🖼️
The project:
When we bought our townhouse we wanted to make every space count.
Our backyard was what we called a “desert wasteland” with no plants and a pile of rocks in the corner.
We transformed it to be one of our favourite spaces: building a deck, adding lots of plants, a BBQ, baby swing, table & chairs, outdoor lounge & festoon lights.
Using Bunnings materials we created a space that opened up our house a lot: where we now have coffee in the sun, family dinners on the deck and host family/friends most weeks for a BBQ and get to watch our daughter play & dogs run around.
- Materials:
Decking & Framing
Footings
Fixings & Hardware
- Stainless steel decking screws (suitable for Merbau)
- Structural timber screws or coach screws
- Ramset bolts
- Bolt sets with washers and nuts
- Joist hangers (if required)
- Galvanised framing brackets
- 80 × 80 × 40 × 5 mm M12 Galvanised Angle Brackets × 20
- Joist protection tape
Ground Preparation
Finishing
- Timber decking oil
- Applicator pad or deck brush
- 80–120 grit sandpaper
- Black spray paint (to paint the framing black so it isn't visible through the decking gaps)
- Tools:
Ozito 1600W 210mm 8¼" Corded Compound Mitre Saw (drop saw)
Ozito Work Bench / Router Table
Ryobi 18V ONE+ Drill Driver RDD18
Ryobi 18V ONE+ Impact Driver RID18
Ryobi 150 Piece Driving Kit
Countersink drill bit
Socket set/spanners (for coach bolts)
3 mm decking spacer tool
Deck board straightening tool
Spirit level
String line
Tape measure
Set square
IRWIN Quick-Grip clamps
Post hole digger (if required)
Wheelbarrow
Shovel
Safety glasses
Dust mask
- Step 1:
Plan the Deck
- Measure and mark out the deck location
- Confirm the finished deck height and ensure there is adequate drainage away from the house
- Use the existing house slab as the height reference point to ensure the deck sits correctly against the house
- Check the area is square by measuring the diagonals
- Plan the frame layout, dividing the deck into four manageable sections to make construction easier.
- Step 2:
Prepare the Ground
- Remove all grass, weeds and organic material from underneath the deck area
- Level the ground where required
- Lay heavy-duty weed mat across the entire footprint of the deck
- Secure the weed mat using landscape pins
- Ensure the ground is prepared to allow water drainage and prevent weeds from growing underneath the deck.
- Step 3:
Build and Install the Frame
- Divide the deck into four separate frame sections and construct each section individually using treated pine.
- Build each frame by installing the outside perimeter first, followed by the internal joists and noggins for additional strength and stability
- Ensure joists are spaced correctly to support the 140 mm Merbau decking boards
- Start from the house and use the existing concrete slab level as the reference point to ensure each frame section is level
- Install the first three frame sections over the existing concrete patio area
- Secure these sections in place using galvanised L-brackets, drilling into both the concrete and timber frame. This keeps the frame slightly raised, allowing airflow and drainage underneath the deck and preventing moisture from sitting against the timber.
- Position the fourth frame section over the grass area, where only part of the area had existing concrete underneath
- Temporarily support and level the fourth frame section to determine the required height and position for the supporting posts
- Once the full frame layout is confirmed, prepare for post installation.
- Step 4:
Install the Posts and Footings
- Mark the location of the supporting posts underneath the fourth frame section
- Dig post holes to the required depth
- Cut the treated pine posts to the required height
- Position each post in the holes and use a spirit level to ensure they are perfectly vertical and aligned
- Brace the posts securely to hold them in position
- Pour Rapid Set concrete around each post, checking that each post remains level and aligned
- Use a string line to ensure all posts are positioned correctly and sit at the required height before the concrete sets
- Allow the concrete to cure completely
- Once cured, secure the fourth frame section to the posts using the appropriate structural fixings
- Step 5:
Paint the Frame
- Spray the visible edges and sides of the framing with black spray paint before installing the decking
- Focus on areas visible through the gaps between decking boards
- This creates a cleaner finished appearance by disguising the timber framing underneath the Merbau decking
- Step 6:
Install the Decking Boards
- Begin by installing the perimeter (border) boards around the outside edge of the deck to create a clean finished frame
- Lay the remaining Merbau decking boards horizontally, working from left to right across the deck
- Use a 3 mm decking spacer between each board to maintain consistent gaps
- Measure each board carefully and cut pieces to fit the required spaces
- Cut around fixed obstacles such as brick posts and existing structures where required
- Check each board is straight before securing it
- Use stainless steel decking screws suitable for hardwood decking to secure each board
- Continue installing boards across the entire deck, maintaining consistent spacing and alignment
- Step 7:
Final Sanding and Finishing
- Lightly sand any rough edges, cut ends or imperfections using 80–120 grit sandpaper
- Clean the entire deck thoroughly to remove dust and debris
- Apply the first coat of timber decking oil using an applicator pad or deck brush
- Pay particular attention to freshly cut ends and exposed timber
- Allow the recommended drying time before applying the second coat
- Apply a second coat of decking oil for additional protection and finish
- Allow the deck to fully cure before returning furniture and using the space
- Step 8:
Decoration & functionality
- We added the festoon lights (also attached to treated pine polls along the fence)
- The outside lounge with a baby's swing
- Table & chairs, with the BBQ
- Custom made furniture - bench table and stools
