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Building a deck can be a fun and rewarding project, but it's important to choose the right type of foundation. Two popular options for deck foundations are deck blocks or in-ground posts. Both options have their own unique benefits and drawbacks, and the right choice will depend on the specific project and the desired look and functionality. In this blog post, we will outline 13 benefits that TuffBlock has over concrete deck blocks, as well as benefits that floating decks have over in-ground posts. Save time Easier to transport Reduce injury & back strain No need for a chisel Fewer tools required Achieve ultra-low decks without digging Avoid water wicking into lumber Save money Avoid risk of hitting underground services Build on the fly Environmentally friendly Easier to store Avoid damaging tree roots 1. Save time Building a floating deck can be faster than building a deck with in-ground concrete posts because the process of digging post holes and pouring concrete can be time-consuming. A floating deck is built on top of a flat surface, such as a patio or lawn, and is not anchored into the ground. This means that the construction process does not require digging or pouring concrete, which can save time. Additionally, using deck blocks means you can complete an entire project in a single day as you don’t have to wait for concrete to cure (which can take multiple days). 2. Easier to transport TuffBlocks are extremely easy to transport as they’re both stackable and lightweight. They take up minimal room in your vehicle or trailer, and with minimal weight added. Because they’re so convenient to carry with you, many contractors keep TuffBlocks on hand from site to site. 3. Reduce injury and back strain TuffBlocks are 27x lighter than concrete blocks which greatly reduces the strain on your back. Because they’re lightweight and stackable, you can carry a large number of TuffBlocks in one trip onto site, whereas carrying dozens of concrete blocks requires a lot more effort. Over time this increases the risk of a back injury. Lifting heavy objects repeatedly or improperly can put a lot of stress on the muscles, ligaments, and tendons in the back, which can lead to strains, sprains, and other types of injuries. It can also cause wear and tear on the spine, leading to conditions such as herniated discs or degenerative disc disease. If for example you’re using 24 deck blocks, it would require 2 trips carrying TuffBlock with minimal effort and weigh only 36 lbs, whereas concrete blocks would require 12 to 24 trips (depending if you carry 2 at a time) and weigh a total of 996lbs. All that extra weight adds up over time. 4. No need for a chisel or saw Concrete blocks typically require a chisel to create a slot for your post to sit upright. TuffBlocks have two post slots precisely designed to fit 3.5 and 4 inch posts with the need for a chisel. Below is a video showing the old method of fitting lumber to your deck blocks. With TuffBlock the highly engineered and smart design means no alterations are needed. 5. Fewer tools & materials required Creating in ground concrete posts requires more tools. This includes concrete mix, a concrete mixer, wheelbarrow, a hoe, a trowel, a forming tube and stirrup. For sites that have limited side access this can mean overcoming the need to transport concrete mix in tricky or cumbersome sites. 6. Achieve ultra-low decks TuffBlocks finally allow for ultra low floating decks with the base sitting only 2 inches from the ground. This is extremely useful when building over and existing slab or pavers where digging isn’t an option. An example of where this might come in handy is matching the height of the deck to an existing doorway. Additionally by not having to dig, you can achieve a low profile deck that removes any step up and mimics a patio. Typically a concrete block would add 6 inches in height in addition to the framing lumber and deck boards. TuffBlock removes any need for digging and is 4 inches low in profile giving you more options for your deck, and eliminating labor. 7. Avoid water wicking into lumber Concrete can absorb water and become saturated, whereas as TuffBlock is made from plastic it doesn’t absorb water. Concrete is porous, which means that water can permeate through the surface and into the concrete. If the concrete is not sealed or if the sealant is damaged, water can continue to penetrate the surface and reach the reinforcement steel inside, causing rust and weakening the structure. Additionally, if the water is not able to drain away, it can cause freezing and thawing cycles that can cause cracking, pitting, and other forms of damage. Also, if the water is able to reach the reinforcement steel, it can cause rust and weakening the structure, which can lead to the concrete's failure over time. Therefore, it is important to properly seal and maintain concrete surfaces to prevent water from penetrating and causing damage. TuffBlock avoids any of these risks and due to it’s ventilation and raised surface, it prevents the build up of moisture. 8. Save money It can be cheaper to build a floating deck compared to a deck built with in-ground concrete posts, as the materials and labor costs for building a floating deck are typically less. A floating deck is built on top of a flat surface, such as a patio or lawn, and is not anchored into the ground. This means that the construction process does not require digging postholes, pouring concrete, and curing time. This can save on materials and labor costs. However, the overall cost will depend on various factors such as the size of the deck, the materials used, the location and the cost of labor in the area. 9. Avoid risk of hitting underground services It is important to check for the location of underground services before starting any excavation work to avoid hitting them and causing damage or injury. Before starting any excavation work, it is important to call your local utility companies to have them mark the location of any underground services such as water, gas, electric and telecommunication lines. This service is typically free and it will ensure that you are aware of the location of these lines and avoid any potential accidents or damage. It's also important to consult with local authorities and ensure you comply with any local building codes and regulations before digging. If you have any doubt and if you're not sure where the lines are, it's best to hire a professional to locate and mark the underground services. Alternatively, when using deck blocks it eliminates this risk entirely (which can be very costly to repair). 10. Build ‘on the fly’ Deck blocks allow you to make amendments and change your plan as you build. Building with in ground concrete on the other hand requires you to have a precise plan before commencing your build. This gives some builders peace of mind knowing they can make adjustments as they build. For a complex project such as Sam’s walkway (below), using TuffBlock allowed him to build quickly and with confidence knowing he could adjust the deck block placement. The sub-structure of the curved walkway was very complex and if he was using in ground concrete posts, it would have required substantially more planning to execute, even for an experienced builder such as Sam. 11. Environmentally friendly This is a benefit for mother earth but one we think is worth noting. TuffBlocks are made from 100% recycle plastics, many of which are single use plastics (such as soda bottles) that are destined for landfill. When plastics are recycled, they are collected, cleaned, and processed into raw materials that can be used to make new products such as TuffBlock. This reduces the need to extract and process new raw materials, which can have a lower environmental impact. Additionally, recycling plastics can also reduce the energy needed to produce new plastic products, as it requires less energy to recycle existing plastic than to produce new plastic from raw materials. On the other hand concrete can negatively affect the environment in several ways: Carbon emissions: The production of cement, which is a key ingredient in concrete, is a major source of carbon dioxide emissions. Cement production accounts for around 5% of global CO2 emissions. Resource consumption: The production of concrete requires large amounts of water and energy. Additionally, the extraction of raw materials such as limestone and sand can lead to habitat destruction and soil erosion. Waste generation: The disposal of concrete waste can lead to a buildup of materials in landfills, which can take up valuable space and release methane, a potent greenhouse gas, as it decomposes. Transportation: The transportation of concrete can also lead to emissions and air pollution. 12. Easier to store & deliver We’ve covered this benefit previously, but it’s worth noting again that TuffBlocks can be stored in your home or vehicle without taking up vast amounts of space. Unlike concrete blocks they’re easy to deliver to any desired location and store, which makes ordering them from your local supplier much easier than concrete blocks. 13. Avoid damaging tree roots Digging holes near trees can damage the roots, which can harm or even kill the tree. By using deck blocks you avoid this risk entirely and maintain the surrounding vegetation on your building site. The roots of a tree are the tree's lifeline, providing the tree with water, nutrients, and stability. Cutting or damaging roots can disrupt this process and cause the tree to become stressed and weakened. The critical root zone (CRZ) is an area around a tree where the roots are particularly sensitive to damage. The size of the CRZ can vary depending on the species of tree, but it typically extends out to the drip line of the tree's canopy, and below the surface for about the same distance as the tree is tall. This means that digging holes within the CRZ can be particularly damaging to the tree. If you need to dig near a tree, it's important to locate the tree's CRZ and take steps to protect the tree's roots. This can include hand digging or using a small hand-held auger instead of a large machine, and also consulting with an arborist before starting any digging. Final thoughts There are many benefits to using TuffBlock deck blocks, but ultimately every project is different and it's up to you to decide if it's suitable for your needs. Floating decks are becoming more popular as a building method because they are relatively easy to construct, do not require a building permit in some areas, and do not require the excavation and foundation work that is needed for a traditional deck. As an alternative to concrete deck blocks we feel that there are several benefits that TuffBlock provides such as ease of use, time saving and versatility with ultra low decks. But there is always a place for traditional in-ground concrete posts, especially when extending a deck from an existing structure like a home. Please check with your local building codes and assess which method works for you.
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Looking to upgrade your back yard? Well we've got 6 simple deck designs, but built in beautifully landscaped yards. These decks aren't just about functionality; they're about creating a vibe, a mood. Imagine stepping out to a space that blends seamlessly with the outdoors, where the boundaries between inside and outside blur. A place for morning coffees or to have dinner outdoors. These decks all use simple landscaping materials such as pavers, stone & rock to incorporate your deck into your yard by building pathways and garden beds around the deck itself. When using TuffBlock deck blocks, you can build the deck portion in a matter of hours when the deck itself is a simple rectangle. But when blended into the yard with some simple landscaping tricks, it elevates it to a whole new level. Hopefully these inspire you and get you thinking about how you could transform your own yard! This first deck shows how you can build out from your home to create a patio deck, and extend the living space in your house. This type of deck is perfect for an outdoor living area. Think about using stones around the deck to frame it. The symetrical plants at either corner of the deck along with the L shaped couch make this a perfect place to sit and enjoy the outdoors that leads perfect out to your garden. This type of deck is also perfect in winter where the stone and paved pathway allow you to stay out of the mud whilst still using the space. This deck is similar, but is floating in the yard as a stand alone platform. A floating deck platform is a great place to have dinner during warm summer nights. Adding pavers to your lawn is a great way to connect the deck to the house, and the gravel/stone around the deck is great for hiding the deck blocks under the deck. This deck is built into the garden bed at the end of the yard. The pathway connects is seamlessly to the house, and allows you to sit in your yard whilst enjoying the nature around you. A two toned deck is always a nice touch. A floating ground deck is perfect for a bbq and inviting friends over for a feast! Building on a slope yard? Well TuffBlock allows you to build using posts at various heights for a deck like this. Consider creating a bench as part of your floating deck for an extra place to sit. You can also build a firepit next to your deck to warm you up in the evenings! We hope these six stunning examples of floating decks have sparked your creativity and inspired you to embark on your own backyard transformation. Each deck, with its unique blend of simplicity and style, demonstrates how when using deck blocks, like TuffBlock, a single day's effort building a floating deck can result in a breathtaking outdoor sanctuary. Whether it's a cozy corner for your morning coffee or a spacious platform for social gatherings, the possibilities are endless. Now it's your turn to bring these ideas to life! Grab your tools, choose your design, and start building. Remember, the beauty of these decks lies not just in their construction, but in how they harmoniously integrate with the natural landscape of your yard. We can't wait to see the incredible spaces you create, transforming your outdoor areas into personal havens of relaxation and joy. Happy building!
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So in yesterday’s post I left you standing in Home Depot crying out for help not knowing which stain to choose to stain my concrete floor. I mean who needs all these choices anyway!? I need simple friends. Simple. Good heavens I make things complicated enough on my own! Enter in my daughter….”mom look at...
The concrete stairs and burnished concrete floors throughout are complemented with Tasmanian Oak stair treads and balustrade details. Tagged: Staircase, Concrete Tread, and Wood Railing. Photo 12 of 18 in A Crisp, New Home Rises Around an Existing Pool in Australia.
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