We've been dreaming of a patio for outdoor entertaining for quite some time, but the cost and materials have been a bit overwhelming. But then yesterday we stumbled upon a product at the hardware store that seems like it's pretty environment-and-budget friendly...
The Dek-Block piers are a "floating" foundation system for building decks. They are made out of concrete but the amount contained in them is far less than the amount required to fill the standard deck foundation hole. It will accommodate a vertical 4"x4" post or a 2"x on its side.
Not only does it use less concrete than a standard foundation, but it doesn't requiring digging and turns out to be less expensive (they were about $6.00 a piece when I saw them in the store yesterday).
Their website also includes a bunch of handy deck plans, freely available.
Has anyone had an experience using Dek-Block piers?
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That would be great if you had your yard level or sloping at the right angle. It seems it would but just as much work to try and level the deck for rain run off.
view Icanmakeit's profile
We just did this about a month ago. It was faster, cheaper, and easier than digging huge holes. Our only concern is the deck shifting come winter because of the frost (northern Canada, woo!) But hubs has a plan if that happens... something about re-leveling the deck blocks I think. We'll see what happens!
view cbaum's profile
These footings do not meet code in our area (North Carolina). Correct footing placement would have used less concrete than the 12 dek-blocks shown in the photo.
The joists are also a mess: undersized, overspaced, etc.
view hauslogic's profile
It's also banned in NJ... it will never withstand ground freeze.
view kxp6751's profile