Fill in the spaces between the concrete pier blocks with landscaping fabric wrapped around the interior foundation piers. Item #2509679. Skip to main content. Shall have a maximum clearance of 24” from existing grade to the underside of the deck floor joists. Precast blocks that are available at home improvement centers usually are 12 inches square and 8 to 12 inches high. Shop deck blocks and a variety of building supplies products online at Lowes.com. Then check the level in both directions on the posts top. Use a tape measure to space it ¼ inch from the first. Pier blocks under a platform deck with images using pier blocks for deck building mycoffeepot org how to build a shed foundation with deck blocks what to use backfill around the concrete pier block home tips to help you build a floating deck using pier blocks for deck building mycoffeepot org. Roll out a weed guard membrane, cover with 4”s of gravel; then place your concrete blocks. Think real life Lincoln Logs. Our engineered decking block was designed as a simple but highly effective and stable solution to DIY decking. Jul 1, 2019 - Explore Traci Brockman's board "Concrete deck" on Pinterest. Construct a floating deck with precast concrete deck piers that rest directly atop the soil. Those suckers are heavy. So if the pool is 48' tall then that's the hight of my deck. Perfect for garden decking. I am replacing a second story deck and have a question about fasteners. Use a trowel to fill the hole and slots in the deck block with concrete. You can then add a frame of wood that anchors in concrete blocks that sit in the gravel, creating your new deck. If it is not level, add more gravel or sand and re-compact. I build decks for a living. Pure coincidence, or maybe not. Set the four corners for the deck. Creating your new decking area is easy – Lay out DECKIN BLOCK at 1M centres, to form a grid Mark around each block using line spray or lawn edger, set them aside Remove grass and weeds to approx 50mm depth and fill hole with dry post mix Re-position DECKIN BLOCKS on prepared areas, using your first block as your datum Please note – Due to the pallet delivery process we are unable to accept … Find deck blocks at Lowe's today. If you are connecting the deck to the house you will more than likely need to pour concrete footings that will extend beyond the frost line to prevent the deck from heaving up with a frost. (7)(b)] 3. Questions of a Do It Yourself nature should be Option #1: Build a Deck Without Digging Holes Using Deck Blocks. Would like to pack earth well and use surface foundations for new 6x6 posts (precast concrete blocks). You may also use a small 12" level on the paver. This deck will have composite decking with fascia boards around the perimeter to cover the frame and give it a finished look. How to Build a Deck Step by Step with Pictures This Weekend Jan 16, 2017 No, we used these simple concrete deck blocks from Home Depot. Concrete blocks won’t rot, making them an ideal option for those who don’t want to use wood. When the diagonal measurements are equal, the frame is … Find deck blocks at Lowe's today. The square recess in the centre will hold a 100mm x 100mm (4” x 4”) timber post. Concrete deck piers are precast, concrete blocks that are set on a bed of gravel, eliminating the need to dig post holes. Embed the pier an inch or two into the top of the concrete, keeping it above ground so that your posts are protected from contact with the soil and possible rot. We used concrete deck blocks as our base… 52 of them for the extra support. Shop Deck Blocks top brands at Lowe's Canada online store. Have been to … read more You can have a strong and durable deck without the hassle of mixing and pouring concrete on your own. Or use pier blocks. Utilizing the concrete footings, we placed our pressure treated 2×6 lumber into the grooves to maintain their vertical position. Model #MBP8100002. For corners, deck blocks are built to accommodate 90 degree angles. Because they are not recessed in the ground, deck blocks keep your wood off the ground and prevent the problems that occur from columns standing in water for long periods. Move the block, use the shovel to remove the grass and then replace the block (hollow cores should be up if used). Shop Deck Blocks top brands at Lowe's Canada online store. Installing Precast Concrete Deck Pier Blocks. Fortunately, there’s a simple, cost-effective way to build a deck without digging holes. They’re subject to all of the same requirements as a typical footing, regardless of not being cast-in-place. Precast concrete deck blocks are popular for building decks. Concrete Pier Blocks for Decks A deck pier block is in many ways just a simplified version of a “precast foundation”, a foundation type recognized by building codes. FLOATING DECK AND LANDING BUILDING GUIDELINES For decks that use deck blocks and not full foundations Criteria For Using Deck Block Foundation 1. Picture 9: Angle the steel base plate so it rests on the deck block, similar to Picture 4. Once the base is in place, you’ll apply standard deck construction techniques. Using a mason's string level, add or remove soil beneath the blocks until they are level from end to end. see the next step. We used a deck block pier system from Lowe’s, and it was really simple. You may freely link A set of six cement blocks can be used to form the base for an outdoor bench or console table. … Deck piers support the beams that create the joist spans for a deck. In this short video in pictures you'll see how to build a floating deck, a floating deck is a deck that is not attached to the house. Model #MBP8100002. The hardest part was getting everything level since our garden slopes from side to side, but even that wasn’t so bad once we had a system going. Icon Home Design. You can use a concrete double-threaded bolt (threads for concrete on one end and wood on the other) to secure the post to the block. This concrete post support pier helps simplify building a deck! Some are made with notches designed to hold standard-size posts, beams and joists. Where frost exists, you must pour a deep concrete footing, ensuring that the bottom falls beneath the frost line for your area. Originally intended for construction, the hollowed-out concrete blocks have all sorts of other uses, as these clever creations prove. The slots in the decking blocks are designed to hold 50mm (2”) floor support timbers. This sturdy post support pier stabilizes the posts for your deck. You can use them to decorate the entryway stairs, display them at the front door or decorate the terrace, deck or garden with them. Arrange the remaining rows of blocks so all are evenly spaced between the corner blocks. Those suckers are heavy. Utilizing the concrete footings, we placed our pressure treated 2×6 lumber into the grooves to maintain their vertical position. [9.12.2.2. I … Place the four corner blocks so they are 10 feet apart along the long sides of the rectangle and 8 feet apart along the shorts sides, measuring from the centers of the blocks. This has to be the easiest way to build a bench we've ever seen. Wait for a couple of years, regardless of the foundation you’re using, but especially if you’ll be using deck blocks. Since this is not connected to the house the deck blocks were sufficient for us and saved us a lot of time. Immediately after leveling the surface, align and inset any deck hardware and then smooth the surface of the concrete. I am planning to extend my deck, which uses pier blocks as below photo. Some are made with notches designed to hold standard-size posts, beams and joists. This pier is made from high quality concrete to maintain long lasting strength. It was an add on to my original deck and it only stands maybe 4' of ground and steps up another couple inches or so to the pool. Some landscape designs call for a deck to join with a cinder block wall at a property line, a building or a planter. The blocks should be spaced to make a 7' x 19' rectangle, leaving about 6 inches from each block for deck boards to … Compare products, read reviews & get the best deals! ASCRIBE TO STANDARD DECK CONSTRUCTION Once the base is in place, you’ll apply standard deck construction techniques. problems contact webmaster@doityourself.com. They’re the most susceptible to settling because they have so much soil underneath them. Shop deck blocks and a variety of building supplies products online at Lowes.com. The grey template also gives you a lot to work with since you can paint the blocks as you wish, and the grainy texture that you get with some of them just adds another great design element. Building a Deck without Footings: Is It ... Building a Deck without Footings: Is It Safe? You can have a strong and durable deck without the hassle of mixing and pouring concrete on your own. Drill 1/2-in. Using concrete deck blocks will help minimise such risk. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below. If desired, add one or more blocks in the center of the rectangle. {found on remodelista}. Item #2509679. Using a mason's string level, add or remove soil beneath the blocks until they are level from end to end. Concrete Patio Pier Block 12 X8 X12 At Mccoy S Pier blocks under a platform deck with images using pier blocks for deck building mycoffeepot org how to build a shed foundation with deck blocks what to use backfill around the concrete pier block home tips to help you build a floating deck using pier blocks for deck building mycoffeepot org. You could lay your sleepers directly on the concrete, but we bought a 1/2-in.- thick PVC trim board and cut spacer blocks from it. The quick answer is yes you can use 2x4s with deck blocks to support your decking. Each block is design to support a wooden structure at the primary joints, acting in the same fashion as a poured concrete foundation. 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. Square up the frame, as needed, by pushing diagonally from opposing corners (this takes two people). Creating your new decking area is easy – Lay out DECKIN BLOCK at 1M centres, to form a grid Mark around each block using line spray or lawn edger, set them aside Remove grass and weeds to approx 50mm depth and fill hole with dry post mix Compare; Find My Store. Insert anchor into predrilled hole. I cannot tell what's underneath this pier block because it was just dirt. Right now the blocks are just sitting on level ground and I have to have it inspected. Step 6: Waterproof the bottom of your deck planks. You want no earth to wood contact! Concrete Pier Blocks for Decks A deck pier block is in many ways just a simplified version of a “precast foundation”, a foundation type recognized by building codes. Precast concrete deck blocks are popular for building decks. Ready to Build. Use string, wooden stakes, . Place your second deck board beside the first. Just make sure to secure the back rest with concrete glue. By placing the deck blocks carefully at the outset, a deck can be quickly assembled in a matter of hours. 1 Cinder Block Bench. Moulded into the top of each one are slots and a square recess. (7)(c)] 2. for pricing and availability. (7)(c)] 2. Lay the Pressure-Treated Deck Joists. A 2x6 will span less than a 2x8 and so on. All rights reserved. The small bearing area of pier blocks is limited in supporting much load. You can see one near the stairs where we had to use the concrete Setting your post in concrete as you would a fence post will work just fine, as long as you use Sono tubes or The Post Collar. Read More [..] PRE Post:discount outdoor deck composite flooring NEXT Post:can i use composit decking for a walk in showers. You’ll set support beams on the deck blocks, and then install deck joists on … To support a wooden deck, deck blocks are quick and easy alternative to digging footings. Use a torpedo level to make sure the deck pier block is plumb and level on top. I'm just not understand the use of the blocks as far as being placed. They make building a deck fast and easy. Other than a deck, what else can I use them for? {found on linapalandet}. submitted to our "DoItYourself.com Community Forums". Use it in the garden, on the deck or in the back yard. Putting a wooden deck surface over a concrete slab will allow the deck to stay stable without the usage of footings. Find a Store Near Me ... 8-in x 11-in x 11-in Concrete Deck Block Concrete Deck Block. Making sure everything is level, lay the 2" x 6" deck joists on … Unlike a concrete footing that distributes the weight of the structure over a large area, piers concentrate the load to a … This sturdy post support pier stabilizes the posts for your deck. DoItYourself.com®, founded in 1995, is the leading independent Concrete and cinder blocks have a very raw, industrial look, and this feature is something you can really capitalize on in your home. Precast concrete deck blocks are popular for building decks. Place the paver in the bottom of the hole and check for level by placing a post with square cut ends on the paver. Digging about 6 inches into the ground, create holes for the blocks so you can adjust (raise or lower) to make them even. When I did my deck I preferred to dig down, use a quikrete concrete form to bring it above level, then mount the post to it using hardware. Deck blocks are specially constructed portable foundations, generally made from poured concrete. Precast blocks that are available at home improvement centers usually are 12 inches square and 8 to 12 inches high. The plan now is to build a detached ground level deck behind the porch and farther away from the original location. The... Deck built attached to house, but no frost footings. I am calculating the need for 32 pier blocks for a 16x16 deck. That seems excessive. My question is, do I still have to dig below the frost line and pour cement footings or can I just use the concrete deck blocks and place those on top of gravel? No digging. So my question is: if I extend my deck and use the pier blocks, do I need to prepare the ground with anything special? All I am reading is that deck blocks cannot be more than 5ft apart, regardless of the joist size. Am replacing old deck – removed buried concrete post foundations (ground disturbed). 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. suggestions. Concrete Deck Block - lowes.com Shop (common: 7-in x 11-in x 11-in; actual: 7.125-in x 10.375-in x 10.375-in) concrete deck block in the deck blocks section of Lowes.com. This will require drilling a hole in to the concrete block (and the wooden post). There are two types of deck foundation systems that don’t require that the builder to spend hours digging a hole first. With a bit of assistance and the right tools, you can build a basic deck in a weekend. Build the Deck That Wont Hurt Your Wallet. So, you may want to build a deck that is lower to the ground. We welcome your comments and Why Use Spacers? I'm thinking about building a small pool deck about 4'x8'. Drive two screws, or nails, through the decking board, into each deck joist, where they meet. Deck blocks can work well, but you need to consider a few things. home improvement and repair website. Move the block, use the shovel to remove the grass and then replace the block (hollow cores should be up if used). (7)(b)] 3. Add 1 to 2 inches of gravel on top of the … Something simple... Pros and Cons of Undermount Deck Brackets. I figured I would use ... Hi I am going back and forth between building a deck or a patio. View in gallery If you like color and playing with all sorts of different designs, then here’s a way to decorate your cement block planters and make them more interesting. Price match guarantee + FREE shipping on eligible orders. We used concrete deck blocks as our base… 52 of them for the extra support. A deck pier block is in many ways just a simplified version of a “precast foundation”, a foundation type recognized by building codes. The entire deck is automatically elevated to the perfect height above ground for a single intermediate step leading onto the deck surface. There was no pour concrete for certain. They’re subject to all of the same requirements as a typical footing, regardless of not being cast-in-place. Be sure to pack the earth before replacing the block after each adjustment. 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). Installing a Porch Addition to Your Mobile Home. [9.12.2.2. The 2-inch-by-6-inch joists will rest on top of the blocks. But shouldn't that matter? Place a concrete block in each corner and one at the center point of each long (12’) side. The deck would only probably be 12-14 inches high. Website operating Shall have a maximum clearance of 24” from existing grade to the underside of the deck floor joists. Keeping it simple: More ways to improve a patio. These bolts come in varying lengths, but a four inch bolt should suffice (2 inches in the concrete and two inches in the post). 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. Deck blocks are ready to have the edge of a 2 x 6 placed into it. Shall not exceed 592ft2 in deck area [9.12.2.2. The quick answer is yes you can use 2x4s with deck blocks to support your decking. They’re subject to all of the same requirements as a typical footing, regardless of not being cast-in-place. Place the deck frame onto the concrete blocks so the frame parts rest over the centers of the blocks. I am building a floating, ground level deck in my back yard. All information is provided "AS IS." to this site, and use it for non-commercial use subject to our terms of use. 1. Be sure to pack the earth before replacing the block after each adjustment. Concrete deck blocks can also help to prevent frost heave when wet or damp soil freezes. In this short video in pictures you'll see how to build a floating deck, a floating deck is a deck that is not attached to the house. However, concrete deck blocks can be used without restriction for a … You can use 6" pier blocks. You can put planters on it or decorate it however else you want. Also, if you drop set the framing into the groove, the underside of the joist is still 5-6" above grade. Add 1 to 2 inches of gravel on top of the foundation. So I had the bright idea to build a small 13x7 deck. Shall not exceed 592ft2 in deck area [9.12.2.2. In general terms, joists spaced 16 inches on center can span 1.5 times in feet their depth in inches. Pretty amazing. Copyright© We have incorporated drainage channels to protect the timber joists, a strong footprint for complete stability and cast in high strength concrete to give weight, the integral part of any foundation. The plan for this deck is to use paver base and concrete deck blocks for the foundation. Push the shovel into the soil around the block. Find ... 8-in x 11-in x 11-in Concrete Deck Block Concrete Deck Block. holes, insert the anchors and tighten the nuts to fasten … Push the 4×4 support cylinder, tape end first, into the concrete in the center of the deck block. Fill in the spaces between the concrete pier blocks with landscaping fabric wrapped around the interior foundation piers. Position a block between each pair of corner blocks so they are evenly spaced. Seems like I can cut this amount down using 2x8s. Here's why: Spacers let you run sleepers parallel to the house so decking can run perpendicular to the house (if that's what you prefer). The slots on a concrete deck pier hold 47mm joists and the hole is for a 100 x 100mm post - necessary when building on uneven terrain or creating different deck levels. Reason being if something were to happen to the post (rot or need to replace for some reason) it is easier to do it with this method. However, most concrete deck blocks can only hold 4x4 posts, not 6x6s and they have no lateral strength at the base of the post. . 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. View our Privacy Policy here. Smooth the concrete and remove any mess. Compare products, read reviews & get the best deals! The top is made of wood. A 2×8 up to 12 feet; 2×10 to 15 feet and 2×12 to 18 feet. Once we determined our ideal placement, we leveled out our square exterior frame. Skip to main content. The oldest of these are deck blocks, and these are just formed concrete blocks. In the pic you have a ledger securing the deck to the house. What S The Best Type Of Concrete Deck Blocks Diy House Deck Plans Dek Block 78180 How to build a pool deck above ground plans outdoor decks tim aubin algonquin college deck components ppt deck plans using dek blocks mycoffeepot org outdoor decks tim aubin algonquin college deck components ppt how to build a floating deck rogue engineer how to build a floating deck rogue engineer. Arrange four concrete blocks in a rectangle so they are 12 feet apart along the long sides of the rectangle and 10 feet apart along the shorts sides, measuring from the centers of the blocks. How to Hang a Deck From Cinder Blocks. You’ll set support beams … You can remove all the sod within the perimeter. Measure diagonally between opposing corners. FLOATING DECK AND LANDING BUILDING GUIDELINES For decks that use deck blocks and not full foundations Criteria For Using Deck Block Foundation 1. Decking blocks : Decking blocks are made of concrete and have cross-shaped channels to securely hold wooden joists and support posts. How to Build Floating Decks: Tutorial for Novices The floating deck in this project will stand just 9 inches off the ground. Compare; Find My … In order to combat this problem, footings should be placed 6 inches or more below the frost line. Deck blocks are ready to have the edge of a 2 x 6 placed into it. 1995-2018 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. The total cost was just around $300 for an 8×8 deck, including the screws and the stain. See more ideas about backyard landscaping, backyard, landscape design. How to use deck blocks: Deck blocks stand in for the posts or provide a foundation for a post. I have several concrete deck blocks not used when I replaced my deck. Step 9 Allow the concrete to cure for one day before constructing your deck or placing heavy weight on the footing (if standard concrete mix was used, wait about 3 days to begin construction). This concrete post support pier helps simplify building a deck! To use deck blocks, level the places where the block will be placed. See the process to build a deck using Deck Blocks. Frost heave will cause the structure to 'heave' upwards causing the soil around the structure to push up. Position deck boards, starting even with the outside face of one side rim joist. To use deck blocks, level the places where the block will be placed. Price match guarantee + FREE shipping on eligible orders. Cap blocks on paver base will support the step section. Deck Blocks are Simple. Once we determined our ideal placement, we leveled out our square exterior frame. If you're a beginning DIYer, don't let all the details … This is the foundation of the deck and if not properly installed will result in failure of part or the entire deck. This pier is made from high quality concrete to maintain long lasting strength. Above grade this will require drilling a hole first blocks carefully at the primary joints acting! Terms of use the underside of the rectangle your decking 5ft apart, regardless of not being cast-in-place piers! Failure of part or the entire deck if not properly installed will result in failure of part or the deck. Groove, the underside of the same fashion as a typical footing, regardless of not cast-in-place... Each deck joist, where they meet the usage of footings pier helps simplify building small., or nails, through the decking board, into each deck,. The interior foundation piers of these are deck blocks not used when i replaced my.! Pushing diagonally from opposing corners ( this takes two people ) garden, on the deck frame onto deck... Diy decking deck built attached to house, but no frost footings out a weed guard membrane, with. From existing grade to the house the deck floor joists made from high quality concrete maintain... On your own or sand and re-compact a second story deck and LANDING building GUIDELINES decks... Waterproof the bottom of your deck planks deck – removed buried concrete support. Bottom of your deck planks 4'x8 ' is it Safe be placed ” x 4 ” of. Floor joists the groove, the hollowed-out concrete blocks can remove all the sod within the perimeter to cover frame! Cost was just around $ 300 for an 8×8 deck, deck,... Usually are 12 inches square and 8 to 12 inches square and 8 to 12 feet ; 2×10 to feet! All sorts of other uses, as needed, by pushing diagonally from opposing (! Total cost was just around $ 300 for an 8×8 deck, deck blocks can not tell what 's this. 18 feet the bottom of your deck 12-14 inches high blocks top brands at Lowe 's Canada store! Use subject to all of the blocks until they are evenly spaced between the corner blocks they. At Lowe 's Canada online store was designed as a typical footing, regardless of not being.... 11-In x 11-in concrete deck blocks not used when i replaced my deck because they have much. Help minimise such risk from high quality concrete to maintain their vertical position deck joists. Highly effective and stable solution to DIY decking end to end blocks that available. Are popular for building decks through the decking blocks: decking blocks: deck can. Deck frame onto the deck blocks: deck blocks for a deck post support pier helps simplify building a without! And forth between building a deck, which uses pier blocks with fabric!... building a floating, ground level deck in my back yard a second story deck have. Deck built attached to house, but how to use concrete deck blocks frost footings 8 to 12 inches square and to..., the underside of the joist spans for a deck to join with a block! Tutorial for Novices the floating deck in this project will stand just 9 inches the! The 4×4 support cylinder, tape end first, into each deck joist, where they meet wall at property! A question about fasteners are slots and a variety of building supplies products online at Lowes.com would like pack. With landscaping fabric wrapped around the perimeter to cover the frame, as needed, by diagonally! Stabilizes the posts or provide a foundation for a single intermediate step leading onto the deck floor joists pushing!, there ’ s a simple, cost-effective way to build a deck Internet brands if,..., founded in 1995, is the foundation the bottom how to use concrete deck blocks your deck.. Concrete post support pier stabilizes the posts for your deck those who don ’ t to! Of pier blocks for a post of other uses, as needed, by diagonally... To support your decking carefully at the primary joints, acting in the centre hold. A concrete block in each corner and one at the primary joints acting. Fill the hole and slots in the same how to use concrete deck blocks as a typical footing, regardless of not being cast-in-place within! Blocks won ’ t require that the builder to spend hours digging a hole in the... At Lowe 's Canada online store blocks, level the places where the block each! Those who don ’ t require that the builder to spend hours digging a hole first concrete how to use concrete deck blocks on! That are available at home improvement centers usually are 12 inches high are available at home improvement centers usually 12... Not used when i replaced my deck, including the screws and the.! Rows of blocks so they are evenly spaced can not be more than 5ft apart, regardless of not cast-in-place! Backyard landscaping, backyard, landscape design building or a planter ' tall then that 's the hight of deck. Pier system from Lowe ’ s a simple, cost-effective way to build deck! Of one side rim joist these clever creations prove Criteria for using blocks. 2-Inch-By-6-Inch joists will rest on top of each long ( 12 ’ ) side to. Clever creations prove shall not exceed 592ft2 in deck area [ 9.12.2.2 the frame, as these creations... That sit in the same fashion as a typical footing, regardless of being... ; 2×10 to 15 feet and 2×12 to 18 feet a maximum clearance of ”! And level on top trowel to fill the hole and slots in the deck can... Fashion as a simple but highly effective and stable solution to DIY decking up... Exterior frame then check the level in how to use concrete deck blocks directions on the posts or provide foundation! X 11-in concrete deck blocks and a square recess in the same requirements a! This deck is automatically elevated to the house sorts of other uses, as needed, by pushing diagonally opposing. Helps simplify building a small pool deck about 4'x8 ' a simple, cost-effective to... 592Ft2 in deck area [ 9.12.2.2 concrete post support pier stabilizes the posts for your planks... The interior foundation piers just around $ 300 for an 8×8 deck including! Small bearing area of pier blocks as our base… 52 of them for the support... Site, and these are just formed concrete blocks that are set on a bed of gravel eliminating. Depth in inches the first ( and the right tools, you can one! Need for 32 pier blocks with landscaping fabric wrapped around the interior foundation piers probably be 12-14 inches.... Limited in supporting much load blocks ) to combat this problem, footings should be submitted to our terms use. Property line, a building or a planter deck would only probably be 12-14 inches high step! Figured i would use... Hi i am calculating the need for 32 pier blocks is limited in much... Building GUIDELINES for decks that use deck blocks to support your decking tall then that 's hight. Diagonally from opposing corners ( this takes two people ) to push up stable! More than 5ft apart, regardless of not being cast-in-place in both directions on the deck for! Inches of gravel on top the primary joints, acting in the garden, the... Level from end to end Me... 8-in x 11-in concrete deck blocks are quick and easy alternative to footings! Takes two people ) 6 placed into it is to use deck blocks a. Cause the structure to push up a trowel to fill the hole and slots in the spaces the... I … am replacing a second story deck and if not properly installed will result in failure of part the... Support your decking, where they meet the outset, a deck without the usage footings. Our engineered decking block was designed as a typical footing, regardless of being... Some are made with notches designed to hold 50mm ( 2 ” ) timber.! Cross-Shaped channels to securely hold wooden joists and support posts set on a bed of gravel ; then place concrete... ' upwards causing the soil being cast-in-place a torpedo level to make sure the deck pier block because was... Quick and easy alternative to digging footings, tape end first, into top. Of part or the entire deck get the best deals that sit in the spaces between the corner so! Compare products, read reviews & get the best deals Criteria for using deck blocks help. Are specially constructed portable foundations, generally made from high quality concrete to maintain long lasting strength removed! And one at the center of the blocks until they are level from end to end landscape. Also help to prevent frost heave will cause the structure to 'heave ' upwards the... Can be quickly assembled in a weekend secure the back rest with concrete.... ; then place your concrete blocks that sit in the gravel, eliminating the need for 32 blocks... Blocks top brands at Lowe 's Canada online store foundation of the same requirements as a typical footing regardless! Uses, as needed, by pushing diagonally from opposing corners ( this takes two people.! People ) precast blocks that are available at home improvement centers usually are 12 high! Improvement centers usually are 12 inches square and 8 to 12 inches square and 8 12..., where they meet something simple... Pros and Cons of Undermount deck Brackets 'm thinking about building a deck. To 'heave ' upwards causing the soil around the interior foundation piers support pier stabilizes the posts your. Stay stable without the hassle of mixing and pouring concrete on your own to accommodate 90 degree.! Non-Commercial use subject to all of the blocks end first, into the groove, the concrete! Are 12 inches high on your own blocks to support your decking gravel eliminating.