Step 1: Place the two corner Dek-Block® piers

Deckman's Comments

There is no such thing as a perfectly level yard. I get a lot of calls and e-mails from people who try not to use 4x4 posts. The best tip I can give anyone building a shed floor is to use 4x4 posts, even if you only have a very slight slope of the yard. Leveling every block to each other is very difficult and time consuming. If you need a 2-1/4" 4x4 post, cut a 2-1/4" 4x4 post. It takes about 90 seconds to measure and cut a 4x4 post, and the post only weighs a few pounds. Moving a block up or down to an exact measurement takes 4 to 10 minutes per block. Remember, these are 42 lb. blocks you're working with. Save your back for carrying the cooler onto the deck when you're done.

Don't spend a lot of time leveling the Deck-Block® piers. The block does not need to be perfect. The block can be leveled with only your eye. Position the block so that it looks level. If you place a level in the block, you are spending too much time. Any slight difference will be made up with the 4"x4" post. You also want to make sure the Dek-Block® piers are sitting FLAT. You don't want any rocking of the piers on the ground.

Step 2: Level the support board.

Locate the highest corner Dek-Block® pier. Position a 2"x6" support board in or above this first block to your desired height. If the entire floor will be elevated, you will need to have a 4"x4" post in the first block.

If the entire floor is elevated, you will need to find the height of the first 4"x4" post to determine your starting point. Start by determining your reference point for the top of the floor surface, this may be a point on the siding of the house. From this mark, hold a level out over the block and measure from the bottom of the level to the pocket of the block. From this measurement, subtract the thickness of the surface planks and the thickness of the support board (3/4" + 5 1/2" = 6 1/4""). Cut the first 4"x4" post at this measurement and continue with the directions.

Place a 2"x6" support board in the slot of the Dek-Block® pier or on the 4"x4" post, and extend over the second corner Dek-Block® pier. Using a level on top of the 2"x6" support board, measure the distance from the bottom of the 2"x6" support board to the bottom of the pocket in the Dek-Block® pier. Cut a 4"x4" post to length and position the 2"x6" support board on top. Verify that the 2"x6" support board is level. But don't attach 2"x6" support board to the 4"x4" post yet.

Step 3: Level the furthest point.

First, place the two remaining corner Dek-Block® piers. Next, measure the depth of the shed floor from the outside edge of one block to the outside edge of the next block. Use the same width between Dek-Block® piers as the first row.

Remove the first support board and temporarily position a 2"x6" end board on top of the first row's 4"x4" post or block, and extend to the outside corner block. Using a level on top of the 2"x6" end board, measure the distance from the bottom of the 2"x6" end board to the bottom of the pocket of the Dek-Block® pier. Cut a 4"x4" post to length and position the 2"x6" end board on top. Verify that the 2"x6" end board is level. When level, remove the end board and repeat for opposite side.

Step 4: Square the Frame.

Place a 2"x6" support board on top of each row of Dek-Block® piers. Next, attach 2"x6" end boards to support boards using two 2 1/2" deck screws at each connection. Using a level as a guide, ensure that both end boards and both support boards are level.

Measure the diagonal distance from opposite corners. Adjust the outside support boards and Dek-Block® piers until the diagonal distance between opposite corners is EQUAL.

After the deck is square and level in all four directions, attach the 2"x6" support boards to the 4"x4" posts using two 2 1/2" deck screws at an angle from each side (toe-screw).

Toe-Screwing Supports

Step 5: Attach Remaining 2"x6" Support Boards.

Step 6: Position remaining Dek-Block® Piers.

Deckman's Comments

Do not get caught up in the small dimensions. Positioning the blocks do not need to be "exact". There is a lot of "play" in the spacing between the piers. As long as you do not exceed 5 feet between blocks, the deck will be fine. It is fine to have one row spaced at 3 feet 10 inches from the one block and 4 feet 2 inches from the other block. The deck will look better if all the piers are aligned in a straight row.

Step 7: Fill remaining 4"x4" Posts.

Deckman's Comments

This is a great job for 2 people. Have one person measure the height for the 4"x4" post, and another person make the cut. Next, go down the rows measuring and cutting all of the posts; then place all the posts at the same time. This may require lifting the frame up slightly in order to get the post under the support board.

If you are building by yourself, go down the rows measuring the height for the 4"x4" posts. Write the measurement on a piece of paper and on the side of the support board. Cut all the 4"x4" posts at once, then position.

Toe-Screwing Supports

Step 8: Attach the Blocking.

Step 9: Attach the Decking.