low freeStanding wood deck

I'm going to build a 12'x12' deck, less than a foot high. I'm in CA, so I'm not concerned with frost heave. I'm going to use 2'x6" treated joists spaced about 2'4" apart, and 3 peirs per joist spaced 5' apart.

Question:
I was planning on using the "Dek-Blocks" type peirs since they have a slot that a 4"x4" will easily fit into, but they don't sell the Dek-Blocks nearby. Now I'm thinking of using peirs with a wooden block embedded into the top, and I'll nail to that. Is there much difference between using one type or the other?

Thx,
Rob

 

Rob: Surely someone sells dekblocks where you are! With your application, they should be fine, as long as the ground isn't subject to freezing, and is stable. I know the big box stores sell them, as do many building supply stores. Imbedding wood in concrete is not a good idea, as there is no protection in allowing the drainage around the wood. The concrete forms a cup to trap water against the wood.
2'4" is pushing the envelope for support. Why such an odd measurement? What are you going to use for decking? If you go with 24"oc, you should use 2x6 decking, and if you go with 16"oc, you can use 5/4 x 6 decking. Larger spaces between your joisting will cause the decking to flex.

 

Well, you're right, sort of, about the bigbox store. All of the HD's in my area have them except for the one near me! They used to carry them, and I went to get some this AM, and now they only have the wood block type. I have to drive an hour to get to another HD, and I just don't feel like taking the trip. I guess I'm spoiled. The hometown lumber yard was closed, and I didn't think they had them, but I'll check tomorrow.

I got the measurements from the dek-block site. They generate a full blueprint with materials list. I'm using 2x6 treated hem-fir for the joists and redwood 2x6 for the deck. I'll think about adding another joist!

thx