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How to design and build low-level floating deck?

Hi,

I have done a lot of reading in this form on the Low Level floating decks, got inspired by some of the DIYers and decided to go ahead and make use of backyard by building a deck, I am planning to do a 6mx4m as shown below. Inspired by Good Times decking, will be using the adjustable support feet (deck height including bearers height + board height is around 30 cms).

I am planning to do this all by myself, to minimise the effort, I decided to lay the deck on the existing pavers using the support pedestals (i haven't decided which pedestals to go with like Tuffblock or the Good Times support pedestal), I also need the pedestal to be adjustable in some areas as the ground has some ups and downs. The pedestals will placed on top some concrete pavers to make it more stable.

For the decking I have decided to go with Merbau 90x19 boards.

I would be starting the project soon and would like DIYers of this forum to go through the design and let me know if I have missed anything, need to fix the design or have any suggestions, really appreciate any help and guidance from this group.

Also I tried various online free planners but didn't get what I was looking for, like some online tool like https://www.blocklayer.com/ has good planning tool but doesn't allow break boards and thus was not very helpful.

If anyone in this forum can point me to a free online tool to help in designing the deck is really appreciated.

I am looking something very similir to the blocklayer online tool, that gives you the BOM, the exact layout of the boards with measurement etc.

Or anyone in this group can generate it for me , TIA

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Comments

MitchellMc

Hi @coolnav,

It sounds like you’ve got a solid plan in place for your deck project, and I can see you've put a lot of thought into it! Your spacing looks about right with 450mm between the joists and 1000mm between the footers. However, I did notice on your plan that the bearers are running over the joists—this might just be a mistake, but it’s something to double-check to make sure everything is aligned properly.

Overall, it looks like you’re on the right track. If you need help with the design, feel free to reach out. It can also be worth checking out programs like SketchUp, which have a good free version that can help with your deck layout.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

coolnav

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/48205#Comment_48205

Thanks @MitchellMc for such a quick response, regarding the "bearers are running over the joists" , I have taken the GoodTimes way of modular decking approach and will be building blocks of 4 6m x 1m and fasten them with screws to form the bearers as 90x90, and then use the pedestals to support.

Below is rough sketch of what I am planning to do.

JPEG image-4902-AD49-11-0.JPEG

Dave-1

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/86164#Comment_86164

Evening @coolnav

Just going over the design and I am a little confused. Are you going to have bearers that the 1m cube is going to be sitting on or are you intending to mount the squares directly on the tuffblocks? I might have something wrong so thought better to clarify is all.

Dave

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/86164#Comment_86164

I'm sorry, but I'm not sure I entirely follow @coolnav.

So is the image you've shown us now the bearers that will then have the joists run over the top of them in a perpendicular orientation spaced at 450mm centres?

Mitchell

coolnav

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/108409#Comment_108409

Hi @MitchellMc , @Dave-1 ,

Sorry for the confusion! Let me clarify my approach:

Initially, I considered using the GoodTimes modular decking system. However, after looking at the cost, I realized that buying it as a kit would exceed my budget. Instead, I decided to follow their design but modify the construction method.

Rather than assembling multiple square modules and fastening them together, I’m building four larger sections, each measuring 6m x 1m. I’ll be using 90x45 timber for these sections and then fastening them together to form a single 6m x 4m deck.

GoodTimes kit

For support, I plan to use TuffBlocks (as shown in this Bunnings Workshop project) or the Modular Decking Support system included in the GoodTimes kit.

Hope this makes sense 🙂

Nav

EricL

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/121492#Comment_121492

Hello @coolnav

Just a friendly reminder to always check with your local council in regards to the rules and regulations in building a deck. There may be size limitations even for a low-level deck. If there is a limit, a permit might be necessary.

I've drawn up a sample image of your proposed plan next to the Goodtimes modular decking frame. Did I understand your plan correctly or did you plan on having the frame face in a different direction? I suggest using the Builders Edge Adjustable Pedestal Feet. This is easier to install as you can drill it directly into the frame itself, no extra parts or plugs are necessary.

I also suggest having a look at this discussion - Low-profile deck with screening and steps by @MGusto. This is an excellent example of a deck being built with pedestal feet.

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

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

coolnav

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/129709#Comment_129709

@EricL , Thanks for the drawing, makes it much easier :). very close except the its across the 6m length instead of the 4m.

TIA.

EricL

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/134892#Comment_134892

Hi @coolnav

Please keep us updated with your progress, we look forward to seeing the start of your deck framing project.

Eric

coolnav

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/138299#Comment_138299

Hi @EricL / @MitchellMc / @Dave-1 , I have received most of my things to start the build, I built my first frame and 3 more to go. As the ground has a slight slope and uneven decided to go with Builders edge Bigfoot pedestals, my question is how many do I need. As I was trying to replicate the design of goodtimes modular decking it was suggested to use 1 at each corner, can I do the same here?

My frame is 1 meter with joist spacing of 400mm, with picture frame and 2 breaking boards

JacobZ

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/140595#Comment_140595

Hi @coolnav,

As you are using 90x45 as your bearers, following the Hyne Timber Bearer Span Tables, you will need a pedestal foot every 900mm.

You might like to check out How to understand deck span tables and How to understand deck components for some further guidance.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob

coolnav

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/142250#Comment_142250

Thanks @JacobZ for getting back to me, All responses have been real helpful from the forum, got to learn a lot much appreciated.

@JacobZ / @EricL / @MitchellMc / @Dave-1

I understand the span for distances for Joists and Bearers, but getting lost as soon as we come to building low level decks, as we are no longer placing the joists on top of the bearers, and using adjustable pedestals is making it more confusing :).

Please see below my current build so far, 2 frames (6000mm x ~1000mm each frame) attached together (still got another 2 frames to build, the pedestals on the on far right are currently there only to support the second frame, as soon as my third frame is attached to the second, i will fix them properly ).

All my timber are 90x45 , as you can see the i have placed each pedestals at approximately 850mm (assuming bearer span allowed is 900mm and joist span 1200mm), I am using 90x45 joist hangers for those that doesn't have pedestals.

Does this sound right?

2 Frames attached togetherJoist hanger for support

JacobZ

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/143439#Comment_143439

Hi @coolnav,

Basically, a bearer is a bearer if it sits on a post or pedestal.

Joists are attached to and supported by the bearers with no vertical support from posts or pedestals. The main characteristic that makes it a joist is being supported by a bearer. Whether it is sitting on top of the bearer or being attached to it with a joist hanger, it is still supported by the bearer.

Your bearers span 850mm between pedestals, which is inside the recommended 900mm span. Your joists span 1000mm between bearers, which is inside the recommended 1400mm span.

To put it simply, your deck frame is perfectly fine and will create a nice strong deck.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob

coolnav

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/144332#Comment_144332

Thanks, @JacobZ! You explained it so clearly that even a beginner like me could understand. This really boosts my confidence that I'm on the right track.

coolnav

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/144332#Comment_144332

@JacobZ ,

Another quick question, if you see my design with the frames where I join them together it literarily becomes a 90x90 (90x45 90x45 screwed together), does it mean that the span can be greater than 900mm or it doesn't matter and it remains at 900mm?

Dave-1

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/144981#Comment_144981

Evening @coolnav

It kind of does but really I would stay the course you are on as it looks like a nice solid deck. I find changing things middle of the project always causes flow on effects. One way I tested out my deck as I built it was to lay some boards on top the stand (loosley) on it and see if it flexed 🙂 yeah I looked like a kid doing a stress test but it put my mind to rest.

Dave

EricL

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/144981#Comment_144981

Hi @coolnav

I second @Dave-1's recommendations and to stay with your current design. I don't recommend changing anything while in the middle of your build. As Dave-1 said unseen flow on effects will spread along your deck framing plan that could produce undesirable consequences. You are currently within the safe zone in regards to your footing, it would be best to stay within that zone so that you'll get a solid decking frame.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

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