Hello fantastic people of Bunnings Workshop,
After successfully completing my last VJ panel project with your assistance, I’m back with another challenge — building a low-level deck.
I’m engaging a professional to build a 25 sqm low-level deck (most likely using Ekodeck) on sloped land, with the lower side toward the house (see attached picture). Some excavation will be required to ensure the deck has a proper fall away from the house. However, I have a few issues I hope you can help me with.
1. Grass Maintenance Challenge
As you can see, after the deck is installed, there will be a fair bit of grass left on either side. I’m concerned this could be difficult to maintain (mowing/edging) due to the deck's proximity. I’d love to hear any suggestions on how to make maintaining this area easier.
The two options I’ve considered are:
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Expanding the deck — Building a larger, 50 sqm edge-to-edge deck to eliminate the need for mowing. However, this would double the cost and might require council approval.
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Synthetic grass — Installing synthetic grass around the deck, though I’m unsure how I’d feel about having that much artificial grass around me.
Are there any other alternatives you’d recommend to simplify maintenance or improve the design?
2. Low-Level Deck Considerations
In the picture you'd notice that the weep holes on the house wall are positioned quite low, meaning the deck will sit above them. The deck structure will not be placed hard against the weep holes and the deck board on the edge will be removable for easy termite inspections.
Is there anything else we should consider when installing a low-level deck in this situation?
Any advice or guidance would be greatly appreciated before we move ahead with this project.
Thank you in advance for your help!
Many thanks!
