This low-level deck using Ekodeck composite boards covered a concrete area and required pavers to support pedestal feet on an unconcreted section.
The project
I decided to put a low-level composite deck on my alfresco area. Part of it would be on concrete and part of it would be on the soil at the side of the house.
The build was quite a task, and I appreciate the help and advice that EricL and MitchellMc gave me over the course of the project.
I was concerned about the pipe drain circled in red, but Eric said it was OK to build over it. He suggested building a removable panel in the deck for access to the drain if required.
I used floorplanner to sketch up a plan of the area and a plan for a possible decking layout.
I then did a more detailed design. I needed to go with double breaker boards to reduce wastage and cover the length of decking that I wanted.
Eric supplied advice on how to fix the angle brackets to the concrete and the timber frame (DynaBolts on the concrete and galvanised hex head bolts and nuts with galvanised washers for the timber, along with Pryda timber connector nails for the Pryda joist hangers).
Mitchell helped me fine-tune the placement of supports for the frame.
The next problem was how to fix fascia boards around the edges of the deck.
Where the pedestals were at the very edge of the deck it looked as though I might have to cut the boards to fit, unless I could use a spacer where the red box is. Mitchell advised me to screw two lengths of timber together and place them on the pedestals.
Finally I completed the frame after weeks of collecting materials and tools, measuring, digging and tamping for the pavers, cutting, drilling, screwing and going back and forth to Bunnings to get more materials.
I could finally begin laying the boards.
The one thing I was not prepared for was the size of the slope on the alfresco concrete. I didn't think there would be that much fall, so I had to switch to bigger angle brackets at one point and also used a lot more pedestal foot than I had anticipated.
At the end there were still some minor things left to fix up, but for a first-time D.I.Y. project I'm pretty happy with how it turned out.
How to build a low-level deck
A low-level deck can pose a range of potential design and installation problems, with challenges around ventilation, drainage, termites and rot. But it doesn't have to be a difficult project once you take the time to understand the basics of how a low-level deck is put together.
Experienced Bunnings Workshop member Adam Woodhams has created a comprehensive guide to building your own low-level deck, which provides an excellent reference for getting started.
Resident D.I.Y. expert MitchellMc has also put together a step-by-step guide and video tutorial showing how to build a floating deck using adjustable pedestal feet.
More inspiration for your decking project
Bunnings Workshop member Nat2 used Ekodeck composite decking boards provide a clean, handsome finish to this low-level deck built around a bay window.
Workshop member Backyardtradie used Merbau decking boards to transform their outdoor entertaining area with this solid low-level deck.
Whether you're building a new deck or rejuvenating an existing one, you can get inspired by the clever and creative Bunnings Workshop community in our collection of Top 10 most popular deck projects and inspiring low-level deck builds.
Let us know if you need a hand with your deck project – we're here to help.
