How to build odd shaped front deck with 40cm height?

Sussudio

Hi Bunnings Braintrust,

(Sorry in advance, this will be long winded, as I want to include all of the relevant facts)

We have some unsafe/impractical steps at our front door. (AI cleanup deleted the side windows)

Plan is to build over steps with a new landing & box steps.

Most of the area is undercover. It faces South & we had some rare southerly rain in this photo.

I did a plan on the Bunnings deck builder & although the design is good, but the framing left us bemused! I don’t think the poor planner knew what to do 😊

Due to the irregular shape & current steps (which we want to avoid removing) working out a plan has taken much research & redraws,

The end plan will be 400mm high

Top step will be done separately with 70x35mm H3 laid on its side with 3mm packers underneath, attached with angle brackets. This will then be attached to the framework of the rest of the deck, similar to this reference pic.

MATERIALS TO BE USED-

CONCRETE STEP

70x35 H3 treated pine (laid on its side)

PACKERS

ANGLE BRACKETS

-------------------------------------

LANDING & BOX STEPS

DECKING – 19x83mm Stringybark decking

JOISTS - 140x45mm H3 Treated Pine

JOIST TAPE

BEAMS – Doubled up 140x45mm H3 Treated Pine

POSTS – 100x100mm H3 Treated Pine

POST SUPPORTS - Maxi Metals Galvanised Bolt Down Post Support

RISERS - 130x19mm blackbutt decking standard kd

JOIST HANGERS

SKEW JOIST HANGERS x5 – (for step angle) Simpson Strong-Tie® LSSR Slopeable & Skewable Rafter Hanger ZMAX® Galvanised

———————————-

DESIGN NOTES –

Diagonal decking parallel to front door

Joists @ 10 ” OC

Single picture frame

Skirting – Stacked stone on STONESHEET backing (allowance will be made for ventilation)

QUESTION

One particular question – Free-standing deck or joined to house?

This is the current plan.

We would appreciate feedback/suggestions please.

MitchellMc

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, @Sussudio. Thanks for providing so much detail about your project.

One important consideration when deciding between a freestanding deck and attaching the deck to the house is the construction of the wall. A single-brick veneer/facade should not be used to support the deck. The brickwork is not intended to carry structural deck loads.

Where a deck is designed to be attached to a brick-veneer home, the structural connection generally needs to pass through the brickwork and connect back to the structural timber framing behind it. The brickwork itself is not the structural attachment point. This type of connection also needs to be carefully detailed so that waterproofing, drainage and the integrity of the wall are not compromised.

This differs from suitable structural masonry construction, where an appropriately designed connection may be able to transfer loads into the masonry itself. Whether this is possible depends on the wall construction, condition of the masonry, loads involved and the type and location of the fixings, so it isn't something I'd recommend assuming from the appearance of the wall alone.

Attaching the deck to the house can have some advantages, including providing a positive connection to the existing structure and potentially reducing the amount of independent support required along that edge. The disadvantages are that the connection becomes more complicated, particularly with brick veneer, and incorrect detailing can create structural or moisture-management issues.

Given your deck is only around 400mm high and you've already been considering a freestanding design, keeping the new structure structurally independent of the house could simplify things. It also avoids relying on or making structural penetrations through the existing facade.

If you do decide to connect the deck to the house, I'd recommend speaking with your local council before proceeding. The structural attachment to the dwelling can affect the approval requirements, and you may need to submit plans or obtain the appropriate approval. A suitably qualified building professional or structural engineer can also advise on an appropriate connection detail after inspecting the existing wall construction.

It certainly looks like you've put a great deal of thought into the design already. I trust our members will also be keen to offer their thoughts on your proposed framing and unusual deck shape.

For the benefit of yourself and others, here are a couple of helpful guides: How to build a low-level deck and How to build a deck. Also, here's 25 inspiring low-level deck builds.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell