How to build decking over tiles and grass?

rebeccayiru

Hello everyone,

Just after some advice for building a decking for our outdoor area. 

We have an existing tiled patio area, and I would like to replace this with a composite decking that extend out to the lawn area (the white area as drawn in the photo).

My question is, what is the best way to approach this? Do we need to remove the tiles at all? It seems easier to build the deck over the tiles with some adjustable pedestals underneath, but I am a bit concerned about ventilation, since the height from ground is pretty low.

Any advice on how we can extend the decking to the lawn would be greatly appreciated too. Do we need to extend the concrete? Or put a weed mat with some pebbles and level out with some pavers? Would it be ok to use a pre-made modular decking?

Sorry if it doesn't make sense I'm a complete beginner.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you

Bec

EricL

Hello @rebeccayiru 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about building a deck.

I suggest having a quick look at these guides - How to build a low-level deck by @Adam_W and How to build a deck by @MitchellMc. These guides will give you an idea of what you need to take into consideration when planning your decking frame. 

One of the key factors in your deck building project is the available space. I suggest measuring the space from your tiled floor to the top of the sliding door rail. This space will determine if you have room for your decking frame and the panels that will go on top of it. For example, let's say you have a space of 150mm, and you are using 90 x 45 for your timber framing. That leaves you with 60mm, you then deduct the thickness of the decking panel you'll be using which is 23mm. The space left is 37mm and is referred to as the gap under your decking frame.

The rule of thumb of course is that the more space you have the better it is for your decking frame. I also recommend having a look at this featured project - Low-level composite deck over concrete and soil by @oninpena. It's an excellent example of how to build a single level deck supported by pedestals and angle brackets while going down a slope.  

I also suggest having a look at the Bunnings deck assembly guide:

• How to plan out your deck
   
• How to set out a deck
   
• How to install stumps
   
• How to install bearers
   
• How to install joists
   
• How to lay decking
   
• How to add a step to your deck.

I propose doing your measurements first and then drawing your plan on paper and sharing it with t community and any questions you might have.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric