TuffBlock FAQ's - Frequently Asked Questions (USA Version)

[@tylanater9433]

Can tuff blocks be placed on a concrete patio? (supporting 4x4 posts)

[@michaelh5532]

At 8:30, "fixing the timber to the TuffBlock is super easy", however the super easy method isn't discussed. Do tell, please.

[@jsoliman85]

Do you have any recommendation for using this to support a swingset on a sloping yard?

[@Buildtuff]

Hi John - so long as you level the surface area of the ground the TuffBlock sits on, it can be used to support a variety of things on a sloping yard. We've not yet seen it used on a swingset but I'd have no doubts it would work. We recently filmed a tutorial on how to use TuffBlocks on sloping ground. Here are some photos I quickly uploaded to Tumblr: otruswell.tumblr.com/post/645759091327778816/tuffblocks-used-on-sloping-ground Hope this helps.

[@robb1484]

How many would be required for a shed base measuring 8’x15’? Would I still need 3 per joist? Or could 2 per joist be sufficient

[@Buildtuff]

Hi Robb, you're looking at about 30 TuffBlocks. We have a calculator to estimate the amount you'd need which you can view here: buildtuff.com/pages/deck-area-tuffblock-estimator-chart-calculator We also have an article that covers how the type of lumber and direction of your joists can impact the number of blocks you'd require: buildtuff.com/blogs/diy-ideas/how-many-deck-blocks-do-you-need We wrote the article because the calculation is dependent on a lot of factors such as the thickness of the lumber, whether it's a raised deck or ground level, the type of decking boards (affecting the joist centers) and direction of joists. To get an accurate answer you'll need to sketch out your subframe based on the span tables and joist centres to get the number. Hope this helps!

[@dani8shawn]

Is rock ok to use to level the ground when on a slope?

[@Buildtuff]

Hi D Shak, sorry for not getting back sooner. Road base, crusher dust or decomposed granite can certainly be used to level ground on a slope. You'll need to level out an area or trench of soil and compact it first before putting down the gravel. See this set of photos for examples of it in use: otruswell.tumblr.com/post/645759091327778816/tuffblocks-used-on-sloping-ground

[@cardi60]

I am putting a off the wall garden shed on a sloping concrete path, can you screw them down in the concrete.

[@Buildtuff]

Builders often dynabolt them down to concrete. TuffBlocks weren't originally intended for this, but it works very well.

[@cardi60]

@@Buildtuff thanks, problem solved.

[@delwynwright7877]

can u put them on sand?

[@Buildtuff]

Yes TuffBlocks can work on sand. Depending on the type of sand and the potential for sinking you may want to use it as an intermediary with concrete posts.

[@paulnils692]

How many will i need to support a low level floating platform using a 20ft 2x10 bearer/girder/ main beam.

[@Buildtuff]

Hi Paul - good question! We have a deck calculator and TuffBlock estimator on our website: buildtuff.com/pages/deck-area-tuffblock-estimator-chart-calculator That should give you a fairly accurate answer. You need to factor in that using bearers results in needing fewer TuffBlocks. For a more accurate answer the best place to get in touch with us is our Facebook page where we can figure it out with you: facebook.com/buildtuffusa

[@mariuszstanisz9070]

Can the TuffBlock be used on a modified Bitume rooftop with 2% grade?

[@Buildtuff]

Hi Mariusz, Thank you for your enquiry. Absolutely it can. We just had a deck installation whereby the slope ran to 500mm in variance after 10 metres. I suggest looking at our installation guide on our website (BuildTuff.com.au), under variable height installation. We would love to see photos of your project when you complete it. Thank you.

[@ShanePresleyC]

@@Buildtuff The installation guide emphasizes 'flat' surface, 'level', that uneven surfaces should be 'dug out' and not 'built up'. Neither of those apply to a slightly sloped rooftop application described by the original poster. The post or joist set in the TuffBlock will not be vertically level due to the slope of the rooftop below. So I suppose the question is what are the tolerances? Would you angle the cut of the base of your post to achieve level?

[@tycox8704]

Every deck build demonstration by Tuff Block involved digging and compacted crush-n-run. I fail to see how this invention is less laborious and less expensive.

[@Buildtuff]

Hi Ty - that's a fair point. You definitely don't require crushed rock or an aggregate when using deck blocks. It's a nice addition in the same way joist tape is. There are numerous situations where using deck blocks is advantageous, and likewise there's lots of situations where in ground piers are the way to go. But here are a few: 1) You want to avoid hitting underground services. Sometimes removing this risk altogether is worth the peace of mind. It can also save you a huge bill and an awkward conversation with the council. 2) You don't have room on site for heavy tools like a digger 3) You don't want to pour huge volumes of concrete into your back yard that one day might need removing 4) You want to get the job done in a single day 5) You're nervous about pouring cement footings as it's your first deck build etc. Floating decks can be cheaper or more expensive than using in ground piers. Every build and associated cost is completely unique and can vary massively. So for some it might be worthwhile and the costs factor in the above. You can make a deck build extremely cheap by avoiding the use of aggregate, joist tape, joist hangers, treated lumber (this would be breaking code but you get the point). It's really up to you to decide if it's worth it! Thanks for checking the videos out.