How to build a flat low rise deck using composite boards?

token78

Hi Team,

 

I’m building a low rise deck (single layer)

 

I plan to use 140 x 45 MGP 10 outdoor framing timber.

 

The deck Dimensions are 8m x 4.4m with a height off the ground of 30mm on one end rising to 450mm on the other end.

 

i plan to use joist hangers every 400mm 

 

My question is what would be the span be between each post based on using 140x45mm MGP framing timber (length and width)

 

Attached is a pic to help explain what I’m looking to do.

 

Plan to use Composite Decking like EkoDeck

 
thanks all

JacobZ

Hi @token78,

A warm welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community and thank you for your question.

The first thing you should do is contact your local council to determine whether you need building approval. A deck of this size will often require plans to be submitted for approval, so it is worth checking early in the process to ensure you are complying with your local council's requirements.

I'd suggest reading through How to understand deck components and How to understand deck span tables. In conjunction, these articles will answer a lot of the questions that regularly come up about deck design.

Using the Hyne Timber Bearer Span Table, you can see that 140 x 45mm Outdoor Framing H3 Treated Pine will span 1400mm between posts while acting as a bearer. As your bearer runs are 8 metres long, including a post situated at the end of each bearer, you will need 7 posts per bearer.

You can also reduce the number of joists used. In residential applications, Ekodeck is fine for installation on joists that are spaced 450mm apart. Nothing is stopping you from running your joists at 400mm spacing, but it is not a requirement of the materials used. You can find more information in Ekodeck's installation guide which can be downloaded here - Ekodeck Decking | Classic | Installation Guides & Videos.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob