9/13/2023 0 Comments Spacing for concrete deck blocks![]() ![]() They will save you a good chunk of change, but you should be sure to buy more than enough so you have plenty of support for your deck. One of the cheapest options out there is deck blocks, which are blocks that literally sit on the ground and provide the foundation for your deck. If it’s 6 feet or less with a proper post-to-beam and joist bracing, then you can install a floating deck without the hassle of having to install concrete footings. If you’re in the market for a freestanding or floating deck, you’re going to want to pay extra attention to this part. Other cheaper and quicker options to replace footings The pier is put into the hole and attached the post, giving you your deck without wasting hours installing footings. Plastic piers require the digging, but unlike footings, there is no concrete involved. They are concrete forms that are buried so that your deck has something stable to sit on. If these options aren’t appealing to you and you still like the idea of footings, then plastic piers may be the route for you to go. By nailing the deck to them, your deck will be completed easily. You can also combine this method with the gravel one, where the wood sleepers are laid on the gravel (must have a layer of sand below it) which will provide extra drainage. By doing this, you’re going to want to install sleepers, which are pieces of pressure-treated lumber, into the concrete so the deck has something to attach to. Putting a wooden deck surface over a concrete slab will allow the deck to stay stable without the usage of footings. Concrete blocks won’t rot, making them an ideal option for those who don’t want to use wood. You can then add a frame of wood that anchors in concrete blocks that sit in the gravel, creating your new deck. Instead of using footings, adding a level of gravel will give you the drainage aspect you are looking for. ![]() Obviously, you need to grade a flat spot for the deck so that it sits evenly. Now that we know that footings aren’t necessary when building smaller decks close to the ground, it’s essential to understand what you can use in place of footers that will save you time and effort. Building your dream deck without footings You can either use small concrete blocks and planks, or you can use a post that sets into a pre-formed hole. When it comes to floating decks, which are decks that are built very close to the ground, they don’t need any sort of footing. But this rule only really applies to large decks because smaller decks that are a few inches off of the ground can sit securely on concrete blocks, which should be reinforced with some rebar. Does a deck require footings?Īs mentioned before, it’s always a great idea to have your large decks supported by footings so that it doesn’t get destroyed after you spent a lot of money building it. Footings also have to be set lower than the frost line so that it can prevent the deck from moving when the soil freezes during the winter. The footings ensure that the deck will not fall, tip or rot away after a few years.įootings are especially important in areas that have troublesome soils because it helps keep the foundation set and prevent it from settling. In general, a deck footing is usually used if it is going to be higher than your waist or larger than 100 square feet. ![]() Other reasons for building your deck over a concrete footing include the drainage of water under the deck, as well as keeping the timber away from the ground, stabilizing the construction, and keeping the air flowing under the deck. Large decks that are attached to the house should always have footings because they act to spread the heavy load of the deck from the surface of a support post over a large surface of the soil so the ground can adequately support it. What are footings?įor those who don’t know what footings are, they are an important component during deck construction because they provide the foundation that will support your deck. While many decks do have footings, does that mean each and every kind of deck requires footings? Not necessarily. Deciding on the site and the size, as well as what you are going to use it for, are all things that you have to consider when thinking about the addition. Not only is adding a deck to your home great for having fun, but it’ll do wonders for your home’s value. Many great memories are made on the family deck, which is why more and more families are opting to have them added to their homes. When the summertime approaches, the best place to spend the beautiful, sunny days is on the deck cooking barbecue with your family and friends. ![]()
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