How to build a timber deck

BIM_Engineer

A few members have asked specific questions about Timber Decks

I hope these additional resources and tools provide useful information in your endeavour

I can provide the following

A 3D Model that you can edit/modify as you wish in Sketchup (Free software)
A PDF of attached image with hyperlinks to the Bunnings price list and to other useful online resources to help you Design, Engineer & Construct (DEC) you project
Google sheets, for quantifying & pricing the timber deck

Project planning Apps & Tools

Please post back or leave a PM if you require more specific project tools

Engineering Decking.jpg

Others (To follow) In the Timber Deck Series

DIY Sceening your Deck

DIY Roofing & Ceiling Your Deck

DIY Indoor/Outdoor Living (Partial Enclosures)

Please let me know if there is anything else you may want added

Happy 2018

Cheers

Chris

Find more posts tagged with

Decking and Paving

Building and Construction

Comments

BIM_Engineer

As a Structural engineer and repair contractor. If anyone needs assistance or preliminary advice on structural matters please take photos, upload them and ask for help. “Better safe than sorry”

Balcony checklists here

About Balconies Decks & Balustrades

Balconies and Decks A Guide To Maintenance
Building authorities requires balconies and raised decks to be designed by a structural engineer
they can also offer advice on noncompliance & repairs, etc. hth

Manomic

Hi
Can you please help with concept designs, engineering and approximate costs for enclosing my rear porch which is similar to your design above?
Mick

Jason

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/3953#Comment_3953

Hi Mick (@Manomic)

Welcome to Workshop. It's great to have you join us. I trust you will receive lots of helpful advice and inspiration for this project and many others in future from our community members.

I am aware that @BIM_Engineer is on holidays at the moment so might be a little slow to respond. In the meantime, you might like to provide more information in order for him to assist you more comprehensively.

I would start with dimensions of your porch and a few photos. Please let me know if you need a hand uploading some images.

Thanks again,

Jason

muzzd

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/64155#Comment_64155

I would love to get some design ideas & costs for diy enclosing my patio,
there's no immediate rush
Thank you

Jason

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/94668#Comment_94668

@muzzd,

Welcome to Workshop. Great to have you join us. This looks like a fantastic project. I trust that @BIM_Engineer will be able to assist once he is back from holidays. In the meantime, other members might also be able to suggest some ideas for you. I know Workshop member @kel has done something similar.

You might also like to tell us a little more about your own ideas and requirements. How do you want to use the space?

Thanks again,

Jason

muzzd

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/113777#Comment_113777

Hi Jason
I intend on extending the family room (photo LHS) with glass as it's north oriented, and do the adjacent patio enclosure in stages as DIY,
.keen to see what alternatives the Bim_Engineer has to offer, thank you

Isobel

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/94668#Comment_94668

Some bifold or French doors at the end of your new room would work really well @muzzd, leading out to the deck and garden.

muzzd

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/113778#Comment_113778

Thank you, I have a quote for Bi folds Doors they were $2000 to $2500 per door leaf
unfortunately we have a tight budget and are keen to save money where we can, just looking for ideas, details and costs at this early stage as we have moved past collecting internet photos
I have sent Bim Engineer a Message requesting more specific information

BIM_Engineer

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/124534#Comment_124534

@JasonWhat I intended to put up before I went on holidays has now changed a little due to requests unfortunately these will now require more resources and time to complete.

I will include Design details for DIY Bi-Fold louvre Doors
OT Please understand the content i put up is free to Battlers & Punters and as much as I like helping communities on the internet, everything has to be prioritised
Cheers

marc_s

Hi Chris,

Hoping you can help with a deck design.

I'm working from The Australian Decks and Pergolas Construction Manual sold in bunnings, but for the life of me can't make sense of the span tables. Or at least the design I'm coming up with doesn't seem right.

The deck is planned to be 3300 x 4100, Bearers running along the length, joists mounted ontop. The deck is only 500mm of the ground, and doesn't require a DA.

Bearers - 2/90x45 MGP10

Joists - 90 x 45 MGP10

Posts - DINGO 100 x 100 x 900m 6mm Reinforced Concrete Stump (as per the bunnings DIY video series.

The span tables seem to suggest a joist every approx. 1000mm, but every picture I see of a deck seems to have joists at 450mm.

Have attached the drawings fyi (and can provide the span tables in the back if it makes any difference! Any assistance from anyone would be greatly appreciated!!!

Note: the width of the deck has extended some I’ve drawn this. It’s now going to be 3300 wide.

Cheers,

Marc

Bearers_diagram

Joists_diagram

Jason

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/4211#Comment_4211

Welcome to Workshop @marc_s. It's fantastic to have you join the community. I trust you will receive lots of assistance and inspiration from our ever-helpful and clever members for this project and many others in future.

I have tagged Chris (@BIM_Engineer) for you to ensure he sees your question.

Thanks again for joining us and please let me know if you ever need a hand getting the most from the site.

Jason

BIM_Engineer

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/4211#Comment_4211

@marc_sWelcome to the forum
Unfortunately I am not familiar with that Publication
I would recommend though

For a 4.1m Length x 3.2m Width deck

Stump Locations

Width 3 Stumps (2 equal width 1.60m centres)

Length 5 Stump (4 Equal length 1.025 centres)

Bearers

2/120x35 f5 Structural pine 3.30m long

at 1.025m centres Nailed or bolted together

Joists

120x35 f5 Structural pine 4.10m long

at .450 centres for pine Decking or 600 Centres for hardwood decking

The decking generally limits the joist spacings centres either to 300,450,600mm

The current code is AS1684.2 Table 49 & 50 Bearers & Joists Respectively

Domestic Timber Deck Design for guide to decking Types,Sizes & Spans

Please leave a PM if you require further info on AS1684 or if you would like a free Sketchup Model

Engineering Decking1.jpg

Cheers

marc_s

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/64256#Comment_64256

Hi @BIM_Engineer - thanks so much for this.

Looking at placing an order for timber and the only suppliers I can find in sydney only do either 90x45 or 140x45. I assume that would change the design in terms of spans and number of posts?

The 2/140x45 bearers will be running length ways, I've also decided to use joist hangers and install joists between the bearers rather than on top, due to lack of clearance (only around 500 mm from floor level to ground, so appreciate your thoughts on that as well.

Again, thanks for your help.

Marc

BIM_Engineer

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/94744#Comment_94744

Hi @marc_s
As you have correctly pointed out there are many variations, for materials , sizes, labour, Design, Engineering,Construction,etc,etc
but only one right solution that suits you.
Chris

davehendo

Hey mate

i am looking at tackling a deck in my courtyard. My biggest issue is knowing the specs. Am I reading this right that you offer to draw up some plans for the space, including where to put posts etc

if so I can send through my dimensions.

Thanks in advance mate

hendo

Jason

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/4771#Comment_4771

Welcome to Workshop @davehendo. It's great to have you join us. We are looking forward to seeing how your deck project progresses.

I will tag @BIM_Engineer for you so he is alerted to your question.

Feel free to post whenever you need a hand or have a new project to share. And please let me know if you ever need help getting the most from the site.

Jason

BIM_Engineer

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/4771#Comment_4771

Hey Hendo
Nice, How about some photos and more info?.. the more info you put up the better the answer.. general info to start off here
-You can find Specs & Details in the relevant Australian Standards and googling images, respectively
-Check with your local Authority as some low decks may not require Planning & Building permits
-try doing a rough sketch design either by hand or using Sketchup 3D , content is also available on Sketchup Warehouse
-States also have differing regulations regarding Engineering Certification & Calculation requirements
I am a big fan of DIY & Design,Engineering & Construction (DEC) automation... unfortunately there are regulations in play
BTW, whats gets put up also helps others
Cheers

BIM_Engineer

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/64531#Comment_64531

Thanks for sharing Bala

Timber Deck.png

Wally102

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/94978#Comment_94978

The step downarea to be deckedplan of attack!Hello and Merry Christmas to all,
As you can see I am a newbie 🙂 but I will be asking many questions as I am about to endeavor in building a deck over existing concrete slab and around the back of the house over earth and concrete slabs ( when I can work out how to upload photos to this thread rather than start a new thread I will)
I have fare idea on what I have to do but any advice would be greatly appreciated!
I need to build the deck to eliminate the 140mm step down as my mother is having a difficult time doing so and budget is very tight as I am on a carers pension! I don't mind getting down and dirty 🙂
the area I have to sort is 7270 x 2660 , the existing slab slopes away from the house at approx 3deg .
I intend to run decking length ways using 90mm x 22mm pine board
joists will be 90mm x45mm using concrete bolt screws and window packers to level off! set at 450mm spacing but both ends will be around 405mm gap.
over the section of garden bed in corner I will use 90 x 45 bearers bolted to brick to support joists using joist hangers and 2 stirrups set in concrete and weed mat.
I will be repainting slab a dark grey or black so as not to see it through the gaps in the decking which will be, as advised 4mm - 5mm.
I would appreciate any advice on this project
Cheers Wally

Jason

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/114038#Comment_114038

Hi @Wally102,

Welcome to Workshop. This looks like a great project and I'm sure community members like @BIM_Engineer will be happy to assist you as they return from holidays.

Feel free post anytime you need a hand or have a new project to share. I see you've also posted about how to reconfigure a sliding door, I'm sure members will be happy to help with that one soon too.

Thanks again,

Jason

BIM_Engineer

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/124695#Comment_124695

Hey @Wally102
I've come across a few projects of late where DIYers have asked similar questions
and I recon there would be 1000's of renos Alfresco Upgrades that may benefit
Here are some of the issues
-The deck (Floor+Joist+bracket) has to configure within 1 or 2 course Slab Drop off ie 86mm or 172 Respectively
- Since most slabs aren't necessarily level the brackets would need to be adjustable (One size fits all), robust and simple to place and fix
- Also adjust-ability would be a bonus if timber shrinks warps, bows etc.
I'll see if i can locate something suitable off the shelf or which may need slight modifying and post back
@JasonThis would be something that Bunnings should look into
Currently Stirrups would be an overkill and Shims/packers don't fix/attach properly,etc,etc
Cheers

Wally102

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/131869#Comment_131869

Thanks Bim,

I have searched but have to no avail found anything that could prop up the joists with such little clearance hence why I went with the plastic window packers!

but will be interested if you find something.

Cheers Wally

KalahariOzzie

I have a council sewer running through the area I wish to build a deck. Although the deck will be on posts, they are not keep to ‘build over sewer’, but cantilever is ok.

can I cantilever woodedn beams 3 metres?

BIM_Engineer

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/5529#Comment_5529

@KalahariOzzie
Generally Water Authorities will require engineering Piling details to be submitted with plans, Engineer Certified and approved
before works can commence
Things to consider, Soil Type (angle of repose), Pad Footings, Pipe Invert level (Depth), Size of the pipe?,etc along with Steel Posts, Beam & Cantilever design? hth

Tanika

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/64889#Comment_64889

Hi, I’m interested to follow the info for Wally102 as we have a similiar type back patio area and I’m looking into putting decking over the top. If BIM_Engineer can also tag me in what you recommend for Wally102 that would be awesome!
Thank you very much 🙂

BIM_Engineer

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/95137#Comment_95137

Hi @Tanika

You may wish to consider using a Top Hat Section

Further points to consider

1.Thicker base metal

2.Galv Coating Thickness

3. Wider lip for fixing

4.Slope of slab to avoid water ponding beneath decking

5. Environmental conditions, if Coastal-> Corrosion->Life span

6. Section spacing is dependant on deck type, thickness, material & Loads

OT, It would have been easier & cost effective if the builder dropped the slab another course ( then options would have increased),

The best time to negotiate this & all structural/critical components is before you sign the contract, It's not like you can whip down to Bunnings and change the door handles after hand over, unfortunately now you are left worse off with limited options

Jason

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/95137#Comment_95137

Hi @Tanika,

Great to see you join in the discussion and see you receive a prompt reply from Chris. We look forward to seeing how your outdoor project progresses.

Welcome to the community. I'm sure you'll receive plenty of helpful information, inspiration and advice for this project as well as many others to come. Our members are very helpful. Feel free to post whenever you need a hand or have something to share.

Thanks,

Jason

Pauldougie

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/131869#Comment_131869

Bunnings have two types of adjustable deck feet which are perfect for use on uneven concrete. Called Eurotec Smallfoot they come in two sizes. Simply nail screw/your joists to them and put the decking on top.

Gezza87

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/136258#Comment_136258

This thread has been very informative. I am looking at building a 3.6 x 4.1m freestanding deck so i watched the videos on Bunnings website on how to build a deck it seems they use concrete stumps with threads already on them, i like this idea but it seems Bunnings in W.A do not stock these, so what would my options be? Maybe something like this cut to size and concreted in? https://www.bunnings.com.au/100-x-100mm-3-0m-f7-h4-treated-pine-post_p0050067 Also how would i join it to the bearers? with straps maybe? Thanks.

BIM_Engineer

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/139220#Comment_139220

@Gezza
Not all items are stocked by Bunnings , but they can be specially ordered
Concrete stumps are also easy to make yourself
You'll need some ply form, 6 mm galv rod reinforcement, 12mm Threaded rod and ready mixed bagged concrete
Alternatively, if you are going to use timber posts you will require Stirrups, Straps or pryda brackets
hth

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