joseph b.
These blocks greatly simplified building my low deck over existing concrete slab that was very unlevel.
Will highly recommend to friends.
Sean d.
Easy to use.
William D.
My order was delivered complete and timely. The blocks were easy to work with and the deck has a very solid feel when walking on it. Very satisfied with the product
Jason C.
Time saver and easy to use.
Richard Z.
Used the product for foundation on a lawn shed and it worked wonderfully. Would recommend it to others.
Rick
Dan H.
So far I've built a kayak and an outdoor kitchen. These really cut the time down and make projects enjoyable.
Paula D.
These were superb easy to work with and won't breakdown like the old pier blocks.
Charles Y.
Really quite happy with these! I have building decks and such for other people for about 15 years, always digging or concrete blocks. My beautiful wife wanted us to make our backyard more friendly for entertainment, and we have lots of big pine trees, a sprinkler system, gas and data lines all over, so I tried these out. Not done with the full project yet but easy to use, and I wouldn't hesitate to use them on a project for a customer.
Robbie K.
I'm building a backyard shed to replace one that just about fell down under its own weight.
Platform is ground level, 12 feet wide, 16 feet long (shed will be 12x12 with a 4 foot front "porch". I used 54 TuffBlocks, topped by Fortress Steel Framing. Super easy....I paid close attention to leveling the first beam, and after that it was only a matter of leveling the rock underneath. Built this split between a Saturday afternoon and most of a Sunday. I'll use them again if the need arises!
Steve G.
I originally purchased the 24 pack for a shed build. I bought more than I needed for the shed, thinking I could use them for other applications. I recently acquired a king size bed that was missing the center supports, so I used 3 Tuff Blocks with some 4x4 posts to serve as the center supports. Problem solved!
LUIS RAUL R.
great
Scott M.
Pretty easy to work with.
Danielle P.
Before picture. Love Tuff Block. So much easier than digging holes.
Danielle P.
So easy to use and very sturdy. Made our floating deck look amazing and ease free, no digging holes, just leveled with gravel. And our dog loves the new deck!
Eric W.
Lightweight and sturdy. A pleasure to build with.
Jae J.
Okay I'll write a review, but you're probably not going to believe me! I'm a small-sized 65 year old retired elementary teacher (female) with a lot of determination. Using TuffBlocks, I framed and finished a 12' x 16' floating deck in a day by MYSELF! TuffBlocks made it SO easy to space & level my deck boards. Building a deck has NEVER been easier! And... the finished deck is beautiful! I wish I could have uploaded 2 photos so you could see the finished deck!! Feelin' Good... Like I Should...
Cesar A.
I will never ever go back to cinder block to make a deck… once you go Tuffblock you’ll never abandon it! I’m a fan now.
Carl A.
Haven't started my project yet but will be glad to share photos of it once I do.
Robert E.
Very easy to work with and strong.
Used them to support posts on a outdoor work table for my wife when she does her planting pots.
Will definitely buy and use them again.
Thanks
Steven B.
So far I’ve been very pleased with the ability to get them set in and balanced. This is a project that I’m doing all on my own so I can shoot you some more pictures if you would like when I am done
But all in all, I would definitely recommend!
As a matter fact, others have asked where I got them from!
Troy M.
Great for unlevel ground where you you don’t want to dig. Much better than concrete block type.
Troy M.
Real nice to use on uneven ground. Light sturdy and offers a lot of flexibility in leveling your deck. Totally recommend!
Lou L.
Yes
Matt H.
They worked great and saved me from having to dig 6-8 post holes.
I went for 2 sets of eight blocks for this floating platform. It was probably overkill- but now it doesn't shake or bounce at all.
Bruce C.
As a professional contractor, these things are great. Sturdy, lightweight and great for ground level decks. I especially like that they accept 4x4 and 2x cleanly. No more using the old concrete deck blocks.
Garry B.
Built a 10x14 deck, joist 16 on center. Each tuffblock worked out great. Depending on elavation, on some blocks I was able to set the beams directly on the block, on others I had to build a 4x4 riser. Easy to use, worked great!
Richard B.
good item to use for projects like i had were my floor joists were close to the ground
JOHN M.
Absolutely love these tuffblocks as I built a 10' x 18' deck on different elevations on sand, concrete. They worked as advertised and I will recommend and use them in all future projects.
David T.
I wanted to build a free-floating shed on an existing foundation without having to secure it to the foundation. These Buildtuff blocks worked out great. Easy to use. Really tough and durable and made a clean foundation for the shed. You just need to make sure you start with a level foundation and the rest of the project will be perfectly level. This was a 7 foot wide by 8 foot deep x 10 foot high shed with a lean-to roof. This project took 2 weeks from start to finish. Amazing quality and functional product and would highly recommend them.
Marsha J.
These tuff-blocks are so much easier (and lighter) to use than the traditional post-in-concrete or the post-in-concrete block! My sister and I just finished my backyard deck using them which made that part of the building process that much easier. If your lot is unlevel (like was mine), just level the tuff-block on the ground, add a 4x4 post, level and attach the joist board, and you're done. We made the exterior frame first, then installed the interior tuff-blocks. Price can be an issue comparing to the concrete block, but your back will appreciate it! Not to mention, the convenience. If two women can do it, you can too!
Charles H.
I built a porch/deck/floating patio, whatever it's called. The TuffBlock design has me addicted to dreaming up all the other things I can build that normally I wouldn't have even considered. Why? Ummm, augers, concrete, plum, exhaustion! Yes, there's work involved with Tuff Blocks, but it doesn't have that same stress. It makes framing a pleasant process. If I could do it all over again, I would have bought a dado blade. Being a newbie, I didn't know that thing existed. Would have made getting the cuts for the 4x4 beams so much more precise. Dig past the organic matter, buy some rip rap aka paver base ... get that at a landscaping supply store - SO MUCH CHEAPER than bring home bags of that stuff ... smooth it, tamp it, level it, use a couple of over hanging "jigs" on your joists, measure, cut, install, BOOM - Porch!
Patrick L.
great
MARK M.
Quick delivery...I'm still in process of leveling site, but the product appears more than adequate for my needs. I have previously used concrete deck blocks and these are easier to position and level
Christopher P.
Very easy to use. Great for a first timer
Jerry T.
Excellent product! They save us so much time compared to concrete blocks when we build storage sheds. They look much nicer as well
David M.
Cottage deck build out was easy with these deck bases
Mohusker
Great alternative to concrete block! Just finished a 30 x 40 ground-level deck around an above-ground pool. We place 1-3 inches of tamped paver base at each location requiring one-half to one bag of gravel each. Most of the joists attached to the wood retaining wall surrounding the pool and the best practice seemed to be establishing the height of the joist based on the retaining wall and height of the pool (we wanted to be just below the pool rim), then placing the first base and leveling each subsequent base therefrom. After trying the joist, a bit of adjusting was required. We built the rim joist first and leveled from the retaining wall to the rim joist. At the far end, we had to add a 2 x 6 post a few inches high. Unknown if any of the bases will settle, however it's a pool deck at ground level. We spaced the blocks four feet or less apart. Span tables say a 2 x 6 can span up to 7 feet seven inches. Note that the spacing on the blocks is different in each direction...number 1 is for 1 1/2 inch lumber. We easily trimmed the block verticals to fit cross-pieces between closely-spaced joist "ladders". Good choice; very easy to handle; sturdy; long-term results unknown.
Trobuck
Just as sturdy as cement blocks! These made building a deck a breeze! Everything squared up perfectly. Very sturdy.
Barry M.
Will use again. Great product. Easy to use,way better than the cement ones.
Hemied
Works great. TuffBlocks are easy to work with. 4x4’s fit in very snug
Michael
This Tuff block is really lower to the ground. Product was strong and has different sizes for 4 x 4 and 2 x 6 to 12
JLKSF
Wish I would have known earlier. Very easy to work with. Could have used these for previous projects.
Cheryl
These things are so awsome that we bought more to add onto our deck. Love'em!
Deni
A friend told me about these blocks. It sure was a lot easier to do my floating deck. The picture is before I put the joist hangers on.
Josh K.
These are a much better option than concrete blocks, designed for low-profile floating decks but these can also be used for taller decks (most codes limit floating decks to 30-36"). I opted to dig out topsoil and replace with tamped-down paver base. Rock solid.
candlemaker
High quality product works as represented.
Lewis G.
easy to work with, tough (as advertised) - perfect for the remote tractor shed I am building...
Mark B.
Used 18 blocks for this ground level deck. Nade vo struction so much easier.
The building inspector loved them
Pierre S.
It made the process go much quicker and feels VERY stable. I hope that they will produce some that can accommodate some short 6x6’s for a little bit heavier duty supports.
Craig C.
This is a follow up as BuildTuff invited a review. I think the result speak for themselves. See my other review for a framing photo. BuildTuff made a great and super strong Yurt platform.
Scott S.
Used Tuffblock as the foundation for two walkways. Simple to use and much less labor intensive. Used compressed limestone dust under the blocks. Curious to see how system works through a season or two. Nice and level to start.
Lautaro S.
great quality. love it!
Craig C.
I am building a platform for a yurt on an old mining tailings pile. The BuildTuff block has been a joy to work with especially since my joists are true cut 2”x8”. The layout was easy. We are really looking forward to this winter.
Brent W.
Deck turned out amazing. Thanks for saving me time and work.
Darvin M.
This is an incredible product and the owner is jsut as good.
Conrad H.
Great, light weight strong, versatile
Brent W.
Easy to setup deck turned out amazing. Thank you tuff block!
Ann F.
These Tuff blocks were the "hit" for my deck repair!!! What could have been a 2 day job, turned to be completed in only 4 hours! They are so light and easy to work with and so incredibly effective! Best building find, and best product..EVER!!! My crew was amazed!!!
John H.
These are fantastic!!! Not only are they light - they are super strong! I built this floating deck and it turned out great (not totally done - but close) they also save lots of time by not having to dig! I love them
Nate R.
Just looking so far
Do t know what I clicked on to get this box
Thomas H.
They are fantastic
Stephanie C.
We had a deck built as part of our barn remodel and our general contractors LOVED working with this product! They said it cut down the time they needed by at least 1/3.
Joseph G.
These block were the best. Easy to place, light and everything fell into place just as planned with this 24X30 foot deck.
Steve b.
Easy to use and works great
Randolph P.
I am building a 10’x10’ deck. I live in the Texas hill country on a hill which is primarily stone. It is a steep hill as well. Without the TuffBlocks, it would have been very time consuming and costly to dig holes for footing. I am very happy with the product and would definitely recommend it to anyone considering building a deck.
R. Pollock
Mark M.
These work great and I’m going to be using more on a different project.
Kenny M.
These things are awesome. Makes the job so easy and fast.
Verna J.
Love these tough blocks they are light weight and easy to use. I am glad I found them.
Dave M.
I won’t be taking it out of the box for another 6 months or so let’s try again then.
Jessie B.
great product. arrived on time. did the trick! thank you
Denise S.
We both have severe back issues..we found tuff blocks and thought it was a great option for people who can’t lift much..IT was!! So easy to use, very stable, perfect fit every time! It was our first time building a deck.. this product made it so easy and less hectic on our bodies. My husband was injured in Iraq and I, a car accident… I recommend this product to Everyone!
bob s.
We used them were we needed to be temporary worked great
Mark B.
So far so good. Seems stable
Renee S.
So easy to use and convenient. Didn’t have to lug the big cement blocks home!
William R.
Use of Tuff Blocks make deck building manageable, even for a 69 year old DYI’er. Building two 15’ x 15’ decks for a completed project of 30’ x 15’. Tuff Blocks helps to make the project a breeze. Thanks.
Robert M.
Here is my 16x16 deck. 1st deck build showing from beginning to end. Use these however you like. The product is absolutely amazing. Was easy to use, rock solid, consistent and the deck is absolutely QUIET and awesome to walk on. Thank you Build Tuff. So happy with the results. Robert from Indiana
Robert S.
My deck is a work in progress. I found the TuffBlocks to be snug to the wood members but not too tight. I did not have to fight to put the wood into the slots. I will be using them again on a much bigger deck in the front of my house. They have worked great so far!!
David D.
Tough block makes it easy to renovate and create. By using Tough Block I avoided filling my space with landscape material to build the deck I needed. Great product, thank you !
Travis S.
I really love these tough blocks! I built a 16x16 storage shed and my 4x4 posts fit perfectly inside the blocks. This is a great product for building decks, elevated tiny home frames, or storage shed. Worth every penny!
beth d.
Used your product to build a wood shed here in North Georgia. Used 4 pallets joined and mounted on your supports. Off the ground and supporting three full cords of wood.
James M.
Light weight and sturdy. I used them to support a 200sq ft shed.
Mike S.
The blocked worked out great and so much easier to work with than cement blocks. Very happy
david y.
Easy to work ..
Nacomas P.
Just what I need for my ground level deck. Fast shipping.
Jean D A.
This is so versatile, it is unmatchable!
David A.
I haven't used it yet but it's just the height I needed.
Beryl R.
They worked as advertised. Very light and easy to maneuver, move, relocate, etc. WAY easier to work with than the concrete block type. The finished deck (sorry, no pics) feels solid as a rock. So it did what I needed it to do for a bit more than concrete but MUCH easier and less frustrating to use.
Brian M.
Framed out 560sq ft of ground level deck with these things - made life easy! My first big DIY project on my house and I couldn’t be happier!
K W.
Very easy to work with. We used Tuffblock to build a low deck over existing concrete. Looks great
wolfece
Excellent for our floating deck. Lightweight and the joist fit perfectly. Made it easy to get a 16’x12’ floating deck up in a day.
Mac1
I recently used these to build an 8x10 deck about 1.5 feet off the ground, 21 TuffBlocks in total. It took a full day with two working, but neither of us had specific deck building experience. It's easier than digging holes for cement footings but still pretty tedious getting 21 blocks leveled and 21 posts set. Overall it seems very sturdy.
gayle
This item made it a lot easier to built a platform for a shed on uneven ground. Would highly recommend vice using concrete blocks.
Radols
I was looking for dimension of the concrete post block when I seen these items online. I was very pleased with the product ease of use, size and weight compare to it counterpart the concrete blocks. I would highly recommend these post bases for all your deck needs. Just looking forward to when they are available in your stores.
Hound dog wood shop
These make deck supports so easy and low profile. I got 20 for a walkway and landing. So much easier than hauling concrete blocks.
Ronka
easier and lighter than cement blocks thats for sure! Only problem is they stick out kind of far under the deck.
Paolillo
Worked great.
EB1959
Perfect for leveling a Shed deck! We had to build our shed deck on a slop and could not dig holes for posts due to rock, these made leveling it very simple! I built the frame structure, then used 4x4 treated posts to level the framing out. Good size foot print. I screwed deck screws into the sides at bottom, and I also drilled holes in the flat plate part and installed 12" "spikes" to keep the structure from possibly sliding.
Adam G.
I had to use almost 50 tuff blocks for a 230 sq ft deck. It felt excessive and notching out the posts for almost every single support was a pain. I think some additional resources on how to work with tuff blocks AND cement footings would have been nice. I know you mentioned that it can be done, but for a DIYer, a full set of instructions would’ve been nice. It seemed like the east choice to just do all tuff blocks, but unfortunately, I was a lot of extra work.
Maria N.
We used these to build a floating deck near a pool on a slight slope. This was on an upper level of the property accessible only by a flight of narrow stone stairs. I very much appreciated the weight difference between these and concrete or concrete piers. Definitely a back saver. Installation was straight forward and much simpler that digging forms. The lower profile allowed us to keep a cleaner line to the decking and save materials. The online support was also appreciated.
unhootchie
I built a front porch using pressure treated wood with trex slats to cover an existing cement stoop. I enlarged the stoop from 6x4' to 12x8' and used the tuffblocks on the outer corners. As others have said, you can't butt them directly against walls, but I don't know that it matters. Decking can have an overhang past the frame, which is what I did to make the porch flush with the house. They don't fit the 4x4" tightly, which is good. I was concerned that after leveling the tuffblocks, I'd have a hard time pulling out the 4x4 to make any adjustments. I am slightly concerned about a frost heave, but since this is a floating deck, it won't cause any damage if it slightly lifts in the front. Our winters are also mild.The reason I used these as opposed to digging footers is because we have a sewer access pipe to the left of the porch and we've been unable to get a clear answer as to where that pipe is under the ground. It was safer to keep everything above ground when working so close to that pipe. Now, having completed the project, if it holds up I'll be extremely pleased. Not having to dig holes and pour concrete saved me at least a day of labor.
INSTANT FOUNDATION SYSTEM
TuffBlocks are a multi-purpose foundation system used for a range of home improvement projects including low profile decks, garden sheds, landings, pathways, cubby houses, dog shelters and more.
TuffBlocks are an extremely popular alternative to digging holes and mixing concrete, which saves both DIY enthusiasts and professional builders time and money.
Not only are you building more effectively and efficiently, you’re building smarter with 100% recycled plastics.
| Product Dimensions | Size & Weight |
|---|---|
| Width | 11.81” |
| Height | 3.54” |
| Length | 11.81” |
| Weight | 1.5lbs |
| Specification | Instant Foundation System |
|---|---|
| Model Name | TuffBlock Instant Foundation System |
| Model Number | 14010001 |
| Dimensions | Width 11.81", Height 3.54”, Length 11.81” |
| Weight | 1.5lbs |
| Material | High strength closed loop recycled polyolefin material with an ultra-high UV rating |
| Material Color | Black |
| Load Rating | 1,700 lbs |
| Stirrup Width | Suits 1½ - 2-inch joists and bearers, 3½ x 3½ inch or 4 x 4-inch square posts |
| ICC Certification | 2021 & 2018 International Building Code (IBC)
2021 & 2018 International Residential Code (IRC) |
Questions that are answered in this TuffBlock FAQ video:
0:00 What is a floating foundation system?
0:31 How much weight can each TuffBlock support?
0:43 Are TuffBlocks UV resistant?
0:58 Can I use TuffBlocks on sloping ground?
1:14 Do I need council approval?
1:34 How do posts/joists sit in the TuffBlock and do they require fixing?
1:56 Can TuffBlocks be used on wet surfaces?
2:22 Can I use TuffBlocks on sand?
2:35 Will TuffBlocks sink into the ground?
3:08 Can I use TuffBlocks in high wind areas?
3:27 How many TuffBlocks will I need for my project?
3:57 What if I have ground movement in my area?
Please note. This FAQ video relates to both the TuffBlock and Evo-Crete Handi Block products. BuildTuff offers this information as a general guide only. You should rely only on relevant building codes and standard industry established construction methods in any construction project. For our Master FAQ, please click here.
Posts: Accepts 3.5" x 3.5" or 4" x 4" Posts
Joists & Bearers: Accepts 1½ - 2" Joists & Bearers
Deck Area Calculator & TuffBlock Estimator
Please use our custom TuffBlock Calculator to estimate your TuffBlocks or use the table below.
| Deck Length (feet) | Deck Width (feet) | Deck Area Calculator (square 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 |
The number of TuffBlocks required is based on 16 inch centers when calculated.
Geometric calculations only (imperial). Check local building regulations for required material, sizes and spacing.
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Ultra-Lightweight
TuffBlock is an ultra-lightweight concrete block alternative with each TuffBlock weighing just 1.5 lbs. A TuffBlock is 19 times lighter than a concrete block and 11 times lighter than the Evo-Crete Handi Block.
TuffBlock Versatility
TuffBlock's versatility means it can be used across a range of projects. TuffBlocks can also be used as an intermediary solution when used in combination with traditional in-ground concrete methods, where the application requires anchoring.
Strong & Tough
Made in America for professionals and home improvement renovators. Each TuffBlock is incredibly strong, with its vertical load designed to support up to 1,700 lbs and is break tested to 11,000 lbs.
Circular Economy
TuffBlocks are 100% recycled and made from high strength closed loop polymers. Each TuffBlock is made from materials destined for landfill and our oceans. Even better than that, each off-cut is repurposed into a future TuffBlock.
ICC CERTIFIED PRODUCT
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)
Along with a range of specific city building codes:
2020 City of Los Angeles Building Code (LABC)
2020 City of Los Angeles Building Code (LARC)
2019 California Building Code (CBC)
2019 California Residential Code (CRC)
2020 Florida Building Code - Building
2020 Florida Building Code - Residential
DISCOVER SMARTER WITH
- What are TuffBlocks made from? TuffBlocks are made from high strength recycled plastic. The lightweight material means they’re easily stacked and transported to job sites, unlike traditional concrete deck block methods.
- What's TuffBlock's warranty? TuffBlocks will not chip, crack, corrode or grow mold. We're so confident in our TuffBlocks, we offer a 25 year warranty
- How does TuffBlock save me time? TuffBlocks are perfect for all skill levels and can be used in conjunction with traditional methods to save time and cost. It removes the need for the digging of holes, the pouring of concrete and shifting any subterranean obstacles, like tree roots or pipes.
As seen on:
Highly Engineered for Long-Lasting Support
These tuff-blocks are so much easier (and lighter) to use than the traditional post-in-concrete or the post-in-concrete block! My sister and I just finished my backyard deck using them which made that part of the building process that much easier. If your lot is unlevel (like was mine), just level the tuff-block on the ground, add a 4x4 post, level and attach the joist board, and you're done. We made the exterior frame first, then installed the interior tuff-blocks. If two women can do it, you can too!
Marsha J. / December, 2022 / 5 stars
"I am the ultimate novice. I was so nervous to build my own deck... I was on the verge of buying the concrete blocks when I found these (TuffBlocks) and watched the video. Could not have been easier. I had a contractor friend come by and look at the Tuffblocks before I did my job and he was blown away and is now using them for a deck he is building. Highly recommend!"
Eric M / Lowes / July, 2020 / 5 stars
"I was looking for a replacement to traditional deck blocks. The weight and ease of transport of the Tuffblock had me sold! I used these to build a large 20 x 20 deck over an old patio. The quality of these blocks is great and they work exactly as advertised. I would definitely recommend them to anyone looking to build a floating structure."
Bill T. / Lowes / August, 2020 / 5 stars
- Award Winning
- Highly Versatile
- 100% Recycled
- Won't Crack or Chip
- Load Rated
- 25 Year Warranty
USA Wide Shipping
We deliver across the USA with Free Shipping
Our Guarantee
We're so confident in our products and service, we offer a 25 year warranty on your TuffBlocks & offer a Buy Back Policy for any unused TuffBlocks
Support 24/7
We're building a smarter building community.
Contact Us anytime
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
It is completely dependent on the project. As a general rule, if you’re supporting joists directly on the TuffBlocks, you will need to support the joists with a TuffBlock at every 4.92 feet intervals. Joists will need to be spaced at a distance appropriate to the finished material. For example; it is recommended that some decking timbers be spaced at 17 inches. It is always best to check with your timber material supplier for material specific recommendations.
Deck blocks were introduced over 30 years ago in the USA and since then, instant foundation blocks have been embraced worldwide for creating strong and stable foundations for both professional and DIY projects. TuffBlock's are an extremely popular alternative to digging holes, carrying heavy concrete blocks, mixing concrete and waiting for it to set. TuffBlock's are a versatile utility block and the options are endless for how you can use them to make completing your projects a breeze.
Yes. Especially when you consider the time and effort taken to dig multiple holes and then mix the concrete to fill them back in, not to mention the cost of buying the steel post supports and bags of concrete in the first place. Generally a steel post support and two bags of concrete will set you back around $24-30 USD. Even if you use a few more TuffBlocks, you are still well ahead of the old conventional footing method.
TuffBlocks have been engineered for structures up to 36" above ground. Having said this, many people have built structures higher than this using the composite foundation method (TuffBlocks in combination with concrete-in-ground footings). We recommend that you consult with a qualified builder or engineer regarding your project.
TuffBlocks have been engineered to be stackable and only weigh 1.5 lbs each, compared to that of a traditional concrete deck block that weighs 41.5 lbs each!
Made in America for professionals and home improvement renovators. Each TuffBlock is incredibly strong, with its vertical load designed to support up to 1,700 lbs and is break tested to 11,000 lbs.
Great question and yes we do offer a Buy Back Policy for remaining TuffBlocks not used at the end of a build!
You can find our Master FAQ here, with our full list of TuffBlock questions answered.
