TuffBlock is an ultra-light weight and versatile footing made from 100% recycled materials. TuffBlocks can be used as a footing for a number of projects including low-profile and slightly raised decks, patios, sheds, landings, walkways, cubby houses, dog sheds and more.

TuffBlocks can be used for a number of outdoor projects. Whatever you do, make sure to use your TuffBlocks on level and compact ground. The TuffBlocks will be the foundation of your build. Build ideas include decks (low profile, raised and floating decks), garden sheds, landings, pathways, raised walkways, cubby houses, dog shelters and more.

Deck blocks were introduced over 30 years ago in the United States and since then, instant foundation blocks have been embraced worldwide for creating strong and stable foundations for both professional and DIY enthusiasts. 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.

Floating foundation systems have been widely used in North America since the late 1980s, with millions of decks and outdoor structures built using this approach. The concept was originally developed to help structures accommodate natural ground movement, particularly in regions affected by freeze–thaw cycles.

In Australia, ground movement is more commonly caused by reactive soils, moisture changes, and natural settlement. A floating foundation system such as TuffBlock allows structures to adapt to minor ground movement rather than resisting it completely. This approach helps reduce stress on the structure and keeps it independent from surrounding fixed structures, allowing it to move and settle naturally over time.

TuffBlocks are made of high strength, closed loop recycled plastic. The plastic used to create our TuffBlocks is sourced from the ocean. The great thing about this is that TuffBlocks are designed to last decades, which means they can be recycled again in future.

Yes. When you consider the time and effort required to dig multiple holes, mix concrete, and install steel post supports, traditional footings can quickly become labour-intensive and costly. In addition to the work involved, materials such as steel stirrups and bags of concrete add to the overall project cost. Using TuffBlocks can significantly reduce both installation time and labour by eliminating the need for digging and concrete mixing. Even if a few additional TuffBlocks are required, many builders and DIYers find it to be a faster and more efficient alternative to conventional concrete footing methods.

The equivalent of 295 bottle caps goes into making a single TuffBlock.

Download the Installation Guide here, or read our blog: How to Build a Deck Using TuffBlocks: A 10-Step Guide (Part 1) and (Part 2).

It is completely dependent on the project but we recommend using our TuffBlock Calculator found on our product page. As a general guide, if you are supporting joists directly on TuffBlocks, supports should be placed at approximately 1.5 m intervals. Joists should then be spaced according to the requirements of your decking or finishing material. For example, some decking boards are recommended to be spaced at 430 mm centres; however, it is always best to confirm spacing requirements with your timber or material supplier.

As an example, a 3 m × 3 m low-level deck would require approximately 21 TuffBlocks using this configuration, 3 TuffBlocks per 3 m joist, with 7 joists spaced at 430 mm centres.

If you plan to install bearers on top of the TuffBlocks, with joists installed on top of the bearers, fewer TuffBlocks may be required. For example, a 3 m × 3 m low-level deck may have bearers supported approximately every 1.5 m, with bearers also spaced around 1.5 m apart to support the joists. In this scenario, 3 TuffBlocks per bearer would be used. With 3 bearers, this would require 9 TuffBlocks. These measurements are intended as a general guide only. Always refer to the TuffBlock Installation Guide and consult your timber or material supplier to ensure correct spacing and structural requirements are met for your specific project.

Yes, simply level the ground under each TuffBlock. Then level the structure above using extension posts supported by the pocket of the TuffBlock below. Refer to the installation guide for more detail. Alternatively, if the impenetrable surface is sloping at a severe angle, it may be worth considering using an alternative support/footing/foundation.

The TuffBlock product is based on the floating foundation system, designed to ensure the structure is able to move slightly if the ground was to move. This is what makes the floating foundation system so safe. The structure is able to move slightly and independently of other structures as natural ground movement occurs. The TuffBlock construction method therefore avoids stresses that would otherwise see an extension from an existing structure fail. The system was originally designed for regions where the annual freezing and thawing of the ground meant that either: 1) the ground was too hard to dig, or 2) with the constant shrinking, expansion, and movement of the ground many fixed structures failed due to inability to cope with the movement they sustained.

TuffBlocks should be installed on a stable, undisturbed grade surface, with well-draining sub grade material. If your soil is constantly wet and gets flooded, you would need to ensure that you prepare the ground by introducing drainage which can be done via gravel or additional drainage to remove the flooding. If the ground is particularly unstable, we would recommend increasing the number of TuffBlocks supporting your structure.

Utilise dense timbers in construction of both sub floor and decking boards. The following timber species have been tested and found to meet the required parameters without having to be subjected to fire retardant treatment: Blackbutt, Merbau, Red Ironbark, River Red Gum, Silvertop Ash, Spotted Gum andTurpentine. Composite materials are also available with a BAL up to 40.

• Make sure that gaps between each board measures between 0 - 5mm. Any more may result in vulnerability to ember attack.
• Enclose the subfloor of the area using mesh or bushfire resisting timbers. 
• Remove leaves and twigs from the roof and gutters.
• Utilise non combustable decorative stones and more fire resistant plant species as landscaping around the structure. Avoid flammable shrubs like eucalypts and media like woodchips as these just become fuel for a fire.
• Keep your verandah well maintained by sealing timber with a non-combustible seal.
• Fill in small gaps around the deck structure where an ember might be able to lodge - larger openings can be fitted with ember guards (such as perforated mesh with 2mm openings).
• Contact your local fire authority for more information.

PLANNING AND CONSTRUCTION

It should be noted that 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.

Summarised below are the general steps you may undertake in the construction process:

1. Estimate materials required and place order
2. Prepare site and locate footings/post holes using string line, line level, pegs and footing stirrups.
3. Erect deck supports – posts/poles/piers.
4. Locate Bearers on supports and fix in place as appropriate.
5. Locate joists on bearers.
6. Apply a weed control measure under the deck.
7. Paint/stain (first coat), all deck framework.
8. Cut to fit and install guard rail supports if necessary then cut and fix decking.
9. Install railing, balusters, fascias, other trimwork as required.
10. Finish with paint/stain as desired.

You cannot anchor down an individual TuffBlock, but you can anchor down the entire structure with a single point in the middle or at each corner. Some methods include concreting down steel chain into a hole or you can use earth anchors which you can hammer down into the ground.

Generally the post-joist bearers sit in the TuffBlock without requiring any fixing. If fixing is required, fix the block to the timber. As for the post staying upright; this is a function of the deck build itself. Your structures should be adequately designed and reinforced to ensure the posts are structurally sound and cross braced.

Plan and understand your project and seek professional advice if needed

BuildTuff strongly suggests you make your own enquiries through appropriate bodies and professionals before any work is carried out.

Some questions you may need to address are:

• Is the site going to need protection from wood boring insects?
• Has the deck got potential for water pooling or constant exposure to water?
• Is there a need to install drainage due to potential soil erosion?
• Are there any trees growing near the project whose roots could upset foundations or branches create a hazard?
• Are you building on solid ground ie not reactive soil?
• Will you need electricity, gas, water or other services to your project in the foreseeable future?
• Are there any height considerations ie Fencing, balustrade and handrail needed to comply with codes?
• Do you need an engineer to specify and detail construction drawings and methodology?
• Are there Bushfire regulations I need to follow?

Made in America for professionals and home improvement renovators. Each TuffBlock is incredibly strong, with its vertical load designed so that an individual TuffBlock can support 1,700lbs. TuffBlock's have also been break tested to 11,000lbs.

TuffBlocks have been engineered to be stackable and weigh only 0.68 kg each, compared to a traditional concrete deck block which can weigh around 18.8 kg each.

UV stabilisers have been included in the manufacturing process which means TuffBlock is manufactured to the highest standard of any plastic product for outdoor use. That’s why we back it with a 25 year warranty.

No. As TuffBlocks support the structure well above the soil line and the blocks themselves wick moisture away from the lumber, there is no reason for the lumber to rot or for termites to attack the posts.

Posts: Accepts 89 mm × 89 mm or 102 mm × 102 mm posts.

Joists & Bearers: Accepts 38–51 mm joists and bearers.

Yes, you can use TuffBlocks in high wind areas (Cyclones, Hurricanes, Storms etc), but we recommend checking in with your local building authority first. Some TuffBlock users choose to use the intermediary solution in high wind areas, which means they use TuffBlocks in combination with concrete in ground footings to tie their project down.

TuffBlocks are designed to accommodate minor ground movement because they function as a floating foundation system. Instead of being permanently fixed like concrete footings, TuffBlocks sit on a prepared base and allow the structure above to adjust slightly as the ground naturally expands, contracts, or settles.This design helps reduce stress transfer between the ground and the structure, which can improve long-term stability in areas where seasonal ground movement occurs. As with any deck foundation, proper ground preparation and drainage are important for optimal performance.

Yes. Use them on concrete, soil, gravel and everything in between so long as it meets the “stable ground” criteria. TuffBlocks can be used on any substrate which would be an acceptable base for concrete-in-ground footings. If the ground is not compact, just clear away a few layers until you find compact earth.

If you are building a decking structure in a bushfire prone area it is important to comply with building codes and the Australian Standards AS 3959.

The standard covers construction in Bushfire prone areas and applies to new and retrofitted structures. Prior to construction, it is important to establish the bushfire attack level (BAL) of a home. Once BAL is established refer to the relevant section of the Australian Standards AS 3959 for a guide to the the steps that should be taken during construction or retrofitting of your project. Compliance with Australian Standard AS 3959 Construction of Buildings in Bushfire Prone Areas is part of the BCA requirements for Class 1 Buildings.

Bushfire Attack Levels (BAL)

These are broken down into 6 categories; BAL Low, BAL 12.5, BAL 19, BAL 29, BAL 40, and BAL Flame Zone.

These levels are based on:

• The region where you live
• The vegetation type around your property
• The distance from your home to individual vegetation types
• Slope on the property

Simply click this bushfire attack level calculator link to establish the level for your construction.

You may need approval depending on size, structure, height and your local council or authority.

Contact your local council to confirm requirements regulations and permitted sizes vary by region. If in a bushfire prone area you may need to factor in specific requirements to meet regulations. Unfortunately there is no single or “golden rule” answer. That being said, most councils have an exemption for structures that are less than a certain size e.g. 10m2, therefore if your structure area is less than specified you don’t need to seek any approvals.

For more information about building a deck in your region including which project do not require approval, contact the Australian Building Codes Board.

You can buy TuffBlocks right here on our website. All orders come with free shipping. OR via our other retailers:
Bunnings and other retailers: To purchase TuffBlock in-store, please use the Store Finder to search for your local store.

Warranty: Tuffblock won't chip, crack, corrode or grow mold like traditional concrete blocks. We're so confident in the TuffBlock, we give you a 25 year manufacturers warranty from the date of purchase.

For more on our warranty policy, please click here.

Shipping: We offer free shipping in Australia. To learn more on our shipping policy, please click here.