Concrete deck blocking is an essential part of building a strong and durable deck. It is important to install your concrete deck blocks correctly and evenly spaced for your deck to be structurally sound and safe for use.
The ideal spacing for concrete deck blocking will vary based on the size and load of your deck. Generally speaking, 12-inch spacing along the perimeter is ideal, with six inches between the perimeter and first row of blocking, and then four to six inches between the successive rows.
Additionally, some deck construction codes may require closer spacing.
When installing your concrete deck blocking, pay attention to proper support at any joists/beams, ledger board, and post locations. Do your best to ensure uniform spacing across the deck. You may need to adjust the spacing depending on the size and weight of the deck.
Finally, use a level to ensure the deck block is sitting level and is secure. If it is not level, use a piece of scrap lumber and a sledgehammer to level it out effectively.
How much space should be between deck blocks?
The space between deck blocks should depend on the type of material and the load-bearing capacity of the deck. Generally, if using wooden deck blocks, a minimum of 2 inches of space should be maintained between the blocks in order to ensure proper support.
Concrete deck blocks can typically be installed closer together, usually 1 to 1-½ inches apart.
When installing deck blocks, it is important to check the local building codes for your area to ensure you are building to code. Building codes may have specific requirements for the spacing of deck blocks, as well as the size of the footings and the type of material used.
If choosing to use a support post beneath the deck, check the manufacturer’s guidelines for the appropriate space between blocks.
Where should deck blocks be placed?
Deck blocks should be placed in strategic locations around the perimeter of the deck whenever possible. Generally, deck blocks should be placed no more than 4 feet apart and should have at least 2 feet of clearance between them and the structure of the deck.
When the deck frame is sufficiently supported and secured, the blocks do not have to be completely level- they just need to provide stable and adequate support. When placing deck blocks, it is important to make sure they are set in a secure place, such as in concrete, and that they are level among themselves.
Additionally, it is important to lay a bed of crushed stone or gravel on top of, and around each block to ensure proper drainage. Deck blocks also need to be placed so that the tops of them are slightly lower than the framing for ledger board attachment.
The blocks should be adjusted as you are building the deck, as pressure treated lumber shifts and compacts over time, so that the deck is still level and supported.
How do you set deck blocks?
Setting deck blocks is an important part of building a deck, as it provides a stable, level base upon which the joists with which the decking boards will be installed can be placed. Instructions for setting deck blocks may vary depending on the type of deck blocks being used and the size of the deck being built, but the general instructions are as follows.
First, prepare the area where the deck blocks will be installed by clearing away any grass or organic material and flattening the dirt or soil. Next, lay out the plank lines to form a rough frame of the deck.
If the deck is larger than 12 feet in either direction, it is advisable to also lay out joist lines. Now, measure and mark the position of each deck block at a maximum of 16 inches apart.
When inserting the deck blocks, remove any rocks or dirt ensuring that each block sits firmly in place. Using a level, check the block to make sure it is level, adjusting as needed and adding more soil or dirt if necessary.
For concrete deck blocks, add leveled blocks of wood around the concrete, two to each side, before beginning work.
To secure each deck block, use a power drill and fasten into the wooden blocks and/or concrete around the deck block using 3-inch deck screws. After all the deck blocks are properly set and fastened, the next step is to install the joists to give the deck its shape and secure the decking boards.
Can I use concrete deck blocks instead of footings?
Yes, concrete deck blocks are an alternative to traditional footings. Concrete deck blocks are precast bases that provide a secure foundation for decks, sheds, gazebos and other outdoor structures. They are easy to install and are often used when building a raised deck that is not attached to a home.
However, there are a few important points to consider when using deck blocks instead of footings.
Firstly, if you are building over a hard surface such as a concrete sidewalk or patio, you should use the thicker blocks since they can support more weight. The thinner blocks are better suited for soil or sand.
Secondly, many local building codes require that you use footings for decks that are attached to a home. Thirdly, if your deck is taller than 18 inches (45 cm), it is recommended that you use footings since the blocks cannot support the load that a higher deck will place on them.
Lastly, deck blocks are best suited for smaller decks due to their limited load capacity.
Overall, if you are building a small, free-standing deck, then concrete deck blocks are a great alternative to traditional footings. However, larger decks or those connected to your home should use footings as they are built to support heavier loads.
Do you need to put anything under deck blocks?
When building a deck, it is important to make sure that your deck blocks are placed correctly and are supported correctly. You will want to make sure that you dig a hole that is big enough that the block can fit down into it, and it will be important to backfill the hole with gravel or sand so that the block is secure and level.
While you do not need to put anything directly beneath deck blocks, it is important to make sure that the surrounding area is ready for the block and can support it. You should also ensure that the block is placed within 18 inches of the house and that the ground is not sloped more than 1 inch for every 4 feet.
Additionally, it will be important to make sure that the footing of the deck is stable and that there is not shifting or settling occurring in the area. Once the block is in place, you will be able to begin building your deck.
How much gravel do you put under deck blocks?
The amount of gravel needed to put under deck blocks will depend on the size and weight of the deck. Ideally, you should use a minimum of 4 inches of gravel beneath each block. If the deck is large or is expected to be under a lot of weight, you can use up to 8 inches of gravel beneath each block.
It is important to spread the gravel in a level and even layer to ensure that the deck blocks are evenly distributed across the entire foundation. Additionally, the gravel should cover an area that is slightly larger than the dimensions of the deck blocks to prevent shifting or settling of the blocks.
Finally, the gravel should be tamped down to ensure a robust and even base for the blocks.
How do you lay decking ridges up or down?
When laying decking, whether you should lay the ridges up or down will depend on the type of decking you are laying, as well as any existing structures that you may need to install the deck around. If you are laying solid composite decking, such as wood-plastic composite, it is often recommended that you lay the ridges up.
This is because, when the ridges are laid up, the gaps between each plank allow water to easily run off, and prevent the deck from becoming saturated and slippery. On the other hand, if you are laying tongue and groove decking, it is often recommended that you lay the ridges down.
This is because it helps to prevent any water that runs off the deck from becoming trapped between the gaps and causing water-related issues. Furthermore, if you are installing a deck around an existing structure (e.
g. a swimming pool) it is important to lay the ridges in the same direction as the existing structure. This helps to ensure that all of the lines in the deck look consistent, and further enhances the visual appeal of the deck.
Do I need deck blocks on every joist?
No, you don’t need deck blocks on every joist. Deck blocks are used to support each corner or point at which a beam or joist connects to a ledger or beam. That said, depending on the size of the joist and the span rating, it is possible to support the joist with a single deck block.
It is widely accepted that for spans of up to 6 feet, a single block is sufficient and for spans over 6 feet it is better to use two blocks for the maximum stability. There are also other methods of joist support that can be used, such as joist hangers and metal joist hanging brackets.
Ultimately, the correct joist support method you should use will depend on the size of the joists and their span rating, as well as the size and clearance of the deck.
Where do you place joist blocks?
Joist blocks are typically placed at the ends of floor joists in order to provide additional support and stability. The blocks are designed to be placed directly underneath the bearing point of the joist, between the top and bottom plates of the wall, or at the intersection of two joists.
In addition, they can be used to provide support at midspan, specifically when the span exceeds the maximum allowable limits of conventional framing. Joist blocks are particularly essential when the load being supported has heavy concentrated loads, such as when a load-bearing wall sits on top of the joists.
This extra level of support helps to distribute the weight of the load more evenly, preventing the joists from over-stressing and buckling. Joist blocks can be installed either with nails or through mechanical fasteners, depending on the design detail of the floor framing plan.
Installing joist blocks is an easy and cost effective way to ensure the long-term structural soundness of a floor frame.
What is the correct gap between deck boards?
The recommended gap between deck boards is 1/8 inch for composite decks and 3/16 inch for wood decks. The gap between boards is important as it allows for temperatures to expand and contract during hot and cold temperatures.
Without a proper gap between boards, expansion and contraction issues may occur, resulting in movement and damage to the deck. It is also important to maintain proper spacing between screws, deck boards, and joists for a secure and sturdy deck.
How far apart do my deck footings need to be?
The spacing between deck footings depends on a variety of factors, such as the soil type, the deck size, and the deck’s planned use. Generally, large decks or decks used to support large amounts of weight, such as hot tubs, porches, and other structures, may require footings farther apart than 12 inches.
In general, though, a good rule of thumb is to place deck footings no more than 8 feet apart. However, if the soil type is sandy or loamy, or the deck is supporting very heavy objects, the spacing can be reduced to just 4 feet.
The American Wood Council (AWC) also recommends that footings spaced closer than 6 feet must be taken into account if the deck size exceeds 200 square feet. In this case, footings may need to be placed closer than standard 8-foot spacing.
Additionally, to comply with most building codes, post holes for deck footings should be 30-inches deep and at least 12-inches in diameter. That said, if the load is dramatically greater than usual, footings should be even deeper.
Ultimately, the spacing between your deck footings should be determined by an experienced contractor or deck builder who can accurately calculate the weight and analyze the soil in order to ascertain the most appropriate footing spacing.
What is the standard distance between deck posts?
As the distance can vary depending on the size and purpose of a deck. However, in general, most deck posts should have a minimum distance of at least 6 feet, with 8 or 10 feet being even better. This minimum distance helps ensure the deck is strong and secure, especially for larger decks, or those that need to support heavier items or a large amount of traffic.
When determining the spacing of posts, it is also important to consider the width of the decking material, as well as the size, type, and spacing of beams that will be used. Ultimately, the spacing of deck posts will be determined by local building codes, the size and purpose of the deck, and the type of material being used.
What do you put under Tuffblock?
When installing Tuffblock, it is important to use a consistent base that is flat, level, and free of any organic material, such as topsoil, grass, weeds, or mulch. This could be a gravel base, river pebbles, sand, hard-packed soil, or a combination of the above.
It is important to create an even base to ensure a level, safe and secure assembly of the Tuffblock.