Syndicofberyl t1_je7110i wrote on March 29, 2023 at 9:33 PM

Only use a deck block if you know 100% that the ground won't move. If frost is an issue at all, pour the footings.

CPOx t1_je71orj wrote on March 29, 2023 at 9:38 PM

Canada means frost heave will be an issue for sure

frzn_dad t1_je7axyy wrote on March 29, 2023 at 10:44 PM

False, there are soils that are none frost susceptible (NFS) like dry gravel that don't heave.

In some soils a footing to the frost line isnt sufficient to prevent frost jacking. Where the freezing soil heaving lifts the footer out of the ground with friction along the sides instead of from heaving underneath.

bonersnow OP t1_je71zf0 wrote on March 29, 2023 at 9:40 PM

Thanks. This was the answer I needed, but didn't want to hear

Syndicofberyl t1_je7l3dr wrote on March 30, 2023 at 12:01 AM

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news but frost makes decks miserable if there's no footings

caucasian88 t1_jecv3u5 wrote on March 31, 2023 at 2:09 AM

If you're attaching the deck to the house you 100% need to get down to below frost depth, otherwise the deck will pull away from the house.