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How to build a small deck for timber cubby house?

PatDIY_Dad

Hey

I am going to build a deck that will be about 200mm off ground level and will be 2.5m x 2.5m

I have a few questions

I want to concrete some hardwood fence posts as the stumps

How deep in the ground should they go in?

I will put in 9 stumps. I will buy minimum quantity of sand and rock mix for concrete from the local nursery

How many bags of cement would be needed for 9 holes?

Then I will fix 3 long treated pine joists to the stumps. What size would be suitable?

I will do something similar to this video https://youtu.be/QTQeIZT4U-I

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Comments

Jewelleryrescue

Hi @PatDIY_Dad

That video showed them digging holes approximatly 500mm below ground height asa guide if you look at there auger is has tape lines as depth guages so they go to the same level every time each hole. A suitable depth for purpose.

The trick here is to dig small diameter holes so the timbers go in and less concrete is needed. Larger (deeeper or wider) the holes the more concrete needed.

Look at in vesting/borrowing in a small auger, or a post hole shovel for this task it will help keep hole size smaller.

ps As a must do use H4 treated pine for this type of footing.

I dont recommend buying sand and gravel from the nursery for smaller jobs unless you are also doing more concretng later on. A nursery will charge $70 to 80 delivery fee but will deliver sandand gravel in the same load.

As for concreting the best easiest option is to buy premixed sand and cement bags at bunnings All you have to do is use a wheel barrow is easiest and mix in water and it is ready to go,

Some people use a fast set cement for this that sets fast in near 15mins I highly recommend you dont buy this for your first rodeo as regular sand cement slower setting allows you more time to position things correctly if some thing needs fixing.

For a 500mm hole you will need 2 to 3 bags of sand and cement 20 KG per hole If you have bags left over get a refund on the unopened ones 🙂

You want 9 Stumps so thats 27 bags. Probably buy 20 bags initailly and see how you go if bunning quite close to you.

Australian Builders 20kg Sand And Cement Mix Bag I/N: 0760612 $10^.07

https://www.bunnings.com.au/australian-builders-20kg-sand-and-cement-mix-bag_p0760612

PatDIY_Dad

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/46057#Comment_46057

Thanks for the info

I'll see if anyone has a auger I can borrow

A 1/4 meter of mixed crush rock and sand is $30 from my local store

It will end up costing me more if I buy pre-mixed bags

I have already some pieces of hardwood fence posts I just hope they are long enough for the job

Jewelleryrescue

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/85124#Comment_85124

Hi @PatDIY_Dad

I agree with you if you can get the 1/4 metre cheaper and you can do this and mix it with cement powder it will be alot cheaper as a Guide you will need 4 to 5 bags of general purpose cement powder. You can return un opened bags to bunnings for refunds.

I personally am at the cross roads of a mini cement project is it cheaper to order some sand and gravel or buy the pre mix bags. lol

I usually have a 5 tonne pile at a time I just start mixing.

EricL

Hello @PatDIY_Dad

Thanks for sharing your question about building a deck for your cubby house. I strongly 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 @MitchellmcMc. These guides will give you an idea of what to take into consideration when planning your decking frame.

Here is a link to ideas and inspiration: Top 10 most popular deck projects

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

I propose drawing your decking frame on paper first before you begin digging holes for the stumps. Once you've finalized the plan on paper share it with the community along with any questions you might have.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

PatDIY_Dad

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/46093#Comment_46093

Thanks

We did the footings today

$30 for 1/4 meter of sand and rock mix

used 3 bags of cement $21

for 9 footings ( not that deep we did about 300mm deep ) I am guessing if you did a proper deck for adults and entertainment you would need to go deeper

Now would anyone here have advice on how to do a picture frame style deck boards? I want to know if you start the border picture frame first or do you do that last and after you put all the main boards on ?

Picture frame deck like this picture:

EricL

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/85138#Comment_85138

Hello @PatDIY_Dad

I suggest having a look at this discussion - Picture frame decking frame dimensions? by @Alan__. Mitchell gives a great explanation about picture framing.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

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