Not Sure How Many TuffBlocks You Need?
Jerry & Sierra (Site Built Sheds)
“TuffBlocks have turned building the deck foundation - once one of the hardest, most labor-intensive parts - into a quick, easy process.”
Russell (Shedscape)
“TuffBlocks let us build perfectly level shed foundations on sloping yards - faster, cleaner, and more professional than concrete.”
Justin (DIY)
"Strong, easy to use, and helped save me tons of time and energy building the frame of our deck!"
verified customer reviews
What Builders & DIYers are Saying
Why thousands of builders replace concrete with TuffBlock every year.
| Feature | TuffBlock | Concrete Footings | Concrete Deck Blocks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Digging Required | No | Yes | No |
| Concrete Required | No | Yes | No |
| Build Same Day | ✔ | x | ✔ |
| Weight Per Unit | 1.5 lbs | Heavy | Heavy |
| Low Deck Height | ✔ | x | x |
| No Cutting Or Grinding | ✔ | x | x |
| Won't Crack Or Corrode | ✔ | x | x |
| 25-Year Warranty | ✔ | x | x |
Real-World Foundation Comparison
Based on a 12' x 12' Floating Deck
Concrete Footings
~1,400–2,000 lbs material handled
9–14 hours setup
(+ up to 24 hours curing time)
Concrete Blocks
~720 lbs handled
2.5–3 hours setup
TuffBlock
~27 lbs handled
45–70 minutes setup
*Compared to traditional concrete footings
One Foundation Block.
Every Build.
TuffBlock is a lightweight, load-rated composite deck block - engineered to replace concrete footings for any low-to-medium profile outdoor structure.
Place it on compacted ground. Level it. Build. Works on soil, gravel, turf, or pavers. Proven on 150,000+ builds across North America.
Engineered smart. Built tougher.
Jerry & Sierra (Site Built Sheds)
“TuffBlocks have turned building the deck foundation - once one of the hardest, most labor-intensive parts - into a quick, easy process.”
Russell (Shedscape)
“TuffBlocks let us build perfectly level shed foundations on sloping yards - faster, cleaner, and more professional than concrete.”
Justin (DIY)
"Strong, easy to use, and helped save me tons of time and energy building the frame of our deck!"
TUFFBLOCK CALCULATOR
how many Tuffblocks do I need?
Enter your dimensions - we'll calculate your packs.
✔ Based on 16" on-center spacing
✔ Calculation based on ground-level decks
Common Deck & Shed Sizes
| Deck Length (feet) | Deck Width (feet) | Deck Area (sq feet) | Estimated TuffBlocks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 12 | 96 | 24 |
| 20 | 10 | 200 | 42 |
| 20 | 12 | 240 | 42 |
| 30 | 10 | 300 | 60 |
| 20 | 16 | 320 | 56 |
| 35 | 10 | 350 | 72 |
We Had TuffBlocks Independently
Tested to Destruction.
How to Install TuffBlocks in 3 Simple Steps
1Prepare Your GROUND
Remove loose topsoil or vegetation. Compact the ground. Add crushed rock or paver base for extra stability.
2Place & Level TuffBlocks
Position blocks on your prepared surface. The wide base and smart geometry distribute load evenly.
3Build Your Frame & Deck
Install joists or posts into TuffBlock slots and begin building immediately. No waiting. No curing. Start today.
CODE COMPLIANCE: TuffBlock is suitable for decks that are not attached to your home, or structures less than 40" above grade.
ICC CERTIFIED
Inspector-Ready
Documentation
TuffBlock has been assessed by the International Code Council and is shown to be compliant with the following:
2021 & 2018 International Building Code (IBC)
2021 & 2018 International Residential Code (IRC)
California (LABC/LARC/CBC), Florida Building Code and more.
Always verify with your local authority.
Built for Real-World Conditions
Frost heave
Sits on compacted gravel, allowing natural ground movement without cracking like in-ground concrete footings.
Sinking
Wide base spreads load evenly. On compacted gravel, TuffBlocks create a stable, long-term foundation.
High Wind
Combine with earth anchors or in-ground footings at perimeter points for high-wind and storm-prone areas.
Sloped Ground
TuffBlocks can be leveled independently across your site, with posts cut to different lengths as needed.
25
Years Warranty
150K+
Builds Across North America
0
Warranty Claims
Decks, Sheds & More Built With TuffBlock
Click on any of the below to see real decks, sheds, stairs and more built using BuildTuff's TuffBlock foundation blocks.
- Won’t crack, chip or corrode like concrete
- UV-stabilized for long-term outdoor use
- Made from high-strength recycled polyolefin
- Ventilated underside prevents moisture build-up
- Designed to deter termites & protect lumber
- Works on uneven terrain, grass, soil, or concrete
Contractor & DIY Review
Site Built Sheds (Charlotte, NC)
Jerry from Site Built Sheds uses TuffBlocks on every job because they’re faster, lighter, and more reliable than concrete.
Justin & Jess DIY (Nashville, Tennessee)
“As a first-time DIYer, TuffBlocks were a game-changer. They made the whole deck project simple and straightforward.”
Built for the Jobsite
Forget hauling heavy blocks or waiting days for concrete to cure.
With TuffBlock, you can:
Cut install times in half — crews can frame the same day.
Keep overhead low — reduce transport costs and back-breaking labor.
Work anywhere — on uneven soil, turf, or pavers with a little leveling.
Deliver lasting builds — backed by a rock-solid 25-year warranty.
- Cut install times in half — crews can frame the same day.
- Keep overhead low — reduce transport costs and back-breaking labor.
- Work anywhere — on uneven soil, turf, or pavers with a little leveling.
- Deliver lasting builds — backed by a rock-solid 25-year warranty.
What others say
How to Build Easy With TuffBlocks
Drop
Place your TuffBlocks directly onto firm, level ground — grass, dirt, gravel, or even concrete. No need to dig holes or pour footings. Just space them where your posts or joists will go.
Level
Use a spirit level to make minor ground adjustments if needed. TuffBlocks work best on flat, stable surfaces — and minimal prep is all it takes. Tip: Use packers such as crusher dust underneath for extra stability and longevity.
Build
Drop in your 3.5" or 4" posts or 1½" - 2" Joists & Bearers — From here, just start building your deck, shed base, stairs, or even tiny home floor.
Frequently Asked Questions
