Hi, my partner and I are just about to move into a new home that construction is finally coming to an end. I am planning to build a deck area out the back using composite decking and framing design with a plank in the middle to avoid butt joints. I have researched up and down the web and think I have covered most basis but would still value the input, feedback and advice of community members. I have attached a picture below showing design, measurements and materials. I also have a series of questions that I need help with.
1. Our home is in Mindarie so the sand is pretty much beach sand, and as access to the backyard is limited I will be digging it out by hand and wheel barrowing it to the front skip bin. I was planning therefore on having a 50mm clearance below the bearers and a total clearance to the top of the deck of 255 mm, is this sufficient or is the 300mm clearance that is referred to in the literature a hard and fast rule?
2. The distance between some joists will be 452mm CtC (others will be 440mm), 2mm over the 400mm to 450mm range that is suggested, should I be including another joist to bring the distance under 450mm or will the 2mm not matter.
3. I will be using ledgers attached to the house and surrounding limestone wall, should I be using spacers between the walls and ledgers to allow water to run away and what should be the spacing between the ledger fittings?
4. The strip at the side of the house is only 1550mm wide so can I just use ledgers and 3 sets of bearers to support the decking or do I still need joists? Note: the side path steps down 100mm from the main deck area which is essentially the thickness of the joists (90mm)
5. I have heard mixed reports regarding the use of weed mats etc under the deck, do they work, are they wort the bother is there a better solution to controlling weeds under a deck that wont have any ready access?
6. Have I overlooked any critical issues?
Thank you for any help or advice you can offer.
