I recently completed a very small deck (5 feet wide by 3 feet deep). The outside edge of the deck to the center of the blocks on the edge is about 13". I have 4x4's inside the cement block since my deck is about 20" off the ground. When I stand on the edges, the entire deck can lift on edge out of the blocks (I could pull the entire deck out and come crashing down). Did I do something wrong? Do you have any recommendations for me to fix this issue?

Thanks,

Bob,

If your deck is at risk of tipping over when you walk on it then something is wrong. When decks are narrow (less than 6') the blocks need to got closer to the out side edge. Rather than place them a foot from the end of the support board they should should be placed 6" from the end of the support board. You will need to move the blocks so that they are closer to the ends of the support boards. This should solve your problem.


Deckman

I followed the general deck plans that are on the site. They should be changed to reflect that for small decks, do not have the 13" overhang. It will be very difficult for me to change this fact now that the deck is built.