What are Deck Blocks ?
Deck blocks are a wooden board that you can place on top of your existing deck to protect it from the elements. It’s basically a piece of plywood with a hole in it, but they’re typically made out of pressure treated lumber and have some sort of plastic covering over them so water doesn’t get into the wood.
They come in all different sizes and shapes depending on how much protection you need. The purpose of these blocks is to provide support so that you don’t have to worry about leaning over when using the deck.
What are the benefits of having a deck block ?
1. Prevents splinters –
They prevent splinters because they protect the wood from getting hit by branches and other objects. They also keep the wood dry which prevents mold and mildew.
2. Prevent damage to the wood –
Because they cover up the wood, this means that if someone steps on the wood, they won’t be able to see any cracks or signs of damage. This way, you know what’s happening underneath without having to look at it.
3. Helps maintain the appearance of the wood –
The plastic covering helps keep the wood looking nice. You’ll notice that most decks aren’t covered in plastic because it would make them look dirty. With a deck block, you don’t have to deal with that problem.
4. Protects the wood against insects –
If you live in an area where there are bugs, then you’ll want to use a deck block to help protect the wood from being eaten away. If there are ants or termites living under the wood, then placing a deck block will help keep them away from the wood.
5. Keeps the wood dry –
Deck blocks allow for air circulation which keeps the wood dry. This makes the wood last longer and resist rot. Also deck blocks help keep the wood dry by preventing rainwater from getting into the wood. If you live in an area where it rains often, then you may want to consider buying one.
6. Makes it easier to clean –
It’s not easy to clean off a deck without removing the boards. A deck block allows you to remove the block without lifting the whole thing. This makes cleaning the deck a lot easier. You’ll be able to easily wipe down the deck with soap and water since it won’t stick to the wood.
7. Easy to install –
You can put a deck block together in less than 30 minutes. You just need two pieces of 2×4 lumber and a few screws. Once you’ve got everything together, you simply screw it onto the deck.
8. Durable –
Plywood is very durable. It’s meant to withstand high amounts of wear and tear. Because of this, you shouldn’t have too many problems with your deck block lasting for years .They’re designed to withstand the weather and stay strong. They’re also resistant to warping and cracking.
9. Low maintenance –
Since they’re made of plywood, you don’t have anything to do except replace them every couple of years. That’s why they’re called deck blocks. Unlike other materials, deck blocks require little upkeep. All you need to do is wash them off once every couple of months to keep them looking new.
10. Versatile –
There are plenty of different types of deck blocks available. Some are made out of metal while others are made out of plastic. There are even some that are made out of composite material. No matter what type you choose, you should be able to find something that works well for your needs.
What are the disadvantages of Deck Block ?
1. Expensive –
A deck block costs around $50. While this isn’t a huge amount of money, you might prefer to spend a bit more on a quality product. The good news is that you can get a decent deck block for about half of that price.
2. Heavy –
The weight of a deck block can make it difficult to move around. If you decide to take your deck block outside for a walk, you’ll likely feel like carrying it everywhere. However, if you’d rather leave it inside, you’ll have no problem doing so.
3. Not as sturdy –
While a deck block is designed to hold up against the elements, it doesn’t mean it’s going to stand up to heavy objects falling on top of it. If you plan on using your deck block as a table, you’ll want to make sure it’s built solidly enough to support the weight of whatever you place on it.
4. Can only be used outdoors –
Most deck blocks are designed to be used outside. If you use yours indoors, you’ll notice that it will start to warp over time. Since most people don’t use their deck blocks inside, there aren’t any options for indoor use.
5. Difficult to attach to existing decks –
If you already own an outdoor deck, you may find it hard to fit a deck block into it. Most decks are designed to be attached to the house itself. As such, they’re usually much wider than normal decking. Unfortunately, this means that you’ll have to cut away part of the deck to accommodate the deck block.
So,
As we can see, the installation of deck blocks have both pros and cons. Still deck blocks are a very good option when compared to traditional deck boards. They offer a lot of benefits including being easy to install, low cost, long-lasting, and versatile. In addition, they allow you to add a decorative touch to your deck without having to worry about damaging your deck. So, if you’re thinking about installing deck blocks in your backyard, then go ahead and give it a try!
Process in the installation of Deck Block
The process of installation of a deck block is not a difficult task, however, it does involve some steps which must be followed carefully. These steps include following the right procedure, proper planning and execution of the work. So the steps involved in its installation are –
1. Decide the area
The first step in building a deck is to decide where you would like to build it. If you already own the land, you may need to get permission from the owner to build a deck. You’ll also need to make sure that there aren’t any underground pipes or electrical wires that could cause damage during construction.
2. Build the foundation
Once you’ve decided where you’d like to build your deck, you’ll need to lay down some concrete. In order to do this, you’ll need to dig a hole deep enough to accommodate the length of the beam you plan to install. Next, pour concrete into the hole. Make sure to add rebar to the bottom of the concrete if you want to support the weight of the deck.
3. Install the beams
After the concrete dries, you’ll need to attach the beams to the concrete using lag screws. Be sure to drill pilot holes through the concrete before driving the lag screw. Also, don’t forget to insert washers under each lag screw head.
4. Lay the joists
Next, you’ll need to install the joist hangers. These can either be purchased at home improvement stores or built yourself by drilling two holes into the center of the beam and attaching them to the beam with bolts.
5. Attach the joists
Now that all of the pieces of the deck are installed, you’re ready to start laying the deck boards. Start by cutting the deck boards to size. Each board should measure 2 inches longer than the width of the beam. For example, if you have a 4×6 beam, you’ll need to cut four 6 inch long boards.
6. Add the ledger
You’ll next need to install the ledger. A ledger is an extra piece of lumber that’s attached to the edge of the deck boards. They provide additional strength and stability because they act as a brace between the wall and the floor.
7. Install the rails
Finally, you’ll need to add the rails. Rails are metal strips that run along the outside edges of the deck. They help keep people from slipping off the deck and prevent objects such as chairs from falling off.
8. Finish the project
When you’re finished, you’ll need to apply a protective coating to the surface of the deck. There are several different types of finishes available including stains, sealers, paints, epoxies, urethanes and clear coats. Whatever type you choose, just make sure that it’s appropriate for outdoor use.
Conclusion
As we can see deck block installation isn’t too hard. However, it does require a little bit of preparation and attention to detail. It’s important to remember that not every deck will look exactly alike so take your time when designing yours. Once you’re done installing your deck, enjoy spending time outdoors!
Do check out our posts on
HOW TO BUILD A GROUND HUGGING DECK
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