When to use Pre-Cast Deck Piers?

5/13/2019 at 3:28:41 AM

Compacted at least 6 inch stone recommended but you can do it if you willing to fix them up every couple years.

5/13/2019 at 6:57:42 AM

For something like this, I would scrap the deck blocks and put down a couple of patio stones instead. Proper sub-base prep is key though. 6" or so of GA gravel (a mix of coarse and fine stone), well compacted in 2" layers, 2" or so of well compacted limestone screening onto of that, then patio stones. Plan the depth so that the stones end up flush with the grass or other landscaping when you're done and use stones that are large enough to land the stairs on and form a landing that you can step off the stairs onto.

5/13/2019 at 7:22:29 AM

Hi Dave

No, do not use deck blocks, because they are independent of each other. One may rise or fall a little more then the other in the spring time. Use patio stones 24 x 24 on virgin, level ground. Place you're stringers on the stones and attach a 2 x 4 / 2 x 6 across the back bottom of the stringers so they are all jointed so if the bottom of the stairs moves at all, it will all move as one and will not really be noticed.

5/13/2019 at 5:15:30 PM

Pier blocks are designed to sit on the ground and not buried.

5/13/2019 at 8:52:48 PM

We work in the Newmarket/Barrie/Aliston area and most of the municipalities will not allow the centre and outer beams of an attached deck to be supported by deck blocks. Sonotubes or helical piles.Also attached decks require uplift prevention (9.23.6.2) which deck blocks do not provide.