DECKPLANS.com | How It Works

How It Works

With the Award Winning DekBrands Floating Foundation Deck System, adding a deck to your home has never been easier. The Floating Foundation Deck System has revolutionized deck construction. The system is easy to use, allows for a variety of customized applications for decks and costs up to 25% less than conventional construction.

What is the Floating Foundation Deck System?

The Floating Foundation Deck System is the simplest and most economical method for building a deck.

Designed around the Dek-Block® Pier, the Floating Foundation Deck System can be completed in just one day. It was designed with the Do-It-Yourselfer in mind.

By distributing the weight out evenly, the Floating Foundation Deck System can be placed on top of the soil. This eliminates difficult frost footings and mixing of cement.

How to Build a Floating Foundation Deck System

	Step 1: Place the Dek-Block® Piers on the ground Place the Dek-Block® piers directly on the soil. The slots will be used to hold either horizontal 2"x6" deck support boards or vertical 4"x4" posts. Using 4"x4" posts of different lengths will level out uneven or sloping ground.
	Step 2: Position the Support Boards Position support boards in or above the two outside rows of the Dek-Block® piers. Next, attach 2"x6" end boards to the outside support boards. Then position the remaining Dek-Block® piers. Lastly, attach the remaining support boards to the end boards.
	Step 3: Secure the Surface Boards Place all the 2"x6" surface boards on top of the support boards. Then secure the surface boards directly to the support boards using two deck screws per support board. That's all there is to it!

Is the Floating Deck Foundation System Safe?

In the most recent national survey:

Out of 150,000 Floating Foundation Deck Systems sold in the United States, there's an impeccable track record of safety which accompanies those sales.

97% of users were happy with their Dek-Block® Patio Decks.

1 out of every 6 decks sold in the United States used the Floating Foundation Deck System.

Designed around the Dek-Block® Pier, the Floating Foundation Deck System can be completed in just one day. It was designed with the Do-It-Yourselfer in mind.

"I certify that, after review of general applicable Codes, all DekBrands systems and components analyzed by AE Associates, Inc. met or exceeded Code standards for concentrated loadings, plus soil bearing conditions, when these products are installed in accordance with the instructions. Local building Officials may apply requirements based on specific conditions of their municipality, requiring the consumer to comply with Building Permit requirements for the installation."

-Robert C. Bowser, PE, AE Associates, Inc, Portland, Oregon, April 25, 2005

How Does the Floating Foundation Deck System Differ From Conventional Deck Construction?

Floating Foundation Deck System
	Free-standing from house No pouring or mixing cement No brackets or hardware No holes to dig Fewer support boards (when using 2x6 surface boards)
Conventional Deck Construction
	Attaches to the house Larger support structure Poured cement footings Expensive brackets and hardware More time and labor intensive Click here to learn more about the difference

How Much Can I Save Using the Floating Foundation Deck System?

The typical builder can save up to 25% on building costs by using the Floating Foundation Deck System over building a deck using conventional poured footings. Our system also eliminates other costly and time consuming parts of conventional deck building. Using Dek-Block® piers, you can have your deck assembled and ready for use in as little as one day. Again, the simple and cost-effective solution for any do-it-yourselfer.

See how a 16'x12' deck compares on price?

Floating Foundation System

Conventional Construction

Specifications: 5/4"x6" Surface Boards, 30" height, 52 lbs per sqft load ratings, priced at same time at the same retailer.

What is the Dek-Block® Pier?

Dek-Block® piers are solid, pre-formed concrete foundation blocks designed specifically for the Floating Foundation Deck System.

Dek-Block® Pier Specs

1-3/4" wide x 1-3/4" deep slot accepts 2" thick (1-1/2" net) lumber horizontally

3-3/4" square x 1-3/4" deep socket accepts 4x4 (3-1/2" x 3-1/2" net) posts vertically

42 lbs per block average. Weight varies slightly by region

6" distance from bottom of block to bottom of lumber slot

Block porosity wicks moisture from slot/lumber to ground.

Each block is manufactured from 3,000 psi concrete to ensure the greatest strength and durability.

Hundreds of Free Deck Plans.

We have hundreds of free deck plans to choose from. They are all complete designs with step by step instructions and material lists, which will help get your new deck built quickly and efficiently. Also, by using our Free Deck Plans and How to Build sections, you can add elegant accents like railings and stairs. We have rectangular deck sizes from 4x4 up to 40x40, octagonal sun decks, decks for above-ground pools, and floors for backyard storage sheds.

What Do Others Have to Say?

At DekBrands, we receive great feedback from homeowner's all over the country, sharing with us comments, stories and photos of their new decks. We are as proud of the fine photos we receive as of those who send them. Take a look in our Deck Gallery and see for yourself.

The Best Story Ever... from C.H. in Ohio, Forum Post July 7, 2003

"Hey all you deck builders out there, I have a story that you might like to hear, especially those of you doubtful about the strength and stability of the Dek-Block system. I built my new deck about two months ago, she seemed nice and strong.... Well up here in Ohio on the 4th of July we got some pretty bad storms. During the storm an 80 year old oak tree in my backyard decided to shed a few pounds... Right on my brand new Dek-Block deck!!! I almost cried. A 60 foot section of the oak tree snapped off at the middle of the trunk and crashed down on my new deck. This mammoth tree laid across the back corner and right side of my deck on an angle. The deck didn't even budge... She was so sturdy that the tree actually cracked when it hit the deck. Wow... The right side of the railing had been plastered to the ground and after removing the monster tree I simply screwed the railing back on as the screws somehow popped out and didn't even break the wood. I was truly amazed. Word to all those deck builders out there... Dek-Blocks are the sturdiest system I have ever seen. If they can withhold a 60 foot tree about 18 inches in diameter, I wouldn't be worried about my neighborhood hosting a block party on my deck the next time the 4th comes rolling around."

We Are Here To Help You!

Website

Virtually everything you need to complete the deck of your dreams can be found on our website. We have many detailed instructions on many aspects of deck building. Remember to read the text thoroughly. Be sure to use the images as a supplement, not in place of the written instructions.

Forum

After searching the website, if you still can't find what you need, search through our forum. Someone else may have the same issue as you. Still no answer? Post your question to the forum and let Deckman assist you through it.

E-mail

Send us an e-mail and we'll be sure to get back to you shortly. We strive to reply to all e-mail's within 24 hours. Please include all the details and information we would need to answer your question properly. And, we promise to never release your personal information to anyone.

Live Technical Support

1-800-664-2705

Need an answer immediately? Call us. We answer calls 7 days a week from 5am to 9pm CST. We don't use automated phone systems or call centers. You will always reach someone that is experienced with the Floating Foundation Deck System. And, why are you building a deck on Christmas day.

Where Can I Find the Dek-Block® Piers?

Dek-Block® piers can be found virtually anywhere lumber is sold. Click on the menu item above that is labeled "Locate Retailers".

New Jersey is the only state where Dek-Block® piers are not sold. Their building department has restricted the use of our product for residential deck construction. We apologize for any inconvenience.