Concrete Deck Block Anchor?

GritsNGravy · Sep 6, 2023

Building an outdoor shower with 4 4x4 posts and fence panels set in concrete deck blocks (which will be covered/surrounded by stones), on top of gravel/stones and a French drain. At the point where I have everything level and final stones ready to go in and cover everything up…

But the 4x4 concrete deck blocks have a slight 1/8 inch wiggle on each side, which made me start thinking about if anchoring / cement / glue was needed - which lead me to read online not to put 4x4 wood direct or concrete due to rotting.

So my question, do I need to anchor the 4x4 posts into the concrete deck blocks? Do they need to be raised to avoid contact (like this strong-tie: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Simpson...vanized-Adjustable-Standoff-Post-Base-for-4x4-Nominal-Lumber-ABA44Z/100374999)?

Can I glue instead, or is it necessary to drill into the deck blocks - and/or provide a gap for air/water?

Have a hammer drill, but just worried about cracking/breaking the deck block.

Cheers!
//S

HotRodx10 · Sep 6, 2023

If it's where the wind can hit it, you may have uplift/overturning of the fence sections and posts. depending on the height and width, even tying the posts down to the deck blocks may not be enough to keep it from tipping over.

That said, you can use galvanized or stainless steel strapping from the post, under the deck block and back to the post.

SW Dweller · Sep 6, 2023

I would never put wood/glue incontact with concrete at grade level.

chandler48 · Sep 6, 2023

How do you set posts "IN" dek blocks. They are set on top.

GritsNGravy · Sep 6, 2023

thanks for the responses everyone.

Sounds like I don’t need to worry about rotting of the pressure treated posts on the deck blocks? But main concern would be wind/uplift?

Not too worried about uplift, as it is up on side of house, which it can also be anchored to if needed.

Here are some photos, maybe they will help.

So, do I need to do anything else to the ‘post feet’ or am I good to go on filling in the rest of the stones and move on to the walls?

Concrete Deck Block Anchor?

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