How far apart should deck blocking be?
4′ to 6′ apart
1. Space. Solid wood blocking should be equally spaced in rows, with a maximum of 4′ to 6′ apart.
How far apart do concrete deck blocks need to be?
Another spacing method is to put blocks 5 feet longitudinally and 4 feet laterally so that the arrangement is in the form of a rectangle. Doing so allows for a 10′ by 8′ deck using 9 deck blocks in total. As a general rule, put a deck block every 3-4 feet for heavy loads and 4-6 feet for lighter loads.
How many deck blocks do I need for a 12×12 deck?
Calculating Out How Many Deck Blocks for a Floating Deck
| Deck Dimension | Square Feet of Deck | Number of Deck Blocks 12″ x12″ Supporting 2000 lbs |
|---|---|---|
| 8×8 | 64 | 4 |
| 8×10 | 80 | 4 |
| 10×10 | 100 | 4 |
| 10×12 | 120 | 6 |
Can I put a deck on concrete blocks?
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. However, concrete deck blocks can be used without restriction for a freestanding deck that’s not attached to your house.
Do I need deck blocks on every joist?
Blocking, according to the building code, is required at the open end between joists to prevent rotation or at 8-foot maximums if the joists are greater than 2×12 in dimensions. Most builders, though, recognize that blocking every 4 to 6 feet unifies the frame and improves structural strength.
How far apart should bridging be?
Measure the joist spacing before you go shopping; bridging is sized for joists centered 16 in. or 24 in. apart. Don’t add bridging to manufactured lumber like I-joists or truss joists until you consult an engineer or building inspector.
How many footings do I need for a 12×16 deck?
A standard deck will need four footings parallel to the house, but they will need to be temporarily braced by 6 inch-by-6 inch posts. Using doubled boards, you will then need to build beams on the top row of the posts to frame the edges of the deck. These must be topped with adjustable post caps.
Can I use concrete deck blocks instead of footings?
The acceptability of deck pier blocks instead of footings depends on two things deck height and frost level. Pier blocks can be used instead of footings for a ground-level deck not requiring permits. Piers blocks can also be used if the frost level depth is less then the height of the pier block.
How high can a deck be with deck blocks?
Deck blocks are never good for elevated decks, but for a ground-level deck, they may work. A general rule is any deck that is less than 24″ (600mm) in Canada or 30″ (760mm) in the States.
How often do I need deck blocks?
Space the deck blocks at 4′ to 6′ intervals to offer the frame good support. I would not use a frame lighter than 2″x6″ lumber. Using 2″x4″s will lead to a frame that is too springy and may sag under load, such as during those huge parties you will be planning… or a heavy winter snow load!
How much deck blocking do I need?
Most lumber manufacturers recommend that the blocking between the floor joists be placed every 2 feet. For example, if your deck has 8-foot-long joists, you will want to add a piece of blocking every 2 feet: at 6 feet and 10 feet. These standards ensure your floor joist blocking is safe and up to every standard.
Do decks need blocking?
According to National Design Specifications (NDS) blocking is required on any deck joist over 8ft long on 2″x 10″ and 2″ x 12″ material. We would recommend blocking on any deck joists greater than 2″ x 6″.
What is the maximum distance between deck posts?
Deck posts should be cut about 10 inches longer than the railing. The two most common sizes used for deck posts are 4×4 and 6×6. When using 4×4 posts, place them no more than 6 feet apart, and when using 6×6 posts, no more than 8 feet apart.
How many footings do I need for a 16×20 deck?
Quick Attached Deck Footing Chart
| Size of Deck | Beam Size | Number of Footings |
|---|---|---|
| 16′ x 16′ | (3) 2×8 | 3 |
| 20′ x 12′ | (2) 2×8 | 3 |
| 20′ x 14′ | (2) 2×8 | 3 |
| 20′ x20′ | 2 beams (2) 2×8 | 6 (2 rows of 3) |
Are deck blocks a good idea?
Deck blocks are a good idea for low decks, decks around trees, areas with low frost levels and economical decks. 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.
How often do you need blocking on a deck?
Can deck posts be 10 feet apart?
Ideal deck post spacing is 8 feet or less. The distance between deck support posts depends on the type of wood species used and the size of the joist and beam. There is no minimum span, and maximum spans can reach up to 15′.
How thick should a deck footing be?
8” thick
– The bottom of the footings must be a minimum of 36” below finish grade level. – Footings must be a min. of 8” thick below post bottom. – Suggest footings be placed at least 48” away from the house foundation to avoid a back-filled area.
Is deck blocking necessary?
Is blocking required on decks?
Should deck posts be 4×4 or 6×6?
Deck posts must be a minimum of 4×4 according to the IRC but many jurisdictions require a 6×6 post as a standard. To avoid code violations, many deck builders choose the 6×6 even if the 4×4 is acceptable.
Does a deck footing need rebar?
Plain concrete deck foundations without rebar are acceptable under the minimum standards of construction established in the International Residential Code. However, placing reinforcing steel within footings is a relatively easy and inexpensive practice that can provide increased performance.
How many posts do I need for a 12×16 deck?
The Deck Floor
As a guide, if you choose to use 20-foot boards, you will need to purchase 22 of these boards. Similarly, 18-foot boards will require 24 boards, 16-foot boards will require 27 boards, 14-foot boards will require 31 boards, 12-foot boards will require 37 boards and 10-foot boards will require 44 boards.
How deep should concrete footings be for a deck?
By code, the bottom of a footing must be at least 12 inches deep and below the local frostline—whichever is deeper—and bear on stable, undisturbed soil that is free of organic matter. And the code requires a minimum compressive strength of 2,500 psi for the concrete.
How far can a 2×10 span for a deck?
How Far Can a 2×10 Beam or Header Span? A 2×10 beam – made up of two 2x10s nailed together – can span up to 11′ without support beneath a deck that is 4′ wide. For a more normal-sized deck, the same beam can span 8′, supporting a deck that is 8′ wide.