
Rachel Munro
May 18, 2025
“We’re 69 and 72 — and We Built This Deck Ourselves!”
How Two Sisters Used TuffBlocks to Build a Backyard Spa Platform in Just One Weekend
When Kristine, 69, and her sister, 72, decided to install an inflatable spa in the backyard, they didn’t hire a contractor.
They didn’t pour concrete.
They didn’t even use power tools.
Instead, they built an entire 8x8 deck — themselves — in a single weekend.
"Worked great! 69 and 72-year-old sisters built an 8x8 platform for an inflatable spa in a day," Kristine said.
"We added the deck boards the next day. Now we’re planning another platform for a storage shed."
No Trade Skills? No Problem.
Kristine and her sister aren’t builders. They didn’t have experience.
What they did have was the right system — TuffBlocks, America’s #1 Instant Foundation System.
Made for beginners, weekend warriors, and pros alike, TuffBlocks remove all the hard stuff:
- No digging
- No concrete
- No curing time
- No backbreaking labor
“It was easier than we thought,”
“They were light enough for us to carry, and we just followed the videos online.”
So, how did they do it?
The same way anyone can: Drop. Level. Build.
- Drop: The sisters placed TuffBlocks directly onto their lawn — no digging, no concrete, no hassle. While a level lawn was sufficient for their spa platform, many builders choose to lay down crusher dust or compacted gravel for better drainage and long-term stability. The sisters also added a layer of wire mesh beneath the build area as a smart rodent deterrent.
- Level: With a quick check using a spirit level and a few small ground adjustments, they were ready to go.
- Build: Joists were slotted into the TuffBlocks, deck boards laid down, and within a weekend — their spa platform was complete.

Built To last

No concrete. No digging. Just smart, tough foundations.
Built for DIYers, trusted by pros.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Based on 384 reviews
Each TuffBlock weighs just 1.5 lbs but supports up to 1,700 lbs.
That’s a massive upgrade in usability compared to concrete blocks, which can weigh 30–50 lbs each.
- Stackable and portable for easy transport
- No concrete = no waiting, no mess
- Made in the USA from UV-stabilized recycled material
- Built-in water channels help prevent wood rot
- Backed by a 25-year warranty
- Rated 4.9/5 stars by DIYers and contractors
TuffBlocks can be placed on grass, gravel, soil, sand, or concrete, making them one of the most versatile foundation systems on the market.
What About Extreme Weather?
Because TuffBlocks are surface-mounted and not buried, they actually help mitigate the effects of frost heave. With proper base prep — such as crusher dust or gravel — drainage is improved, and the risk of movement is significantly reduced.
For areas with high winds or hurricanes, TuffBlocks can still be used.
As with any surface-mounted deck system, the key is anchoring.
For peace of mind, use ground anchors or hurricane-rated tie-downs, and always check with your local building code or a structural engineer for additional support needs.
So whether you’re building a deck, shed base, walkway, or spa platform — like Kristine and her sister — you don’t need to be young, strong, or experienced.
You just need a weekend, a vision, and a few TuffBlocks.
Want to Build Like Kristine? If two sisters in their 70s can build a backyard deck in a day, you can too.
Start your weekend build with TuffBlocks — smart, strong, and simple.
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