Building a Shed - using TuffBlocks as a foundation

[@joshuachapman8827]

It is set up so low to the ground…Aren’t those floor joists going to get some significant water damage over time? Eventual Debris build/up and rot beneath?

[@jackgray5749]

I would defo have a gap between ground and bottom of joists.

[@CS-qc7np]

Just finished a small deck with tuff blocks; thinking about building a shed now. Great product!

[@Buildtuff]

That's great to hear! Glad you enjoyed using TuffBlock

[@alexeyorlov4573]

2:43 is it going to cause problems?

[@tracys2354]

That's one crazy base. He could have made his work easier but neverthelss it's a cool looking shed. That's what sheds should look like. So how many tuff blocks for a 8ft x 12ft shed?

[@Buildtuff]

It depends on the exact layout, type of lumber etc. but you'd need somewhere around 6 rows of joists with 3 TuffBlocks per joist = 18 This is based on 16 inch centres, and you might end up spacing your joists further for a shed if using plywood over the top. So this could come down to 12 TuffBlocks. We wrote an extensive article demonstrating 5 layouts for the same size deck, and how it affects materials. buildtuff.com/blogs/diy-ideas/how-many-deck-blocks-do-you-need It demonstrates how this topic is a tricky one to give a precise answer to. It's always best to sketch out your sub-frame and figure it out. Hope this helps!

[@henkhermans9065]

very nifty....great idea

[@leopants]

Is this shed still level and steady two years' later?

[@Buildtuff]

It sure is! We'll chase up Jimmy for some photos or video

[@donswish94]

Can I used them to build a mini house? 20x20 400sqft?

[@Buildtuff]

TuffBlock has exceptional vertical load capacity, and when properly spanned with the right building materials it has performance capabilities that outstrip alternative options. We do see TuffBlocks used quite a lot for similar projects like a detached art studio, huts, and in Geelong a footing for a shipping container that served as an agricultural classroom. However, with queries like this, we must always recommend that you are you’d be best consulting a professional before building.

[@geekay633]

Assuming this man obtained council approval, how many anchor points would something that size need?

[@Buildtuff]

You could get away with far fewer than what was used here. It always varies depending on the types of materials you're using. For example with the thickness of the sleeper going across, the builder could have gotten away with 3 or maybe even just 2 TuffBlocks per sleeper. Jimmy used more because he wanted it to be extremely sturdy with any weight he added inside the shed. In terms of 'anchor points', then floating structures don't require anchoring down, but we do always recommend using earth anchors for high wind areas. These auger into the ground and prevent uplift from hurricanes. We'd suggest using 4, one on each corner. You could use as few or as many as you'd like. They're cheap and easy to install: www.amazon.com/Jayzod-Shelters-Canopies-Trampoline%EF%BC%8C4-Included/dp/B08H4DZCV4

[@MurdoT860]

Do you need to use so many tuff blocks? That seems pretty excessive.

[@Buildtuff]

You're right, you could probably get away with using 3 or only 2 per joist here due to the thickness.

[@enlightenedillumination]

USA available?

[@Buildtuff]

Yup, they're available in the USA. You'll find them at Lowes here: www.lowes.com/pd/BuildTuff-TuffBlock-1/1001436780 Or at our website here: buildtuff.com/

[@robhorvat1948]

How do these go without being tied down to earth, especially in Queensland?

[@Buildtuff]

It wasn't shown on camera but there are some galvanised steel ground anchors used to combat any uplift from strong winds. If you're worried about hurricane winds then we'd recommend using in ground concrete for one or two or the corners and then TuffBlocks for the rest. That should greatly reduce the risk of uplift.

[@robhorvat1948]

@@Buildtuff ok cool thanks. I’m in Victoria, but I was a bit worried about that. What are the steel ground anchors? Cheers again

[@Buildtuff]

@@robhorvat1948 There are a number of different makes and designs, but something like this would work as a solid starting point: www.wholesalesdirect.com.au/multipurpose-galvanized-steel-ground-anchor-kit.html

[@robhorvat1948]

@@Buildtuff thank you. Will be ordering the tuff locks in the coming days. Cheers again.

[@Buildtuff]

@@robhorvat1948 Sounds great Rob - we'd love to support you with your project in any way possible and with permission see how your build progresses. Would it be ok to get in touch somehow? If you want to reach out our email is '[e-mail]'. Thanks and good luck!

[@kentfaver]

I guess I don't understand the sheer number of blocks used for this project and others I see. I would think this project might need 25 and he put in 50. Maybe I'm missing something.

[@Buildtuff]

Hi Kent - that's a very fair point. This project could have gotten away with using fewer blocks considering the span tables for the lumber being used. We'd have probably recommended using 3 blocks per bearer rather than 5. The homeowner here wanted peace of mind considering the weight on top (with all the tools in the workshop) but with TuffBlocks load bearing being 1700lbs (770kg) per block, and break tested to 5 ton per block, fewer blocks would have been more than enough to hold that weight.

[@alexdelara9858]

Damn, at $8 bucks each, you spent $400+ only on these suckers....

[@kentfaver]

See my comment as well Alex. It looks like a good product that people go crazy with, especially with joist hangers.

[@JasmineCherie]

They are over 20$ each in Canada. Robbery. 😅