Level ground is ideal, but not always possible. On the other hand, heavy clay soils will hold too much water affecting the integrity of the deck block foundation. These soils will let the excess water drain away during autumn and prevent frost heaving during the winter, remaining largely unchanged despite the seasonal freeze and thaw cycle. Deck blocks placed on sandy or gravel-like soils work best.
#Is code blocks good how to#
Here’s a good explanation video showing how to use deck blocks to give you an idea of how these are used.Īll things being equal, deck blocks are safe.
There might be some concerns about their load-bearing capacity in moderate wind areas, but if a lateral restraint is applied at the base of the post, there is no cause for concern. Concrete footings will support greater loads than deck blocks due to the increased mass and wider bearing area.įor simple low or ground-level decks, deck blocks are your ideal bets for foundations, as with simple tools and some skill with working wood, you can build a simple floating deck using deck blocks.ĭeck blocks are readily available in many home and garden stores they are relatively cheaper to use and are best for low or ground-level decks requiring small framing materials. On the other hand, the cost of in-situ concrete and the associated cost of soil excavation makes concrete footing the more expensive option. Deck blocks are fairly cheap and do not require much labor to install.
#Is code blocks good install#
Also, concrete footings require considerable amounts of soil to be excavated, whereas minimal digging is required to install deck blocks. Deck blocks are much quicker to install than concrete footings, as they are preformed units. How Do Deck Blocks Compare to Concrete Footings and Piers?Ĭoncrete footings and piers are popular options for deck foundations, and you may want to know how deck blocks compare to these.Īccordingly, the two will be compared under the following: The location experiences high or uplift winds.The soil is susceptible to frost heave.While deck blocks may be code approved, it is best to restrict their use to low, floating decks.
Deck blocks are great options for building a grade-level deck that requires no permits.
They make excellent foundations for small to medium decks when used correctly, as they have considerable load-bearing abilities.Īdditionally, blocks also remove the complexity of deck construction, with rudimentary carpentry skills, one can successfully construct a deck as a DIY project. The blocks are preformed concrete units, as such, makes it easy and quick to construct decks. They do not decay and are largely corrosion-resistant. Are Deck Blocks a Good Option?ĭeck blocks are appropriate foundations for low freestanding structures. Also, it is advised to confirm from the local building code office, as some areas may require the use of additional anchors. However, the size, bearing capacity, and composition of the blocks must be appropriate for each location.
Are Deck Blocks up to Code?īuilding codes approve the use of precast concrete foundations, and deck blocks are classified as precast concrete foundations. Though their sizes vary according to the manufacturers, deck blocks are generally 10 to 11-inch squares, and 7 or 8 inches high, and weigh about 48 pounds. 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.) Other blocks have grooves or slots that can take 2×4 wood (or composite materials) used at the edge as floor joists for low-level decks that require little or no support. Deck blocks are precast concrete blocks used to hold up beams for supporting structures, especially floating decks.
0 kommentar(er)
