for use of the product as approved is followed there shouldn't be a problem. OTOH, if you attempt to use them with conventional footing spacing and girder construction then they won't work as they are designed to.
Does Shasta County use the UBC code?
Shasta County and all of the incorporated cities around here use the UBC, EXCEPT the City of Redding, which uses the California Bldg. Code. That makes life tough enough that there are some local contractors who simply refuse to work within the City of Redding. The City finds some difference in the 2 codes that nobody has ever heard of, and off they go. And no, they WILL not accept anything that doesn't fit in their mold perfectly.
Do you need a permit for a 200 ft slide?
ft. (and at least most of them around here will let the 200 ft. slide a little as long as the setbacks are good) doesn't require a permit.
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.
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 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 to install concrete footings?
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. A little base work on the ground, and they’re ready.
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.
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.