Poured concrete footings will often take a couple of hours or more to dig and pour. Really eating up your deck building time.Įven when properly installed, deck blocks should take no more than 30 minutes each. Digging and pouring footings will take a day or more of your weekend. If you want to build a deck for the backyard in a weekend, precast deck blocks may be a good idea. One of my shop teachers use to say, “A good carpenter is lazy and cheap.” A little for shock value, but really. Hey, you can even reuse the deck blocks on the next site. With deck blocks just like the mobile home beside it, you can jack it up on a trailer and move it to its new home without worrying about footings when the time comes. Deck blocks provide a good base for the deck without violating bylaws for temporary construction only. But I digress, back to deck blocks.ĭeck blocks are a good idea in places like RV campground and Trailer parks, where you are not permitted to build something permanent. I have sometimes wondered about people paying for composite decking that will last 25 years or more when they plan to move in less than five. Sometimes it is better to spend less money and time on for the moment but not forever. Not everything we build needs to last forever. I love Mike Holmes and his call to build things better, but. Places where a deck would be enjoyable for five to seven years but not an heirloom deck. I am talking about RV campground situations, out at the cabin or planning to move in a few years anyway. But deck blocks would be good for that too. Deck Blocks are a Good Idea for Temporary Decks Making deck blocks a good idea, still supported from below the frost line without all the mess of concrete. As the frost barely penetrating the ground. If your frost level is less than 6″ (150mm) like in southern California or Florida, burying deck blocks a few inches down might be all you need to support your deck. Deck Blocks are a Good for Areas with Low Frost Levels Frost levels and permits play into the answer.īut with many low-level decks, deck blocks are a good idea. A general rule is any deck that is less than 24″ (600mm) in Canada or 30″ (760mm) in the States. Deck Blocks are a Good for Ground Level Decksĭeck blocks are never good for elevated decks, but for a ground-level deck, they may work. But I will get to that at the end after we discuss when deck blocks are a good idea and when not. You still want a good deck, not just an easy deck. With the deck block resting on the ground, away from the tree roots.Ĭare must still be used in adequately installing the deck blocks. Removing the concern about cutting critical tree roots killing the tree. Deck blocks can be installed without disturbing the tree roots. īut using deck blocks instead of footings simplifies all this. I have an entire article about deck construction requirements over tree roots. But a deck around a tree has some complications, especially with roots. A deck around a tree is an excellent way to enjoy the tree’s shades. There is more to the tree under the ground than above.

3 Good Deck Blocks Installation When Deck Blocks Are a Good Idea Deck Blocks Are Better for Decks Around Tree Roots.

2.4 Don’t Use Deck Blocks to Support a Deck Pergola or Roof.

2.3 Deck Blocks are Bad for Elevated Decks.

2.2 Don’t Use Deck Blocks for Decks Attached to a House.

2.1 Don’t Use Deck Blocks on Soft or Unsettled ground.

1.4 Deck Blocks are a Good Idea for Temporary Decks.

1.3 Deck Blocks are a Good for Areas with Low Frost Levels.

1.2 Deck Blocks are a Good for Ground Level Decks.

1.1 Deck Blocks Are Better for Decks Around Tree Roots.

Frost level footings are more stable and can support more weight, and last much longer than deck blocks.īut if you are okay with a little up and down and are not building a deck to be enjoyed by your grandchildren, then maybe deck blocks are a good idea. If you are not comfortable with the idea of your deck rising and falling with the ground.

Deck blocks can only be used for floating decks. How can you determine which is best for your deck? Let me explain more when deck blocks are a good idea, and when they are not.įirst is your level of comfort. Deck blocks are good for some decks, but not all. The use of deck blocks is rarely a good idea for decks requiring permits. It is a bad idea to use deck blocks when attaching the deck to the house, on stable ground or supporting elevated decks, pergolas or a roof. Which type of footings should your deck have?ĭeck blocks are a good idea for low decks, decks around trees, areas with low frost levels and economical decks. The biggest difference between each is from where the deck is supported, below the frost or floating on the ground.

There are two common footings options for a backyard deck, deck blocks or frost footings, including concrete piles, screw jacks, and many more.

Concrete deck blocks