I am building a deck over uneven, sloping soil.
Should I dig and level out pads for the cement blocks to sit in,
and then use a water level to cut the 4x4 posts so that
they will all end up being the same height?
If they are off a little should I shim them?
Should I toe screw the joists onto the tops of them
or should I bolt the joists onto the sides of them?
For a 30" high deck, do I need to cross- brace the 4x4s?
I just want to make sure that I end up with a level deck.

Thanks


-Bruce

Dig out enough area so that the blocks sit relatively level. Its easiest to use a tape measure to determine the height of the 4x4 post. You shouldn't have to shim them. Most of the time they are cut to the right length. Set the frame on top of the deck. Don't Bolt the frame to the side of the posts. If your deck is around 30" and you feel the diagonal bracing would be a good idea then you should add it.

Deckman