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Installation of 4 Way Dek Block

Download a copy of the instructions in Adobe PDF format. If you don't have a copy of the FREE Adobe Reader, you can download it here.

Tools You Will Need

• shovel
• level
• tape measure
• 1/4" dowel

• drill with screwdriver bit
• saw (required only when using
  4x4's to level or elevate deck,
  or for adding handrail posts)

Choose the 4 WAY Dek-Block+™ deck plan that's right for you:

8' x 8' | 8' x 10' | 8' x 12' | 8' x 16' | 8' x 20'

Materials	8'x8'	8'x10'	8'x12'	8'x16'	8'x20'
4 way dek-block+ piers	12	12	12	20	20
8' 2x6 treated lumber	24	24	28	44	45
10' 2x6 treated lumber	-	4	-	-	8
12' 2x6 treated lumber	-	-	4	-	-
8' 4x4 treated lumber	2	2	2	4	4
2-1/2' galv. deck screws	3lbs	4lbs	5lbs	7lbs	7lbs
construction adhesive-tubes	1	1	1	2	2
stain or sealer, gallons	1	1	1	2	2
metal truss plates	-	-	-	8	8
1/4' dowel	1	1	1	1	1

10' x 10' | 10' x 12' | 10' x 16' | 10' x 20'

Materials	10'x10'	10'x12'	10'x16'	10'x20'
4 way dek-block+ piers	15	15	25	25
8' 2x6 treated lumber	-	-	10	-
10' 2x6 treated lumber	29	28	36	55
12' 2x6 treated lumber	-	5	-	-
8' 4x4 treated lumber	3	3	5	5
2-1/2' galv. deck screws	5lbs	5lbs	8lbs	8lbs
construction adhesive-tubes	1	1	1	2
stain or sealer, gallons	1	1	1	2
metal truss plates	-	-	10	10
1/4' dowel	1	1	1	1

12' x 12' | 12' x 16' | 12' x 20'

Materials	12'x12'	12'x16'	12'x20'
4 way dek-block+ piers	18	30	30
8' 2x6 treated lumber	-	12	-
10' 2x6 treated lumber	-	-	12
12' 2x6 treated lumber	34	34	45
8' 4x4 treated lumber	3	5	5
2-1/2' galv. deck screws	6lbs	8lbs	9lbs
construction adhesive-tubes	2	2	3
stain or sealer, gallons	2	2	3
metal truss plates	-	12	12
1/4' dowel	1	1	1

Build the 4 WAY Dek-Block+™ deck of your dreams

Step 1

Position and level 4 Way Dek-Block+™ piers. Use a 2 x 6 support board and the spacing measurements shown in the plans for the deck of your choice. Adjust 4 Way Dek-Block+™ piers until the top edge of the 2 x 6 support board is level.

(NOTE: For 16 and 20-foot deck lengths, connect two 8 or 10-foot support boards end-to-end by nailing a perforated metal truss plate to both sides of the joint as shown. Make sure that a 4 Way Dek-Block+™ pier is positioned directly under the joint).

Step 2

Position and level all 2 x 6 support boards. Make sure that the top edges of all the support boards are level with each other.

Step 3

Square up 2 x 6 deck support boards and add 2 x 6 boards to finish both open ends.

To square up support boards, measure diagonally form ends of outside support boards (corner to corner). Adjust position of outside support boards until diagonal distance between opposite corners is EQUAL. Screw a 2 x 6 board across one open end, adjusting all inside support boards so they butt flush against the finish board. Screw the second finish board across the other open end.

Step 4

Add 2 x 6 decking surface. Place ALL decking on the deck before screwing. Space decking board 1/4' apart on support boards using a 1/4' dowel as a guide. Adjust as necessary to ensure that the decking boards overlap the finish boards on each end by the same amount. When all decking is in position, remove each board and apply a bead of construction adhesive to the top edge of the support board beneath it. Put board back in place and secure with 2-1/2' deck screws (two screws per support board).

How to add a handrail

Step 1

Position centers of outer 2 x 2 boards 5' in from each end of 2 x 6 handrail board, and attach with one 2-1/2' decking screw at the top. Attach bottom ends of 2 x 2's to deck support or facing board with two decking screws, using a level to ensure that 2 x 2's are plumb and that 2 x 6 handrail board is level with deck. Secure top of each 2 x 2 with a second screw.

Step 2

Position remaining 2 x 2 boards on 5' centers, and secure with two 2-1/2' decking screws top and bottom.

How to level or elevate your 4 way Dek-Block deck

Step 1

Position first row of 4 Way Dek-Block+™ piers and 4 x 4 posts. Level the top of each 4 Way Dek-Block+™ pier, then insert 4 x 4 posts. Get the inside measurement for the distance between posts from the plan for the deck size you've chosen.

Step 2

Determine height of deck with 2 x 6 leveler. Mark desired height of completed deck on 4 x 4 post positioned on highest ground. Mark post 1-3/4' below original mark to allow for thickness of decking. Position top edge of 2 x 6 leveler flush with second mark and nail to post. Place spirit level on top edge of leveler, nailing other end to opposite 4 x 4 post when level. Mark all posts clearly along bottom edge of leveler.

Step 3

Cut 4 x 4 posts to length and position 2 x 6 support board.

Remove 4 x 4 posts from 4 Way Dek-Block+™ piers. Cut to length at marks made in Step 2. Reinsert posts in piers. Center 2 x 6 support board along top of posts.

Step 4

Position remaining 2 x 6 support boards, square up, and secure to 4 x 4 posts. Position remaining 2 x 6 support boards by repeating Steps 1, 2 & 3. Distance between posts is 2' less than the distance between support boards shown on the plan for your deck. Square up by adjusting outside support boards until diagonal distance between opposite corners is EQUAL, and ends of all support boards are flush. Secure support boards to posts as shown.

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