Hi-

I've built several decks in the past, and I definitely think the idea of using these dek blocks and making a floating deck is a good idea. In fact, I'm planning my next deck around the use of them.

However, I've also built several sheds in the past and I'm not sure what's behind the idea of using these blocks for a shed floor. Whereas decks are almost always at least 13 inches off the ground, it would be detrimental for a shed to be that high. The only reason would be if you were concerned about a shallow flood.

I always use PT 4x4s on a base of gravel, with PT plywood screwed right to those for my floor. Several have been standing for many years, with no structural problems at all, so I know the method is sound. It ends up with the floor being about 5 inches off the ground, an easy step for most people.

My questions;

1) Doesn't using these blocks and 2x6 joists for the floor put the floor too high off the ground?

2) Why does each block have the notch for the 2x6 going each way, when it only needs to go one way? After all, you only use the notch with one joist, right? I haven't seen any of your plans that show the joist at a 90 degree angle meeting in the middle of a block.

Thanks for listening~

Don~

There are many methods to build the same thing.
1.) In regions that have winter snow or high moisture, having the lumber 6 inches above the ground is extremely nice. Allowing air flow under the shed really extends the life of the floor and it's contents.

2.) When bracing decks over 30 inches, you place the bracing in the grove of the block. But rarely, would you need both directions.

There are many methods to build the same thing.
1.) In regions that have winter snow or high moisture, having the lumber 6 inches above the ground is extremely nice. Allowing air flow under the shed really extends the life of the floor and it's contents.

2.) When bracing decks over 30 inches, you place the bracing in the grove of the block. But rarely, would you need both directions.

OK, I can see how you might need the grooves to go both ways for bracing on the corner of a high deck.

But you didn't answer my first question. Doesn't that put the floor too high from the ground? I can't imagine trying to get a lawnmower or wheelbarrow up and into a shed that high. Obviously a ramp would be a good idea, but I don't see one in your plans.

Also, how did you guys come up with the 25% savings figure over buliding a deck the conventional way? Labor isn't a factor since the theme of your website is geared toward the DIY guy. Since a bag of cement is cheaper than the $6.00 dek blocks, where is the 25% savings?

Thanks again~

Answer to question 1: No it doesn't put it too high. In regions that have winter snow or high moisture, having the lumber 6 inches above the ground is extremely nice. Allowing air flow under the shed really extends the life of the floor and it's contents. Many stated require this 6" separation from ground to lumber as part of a termite code.

Simple ramp diagram: shedfloors.com/pdf/ramp.pdf

There is a lot more difference in conventional construction to the floating system than a bag of concrete. Large lumber sizes, brackets, hardware, etc. Take a look at the two different material list for the same size deck.
deckplans.com/howitworks/howitworks05a.html
deckplans.com/howitworks/howitworks05b.html

"9 out of 10 contractors surveyed agreed that 14 inches was too high for a step." lol

Personally, I wouldn't build a shed with a 14 inch entry step, even if it would help with the snow or high moisture areas. Too easy to trip or stumble, let alone getting that lawn equipment into the shed. Making that ramp part of your standard shed plans might be a good idea.

BTW, I don't think termites eat PT wood, do they? I really don't know, never had to deal with them.

It's not too high for a shed - you may have to build steps or a ramp. If that doesn't suit you, then this system probably won't work for you. Seeing as the shed I replaced was downslope from my wrap-around driveway, the floor had disappeared completely after 20 years (decrepit mess came with the house). By putting my shed up high, any runoff from my driveway goes right underneath the shed.