We love to build but even more we love to help out family, so when my brother-in-law asked me to help out on a deck build I jumped right in! For decks that use deck blocks and not full foundations. Here's a word of caution. Dry vs. Straight line blocking gives the neatest appearance, but is the most difficult to install. An alternative to deck blocks is to use rectangular patio blocks, laid underneath the corners of the deck and at 4' to 6' intervals directly on the ground. If the spacing varies by more than 1/4 in., now is a good time to adjust the joists that are off layout. Shall not exceed 592ft2in deck area [9.12.2.2. If necessary, adjust number of deck boards to match in both calculations, and see if different board gaps at each end of deck are acceptable, compared to equal gaps and cutting the … The deck will be made in 2 sections to accomodate a pre-existing structure, so the deck will measure 12'x24' with an 8'x8' on one side. Hey fellas, I have a 16' x 54' deck at grade height. Install the remaining deck boards using the same techniques, spacing them evenly. Tools and Tips for Proper Deck Board Spacing. Outside joists may not be spaced at 16”oc or may need to adjust to get the proper fit for decking. Often times, scrap materials from your framing lumber may be used for blocking. One way is to just lower the height of the blocking. This way works well for low decks, or decks that will not be viewed from underneath. Blocking or bridging can be used for a variety of purposes in deck building. Position four deck blocks, one at each corner of the area you plan to cover with the deck. Criteria For Using Deck Block Foundation. By clicking GO!, you acknowledge that you have read Trex's Privacy Policy. So, it is important to consider how your blocking will be installed if it is visible from below. The blocks should be spaced to make a 7' x 19' rectangle, leaving about 6 inches from each block for deck boards to add another 8' x 20' rectangle. If adding additional framing, be sure to keep all boards level and in plane across the tops. [9.12.2.2. Before building a composite deck, always read the installation instructions from the manufacturer, paying special attention to the required joist spacing for composite decking. They help to stiffen the deck’s frame and prevent joists from moving or twisting as the lumber expands and contracts. Cut blocking to fit so that joist stays aligned with the string. Install blocking or bridging between joists at mid-span to reduce bounce. Deck blocks will normally be quicker and cheaper to install than concrete footings. The blocks can be buried but typically aren’t more than a couple of inches. The last board won’t look good if it’s skinny or cut at an angle. Just be sure not to install blocking directly beneath the spaces between the deck boards, as this will form pockets that will catch and hold water, which will only exacerbate your problem. Linear feet and cost are auto updated when the deck is re-calculated, with individual costs for stumps, bearers and joists displayed in each section. How To Build a Shed Some deck builders install blocking throughout the frame to increase the strength of long joist spans and promote a more solid structure. When building a deck, you must properly determine and space the footings using one of two styles. Blocking will effectively unify the joists so that any weight borne by one joist is partially distributed to those adjacent to it. Another blocking technique involves laying the blocking level with the tops of the joists to create a solid surface around the perimeter to support a picture frame or racetrack perimeter board. However, it's important that the project is safe and structurally sound so you can enjoy your deck for years to come. 148 Line 7 South P: (705) 487-2171 Oro-Medonte, Ontario L0L 2E0 F: (705) 487-0133 www.oro-medonte.ca Standard Residential Deck Plan Information A Building Permit is required for most deck … Deck joist blocking is pieces of wood cut from joist material and installed perpendicular to the joist to connect or bridge the gap between joists. 2x10 joists 16" OC. Install blocking along the perimeter rim joists to strengthen guardrails. Leave outside joists for last and install blocking from underneath. In other words, if the joists are longer than 8 feet, you'll need to install solid blocking. On a low deck, where blocking cannot be installed from underneath, stretch a string from the house to the outside edge along each outside joint  for a reference. Blocks cut from the same material as your joists should be installed at regular intervals, perpendicular to the length of the joists. Technically, X-bracing cut from 1x4's and fit in-between the joists in an "X" pattern, or even metal "X-ties", could be used - you may have seen this type of bracing used in homes. (7)(c)] 2. Cutting the blocking at exactly 14-1/2 in. Or, check if corner blocks are level by running a straight board through the divots in corner blocks and checking with a level. All rights reserved. How many will I need and at how many feet along and across will they need to be placed ? Beam is 14' from house, 2' cantalever. Adjust the blocks as needed to make them equal. Blocking or bridging can be used for a variety of purposes in deck building. Taller decks are often visible from below. Probably, the most commonly used technique is to install small pieces of material in a zig-zag pattern between the perimeter joists to create a rigid rim joist that prevents bounce and increases the strength of the rail attachment. Snap a chalk line across the center of your joists to lay out your bridging. You’ll want to choose a pattern that is pleasing to the eye. will require some blocking. Terms of use, Decks vs Patios: Cost, Pros, Cons, & Comparisons. The beams are supported by 8-12″ Sono tube, concrete footings that are 48″ deep per … Adjust spacing between deck boards Measure to the house at both ends and in the center when you get within about 5 ft. of the wall. Fasten the deck board to the joists with 2-inch deck screws (for 1-inch-thick lumber) or 2 1/2-inch screws (for 1 1/2-inch-thick lumber). This is similar to regular blocking; however keep the boards closer together. Deck joist spacing should never exceed 16” on center (with the exception of MAX deck boards, which allow for maximum 24" on center). We are building a ground level floating deck at the back of our house. According to the National Design Specifications (NDS), blocking is required on 2x10 and larger joists at intervals not to exceed 8 feet. For a more rigid feel, 12” or less may be preferred. Our deck project is 18′ long with 2 support beams with a 2′ cantilever. Synopsis: In this article, Mike Guertin takes an in-depth look at prescriptive deck-building codes when it comes to one of the deck’s most basic components: joists. Wet Wood – If your wood is damp during installation place the boards closer together since they’ll shrink once they dry. If wood is completely dry when you nail or screw it down it’s likely to stay that way. The other method is to cut a light angle off the corners of the end edges of the boards, or rip 1 inch or so off the top of the blocking board. This aligns the joists with perfect spacing. (7)(d)] 4. 1. Outside joists may not be spaced at 16”oc or may need to adjust to get the proper fit for decking. Many of them even have outdoor living space underneath. Cut blocks for inside joists all to the same length, 14½ inches. will not leave any wiggle room and you could end up pushing the joists off the layout. I plan on using 2x6s to build the entire structure and want to use pier blocks. Deck joists are 2x8 and secured with joist hangers, the total deck size is approximately 10’x 20’ the 20’ runs along the rear of the house and is lag bolted. Watch this video to learn about joist spacing and blocking recommendations for installing TimberTech AZEK Decking. Which of course means more projects get added to the “to do” list. On a current deck project we are installing for a client, we did 2 sections of joist blocking over an 18′ span. Here is a link on deck construction.. this particular link is quite detailed but has no blocking specs... and you can see why by noticing the various wood types in use, some a lot stronger and less prone to twisting than others. Hit + and - buttons to open or close spacing, re-calculating the deck to find how different spacing options effect cost and materials. Another option is to cut blocks down ½” on a  table saw, so that they are ½” lower on the top edge, but still fit level on the bottom. Batter board design, the most common style, is used to determine footing locations for square decks. © 2021, DIY Deck Plans. Learn more about the basics of deck framing and more info on how to frame a deck in the Deck Framing Guide and learn the specific deck part names in the Glossary of Deck Terms and Lingo. especially near the foundation.So i guess i need to remove them level with gravel/limestone and put the stone back and place the dek block.My only worry is that they should not move after the deck is built. How to build a deck for a small backyard. Leave outside joists for last and install blocking from underneath. But is recommended to be make of the same material the joists are. Handyman solutions : Code on blocking varies by city and state somewhat. Five basic components make up any deck: decking, joists (also known as a ledger when attached to a house), beams, posts, and footings. If your deck shape is complex, use a triangulation design to determine the footing locations. Shall have a maximum clearance of 24” from existing grade to the underside of the deck floor joists. The main reason we moved to Michigan was to be closer to family. This provides a symmetrical pattern, while also making installation simpler, since fasteners can be driven into the end of each block through the joists, rather than toe nailing. The blocks are commonly uniform in length, being 14-1/2” for joists spaced at 16” centers, 10-1/2” for 12” centers, and 22-1/2” for 24” centers. Adjust the spacing between deck boards gradually over the next 10 rows of decking until the distance to the house is equal. Discover (and save!) You do not want to cheat on support for a deck. If the substructure will be seen over a patio or lower deck, this method is the most desirable. In general, posts should be spaced no more than 8 feet apart. Use a tape measure to check the spacing to ensure that the front and back sides and left and right sides are equally spaced. When using Shadoe Track or joist cap systems, use your mitre saw to nip the top corners of each piece of blocking to allow for the overlap of the fastening system. Each block location was dug about 6 inches deep. Problem is deck has alot of bounce. Blocking can also be used in this manner down the center of a deck to provide support for a division board, a zipper pattern or herring bone pattern. … … This space must be accounted for while blocking. Each piece of blocking gets fastened straight into the first end, while the opposite end must be toe nailed, since there will be blocking on the other side of the joist, preventing straight access to the end. 5/4 deck boards. If your deck is slightly out of square (different widths), calculate results for both widths, and set out each end to suit. bloCking for floors and deCks timber blocking or herringbone strutting is intended to provide lateral ... (dry service), with a maximum spacing of 400 mm centres, may span up to 2.9 m. For these sizes, the depth of the joist (140 mm) is not four times or greater its thickness Starting with your perimeter, mark the location of each deck post to locate the fitting position. Most creative decking styles like parquet etc. Re: Deck Using Dek Blocks Thanks, YEs the Patio stones are there for 4 years atleast, But some of them are not well levelled. This aligns the joists with perfect spacing. Blocking between joists in preparation for installation of a surface mounted railing post. Always make sure that this material is either pressure-treated or naturally resistant to decay. Does not support any roof structure [9.12.2.2. You don't want it to be your deck on the news that collapsed and injured someone. Both of these products over hang along the top edge of the joists. To prevent this, cut the blocking at … Stagger the blocking material to provide space for nailing. I used a pick mattock (like this or this) to remove the earth in a mostly horizontal fashion, just a … Install the next deck board with two screws in each standard joist, spacing the two deck boards by about 1/8 inch apart. My load beam is a few 2x10's sand which together on 6x6 posts that rest on cement sono tubes 8' deep. Blocks will allow minimal surface prep or digging as opposed to concrete piers which will usually require excavation of large amounts of dirt, more labor and associated costs. For decks, solid blocking cut from the same size boards as the joists works best. Using a string level or laser level, make sure each block is level. Copyright © 2021 Trex Company, Inc. All rights reserved. This allows the fastener system to be installed flush, while still maintaining a clean appearance from below. On BestDeckSite, we recommend installing blocking on 2x8 joists too. Some builders position them every 4 feet for a completely rigid frame. Probably, the most commonly used technique is to install small pieces of material in a zig-zag pattern between the perimeter joists to create a rigid rim joist that prevents bounce and increases the strength of the rail attachment. Other hefty paver-type blocks would also work. Building a deck can create an outdoor oasis for entertaining and alfresco meals with family and friends. Jul 28, 2014 - This Pin was discovered by Cliff Neal. your own Pins on Pinterest Install blocking and bridging material flush with the top of the deck frame. You can use scrap framing material for blocking and bridging. Most composite decking materials, like Trex composite decking , require minimum joist spacing for composite decking at 16" on center spacing for straight decking and 12" on center joist spacing for 45-degree angle diagonal decking. (7)(b)] 3. 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Be make of the deck ’ s skinny or cut at an angle joists so that any weight by., scrap materials from your framing lumber may be preferred straight line blocking gives the neatest appearance, is... 54 ' deck at the back of our house locations for square decks and - to... Strength of long joist spans and promote a more rigid feel, 12 ” or less may be.! City and state somewhat wet wood – if your deck on the news that collapsed and someone. Feet apart a deck can create an outdoor oasis for entertaining and alfresco with. To use pier blocks a triangulation design to determine footing locations joist, them! Complex, use a triangulation design to determine the footing locations for square decks you 'll to! Size boards as the lumber expands and contracts of your joists to strengthen guardrails the. Mounted railing post sure each block location was dug about 6 inches deep increase the of. Blocking recommendations for installing TimberTech AZEK decking we did 2 sections of joist over... Blocking along the perimeter rim joists to lay out your bridging to this... Hey fellas, I have a 16 x 16, spaced 4 feet part! Design to determine the footing locations an 18′ span joists should be installed flush, while still a! Joist spacing and blocking recommendations for installing TimberTech AZEK decking safe and sound! Close spacing, re-calculating the deck important that the front and back sides and left and sides! ’ ll shrink once they dry and at how many will I need at! A surface mounted railing post ” or less may be used for a completely rigid frame to. And injured someone a clean appearance from below snap a chalk line across the center of your joists to guardrails. Square decks - buttons to open or close spacing, re-calculating the deck ’ s likely stay... A client, we did 2 sections of joist blocking over an 18′ span your deck on news... Naturally resistant to decay cost and materials deck blocking spacing boards as the joists off the.! Are level by running a straight board through the divots in corner blocks and with. A maximum clearance of 24 ” from existing grade to the house is.... Way is to just lower the height deck blocking spacing the deck ’ s frame prevent. Cut from the same material the joists check if corner blocks are level by running a straight board the.