Replies

1. 
   Patrick_M. | Jan 09, 1999 01:55am | #1

   *
   Dave

   I too live & work in Ontario, and the short answer to your question is that deck blocks are a joke, and if your customer wants the deck "to last and stay level and flat" you simply must start with properly sized concrete footings installled to below frost line. Period!!! There ain't no short cut available!!!

   Only the messenger

   Patrick

1. 
   Dick_G. | Jan 12, 1999 01:21pm | #2

   *Dave,I would walk away from the job if the customer insisted on doing blocks. When it goes wonky and others ask who did the job, you will have the kind of reputation you or any of us don't need.Here in mid Michigan, I put holes down below frostline (about 5') and then break a patio blocks corners so it will drop down the hole.I then take the 4x4 treated lumber post and ram the block tightly into the bottom of the hole and fill with sand only. It's fast, simple and clean and works well for us.

2. 
   Guest_ | Jan 12, 1999 06:48pm | #3

   *
   I have the perfect solution. It has worked splendidly for me for years and is a quite inexpensive way to get that concrete in there.

   First, dig your post holes. Second, fill them about 1/3 full of water. Third, pour two or so bags of QuickCrete or other "instant" bagged cement into the holes until cement reaches the top of the hole. ( you may want to put a short piece of sonotube at the top of your hole for a nice finish form.) Fourth, finish your concrete flat after inserting a 6"x1/2" L shaped anchor bolt into the top of each footer.

   Now, once this has all cured, you simply bore a hole in the center of the bottom of each post and place over the 3" of bolt which you left exposed.

   The benefits of this system are as follows: 1. money and time saved on the concrete and it's pouring. 2. Anchor bolt is much less expensive than those metal post base anchors which are always noticeable and which may rot away over time. 3. This keeps your post out of the ground (burying pt lumber usually voids the warrantee and will cause it to rot eventually.)

   This works and has been complimented by many a city inspector. I could even scan and email some of my relative drawings that we submit to the inspectors for this system.

   Pete Draganic

1. 
   Guest_ | Jan 12, 1999 07:43pm | #4

   *Dave - does the customer want to use the deck blocks on grade? I thought you meant like Dick G. uses the patio blocks - below frost. Room for a compromise - use deck blocks below frost with a foundation grade p.t. pier.

1. 
   Guest_ | Jan 12, 1999 08:00pm | #6

   *Is it really too difficult to mix up some concrete in a wheelbarrow or small mixer and put it in a properly sized hole that extends below the frost line??????

3. 
   Ontario_Dave_Gent_Burlington | Jan 12, 1999 08:00pm | #5

   *
   A customer of mine wants me to look into
   using deck blocks instead of concrete columns
   to support her deck. I have never been a fan
   of them. I must admit I have never used them.
   I am concerned in a freeze thaw climate like
   we have that the blocks will sink into the mud
   every thaw,just like an abandoned car will
   sink up to it's axles.I would appreciate
   any input I could get on this, the customer
   cannot afford the cost of concrete but we would
   both like the deck to last and stay level and flat.

   Dave Gent
   Burlington, Ontario.