What do you guys (and girls) think about using deck blocks that sit directly on the ground and recieves the 4×4 posts.I know the best way is to drill piles but sometimes the h.o. doesnt like to spend alot of money(if you know what i mean).sometimes I feel it clashes with my integrity of my work,I like to leave a job nowing 100% that what i did is going last a VERY long time.but when i think about it,the deck moves out of level in winter and back to level with the ground and could always be shimmed if need be later in summer not causing any disruption in the deck.(keep in mind im only talking about ground level decks,no second storey stuff.)I know its not the proffesional way to do it but do I just walk away from that job if I cant convince them other wise?
thanks
Replies
What depth does code require in your area? Always stick with that, because frost can destroy a deck.
Try to develop enough confidence in your trade and in yourself that you can walk away from customers that don't want to pay for minimum standards. There are other places to economize, but the footings should be built properly.
Al Mollitor, Sharon MA
Quality and self respect issues aside... last I heard floating decks are fine. We tend to put larger bases in... deck block sitting on patio stone atop 6" of gravel. Don't put them on backfill and don't attach to the house. If they are off the ground more than a foot or two give them some solid bracing.
L
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