ya, these videos aren't super consistent in what they recommend. but that's also sort of the way youtube is. i'm doing the same as you and all of the other builds ive seen use weed barrier. also, joist hangers. instead of that staple down plastic they recommend butyl tape for joist protection. the H3 wood they refer to is like "above ground" pressure treated here in US. so when they say h4 in other videos, that's because h4 is rated for "ground contact". ground contact is defined to be within 6" of the ground, not just touching or buried. but because this was a homeowner that tuffblock was just filming, the homeowner made the design choices. which, to each their own, but it makes it hard to get a consistent "how-to" when you're just starting out learning.
I'm curious about the use of H3 treated timber joists on a very low profile deck. Wouldn't H4 normally be recommended where there is less than 400mm clearance between ground level and the nearest timber? Is this also why additional joist protection has been used?
Hi Jere. Joist hangers are definitely the preferred method for added support to joists over toe nailing or end nailing and would have worked well in this deck build. However in this case, because the TuffBlocks are spaced tight together at 450mm centers with plenty of bridging, joist hangers were not deemed by Ben a necessity. We do recommend using them though.
Agree it looks fantastic! We'd have to get in touch with the homeowner to get the specifics, but I know it was a composite material. Sorry I can't help more.
I’m on the same boat, in that I’ll probably need to use 2x4 for the joist, because with 2x6 the deck will be higher than the room and has a danger of water flowing in. I guess I’d need to space them to something 12” or 10” apart instead of 16” to compensate the loss of stability in using 2x4
Hi Mippy - it depends on a few factors such as joist center distance, the thickness of your framing timber and whether you're using bearers. Try this deck calculator: www.blocklayer.com/deckcalculator.aspx? From my calculation (please double check this!) you'll need roughly 32 TuffBlocks. Hope this helps.
@@Buildtuff I'm buiilding a low level deck of 7x6 mtrs (approx). I just tried the deckcalculator. I assume you would replace stumps for tuff blocks. You actually have to enter the joist size and spacing and stump centres yourself so it is not that helpful to calculate how many tuff blocks.
@@rodav That's a fair point. Every subframe is different depending on the materials used, the layout and the local codes etc. We wrote an article that shows 5 decks the same size and how they can have radically different number of foundations required depending on these factors: buildtuff.com/blogs/diy-ideas/how-many-deck-blocks-do-you-need The deck calculator is to give you a rough estimate based on 2x6s with 16 inch centers when building a ground level deck without beams.
@@Buildtuff great, don't want to be distracted from the message and technical details . Im looking at doing a long skinny 11x 1m boardwalk so the detail is very interesting
@@markfrombriz Sounds exciting! Would it be possible to follow along with progress and provide support? We love seeing projects come together, and to offer assistance where possible. Let us know :)
@@Buildtuff Sounds good, just wondering for a low level deck like this does it need to be structural pine or just treated ? and whats the best way to contact you guys ?
@@markfrombriz We'd recommend both. H3 and up is a necessity for low level decks like this. Non structural pine is typically full of knots and holes which compromises it's strength. If you want a deck that will last for decades then it's worth the extra money. If you are looking at non-structural, then getting cuts without knots and holes is key, but we wouldn't recommend it. Best way to get in touch is either through email at: oliver.truswell@buildtuff.com info@buildtuff.com Or, message us on Facebook where we reply very promptly.
If you liked this video and found it useful, consider scrolling back up and hammering down that like button!
Build Frame 1:22
Level Ground 2:20
Joist Bridging 3:10
Joist Protection 4:57
Lay Down Deck 5:32
Beautiful! I think I'm going to do it the same way.
Go for it! Build on.
I love the Tuff Blocks (watching to DIY my own deck project.) No weed barrier huh? Ok.☺I live in the South in the US so it's hot and weeds everywhere.
ya, these videos aren't super consistent in what they recommend. but that's also sort of the way youtube is. i'm doing the same as you and all of the other builds ive seen use weed barrier. also, joist hangers. instead of that staple down plastic they recommend butyl tape for joist protection. the H3 wood they refer to is like "above ground" pressure treated here in US. so when they say h4 in other videos, that's because h4 is rated for "ground contact". ground contact is defined to be within 6" of the ground, not just touching or buried. but because this was a homeowner that tuffblock was just filming, the homeowner made the design choices. which, to each their own, but it makes it hard to get a consistent "how-to" when you're just starting out learning.
I'm curious about the use of H3 treated timber joists on a very low profile deck. Wouldn't H4 normally be recommended where there is less than 400mm clearance between ground level and the nearest timber? Is this also why additional joist protection has been used?
Nice deck! Love how low profile you can get it. The concrete ones I looked at were too chunky.
Not necessary but some recommend having 3 stringers for those stairs.
do you NOT need to use any braces. if not please state why
Hi Jere. Joist hangers are definitely the preferred method for added support to joists over toe nailing or end nailing and would have worked well in this deck build. However in this case, because the TuffBlocks are spaced tight together at 450mm centers with plenty of bridging, joist hangers were not deemed by Ben a necessity. We do recommend using them though.
@@Buildtuff thank you
What brand decking and colour was used here? Looks fantastic
Agree it looks fantastic! We'd have to get in touch with the homeowner to get the specifics, but I know it was a composite material. Sorry I can't help more.
@@Buildtuff thank you that will be great. I have just order tuff blocks today
@@Mr_Joker_hahaha That's great! Reach out if there's anything we can help with during your build
Are these available in the U.S?
They sure are. You can find them in selected Lowes stores, through Home Depot online or through our website www.buildtuff.com/
What siZe timber did you use for the joists?
Sorry for the late reply! I'm pretty certain these are 70 x 35mm joists.
Did you use 2x4 x12 or 2x6x12
We'd have to double check with Ben but we're pretty certain he used 2 x 4 x 12 for the timber framing.
I’m on the same boat, in that I’ll probably need to use 2x4 for the joist, because with 2x6 the deck will be higher than the room and has a danger of water flowing in. I guess I’d need to space them to something 12” or 10” apart instead of 16” to compensate the loss of stability in using 2x4
If I were to want to build a 10 x 15 foot deck, how many tuff bocks would I need?
Hi Mippy - it depends on a few factors such as joist center distance, the thickness of your framing timber and whether you're using bearers.
Try this deck calculator: www.blocklayer.com/deckcalculator.aspx?
From my calculation (please double check this!) you'll need roughly 32 TuffBlocks. Hope this helps.
@@Buildtuff I'm buiilding a low level deck of 7x6 mtrs (approx). I just tried the deckcalculator. I assume you would replace stumps for tuff blocks. You actually have to enter the joist size and spacing and stump centres yourself so it is not that helpful to calculate how many tuff blocks.
@@rodav That's a fair point. Every subframe is different depending on the materials used, the layout and the local codes etc. We wrote an article that shows 5 decks the same size and how they can have radically different number of foundations required depending on these factors:
buildtuff.com/blogs/diy-ideas/how-many-deck-blocks-do-you-need
The deck calculator is to give you a rough estimate based on 2x6s with 16 inch centers when building a ground level deck without beams.
Very informative, great video, but the background music is a tad loud
Thanks for the feedback Mark. As the editor I'll factor that into the next video :)
@@Buildtuff great, don't want to be distracted from the message and technical details . Im looking at doing a long skinny 11x 1m boardwalk so the detail is very interesting
@@markfrombriz Sounds exciting! Would it be possible to follow along with progress and provide support? We love seeing projects come together, and to offer assistance where possible. Let us know :)
@@Buildtuff Sounds good, just wondering for a low level deck like this does it need to be structural pine or just treated ? and whats the best way to contact you guys ?
@@markfrombriz We'd recommend both. H3 and up is a necessity for low level decks like this. Non structural pine is typically full of knots and holes which compromises it's strength. If you want a deck that will last for decades then it's worth the extra money. If you are looking at non-structural, then getting cuts without knots and holes is key, but we wouldn't recommend it.
Best way to get in touch is either through email at:
oliver.truswell@buildtuff.com
info@buildtuff.com
Or, message us on Facebook where we reply very promptly.
those look like 2x3 studs.