Low-level deck with Wi-Fi controlled lights

[nishadshah]

This cleverly designed low-level Merbau deck incorporates Wi-Fi controlled lights.

• The project
• Materials
• How to build a low-level deck
• More inspiration for your decking project

The project

I went through all the posts about decking on this website as research for my own deck project. I am so happy with the results, and the feeling of the completion is great.

The deck measures 6m x 6m, with a step towards the garden. I finished it in just under a month. 

Materials

Materials used:

• 45mm x 90mm x 6m treated Pine from Bunnings to create the base. I added a second layer of treated Pine on top in the opposite direction to create 185mm height at 455mm gaps

• 5mm plastic packers so that the base is above the ground

• 40mm DynaBolts into the concrete and 40mm galvanised screws into the wood via angle brackets

• 90mm Merbau decking

• Holman Home 30mm and 45mm four-pin lights (the Wi-Fi controller is an investment but it is worth it). 

I highly recommend buying a good-quality table saw for the accuracy as well as 45-degree cutting. 

 

 

 

 

How to build a low-level deck

A low-level deck can pose a range of potential design and installation problems, with challenges around ventilation, drainage, termites and rot. But it doesn't have to be a difficult project once you take the time to understand the basics of how a low-level deck is put together.

Experienced Bunnings Workshop member Adam Woodhams has created a comprehensive guide to building your own low-level deck, which provides an excellent reference for getting started. 

Resident D.I.Y. expert MitchellMc has also put together a step-by-step guide and video tutorial showing how to build a floating deck using adjustable pedestal feet.

More inspiration for your decking project

Bunnings Workshop member Nat2 used Ekodeck composite decking boards provide a clean, handsome finish to this low-level deck built around a bay window.

Workshop member Backyardtradie used Merbau decking boards to transform their outdoor entertaining area with this solid low-level deck.

Whether you're building a new deck or rejuvenating an existing one, you can get inspired by the clever and creative Bunnings Workshop community in our collection of Top 10 most popular deck projects and inspiring low-level deck builds.

Let us know if you need a hand with your deck project – we're here to help.

[CSParnell]

Hi @nishadshah, this looks fantastic you have done an amazing job.

I have been waiting to see these light in action and they look great, any issues setting them up or were they straight forward?

Carl

[nishadshah]

CSParnell

lights are amazing my kids love it 

no issues settings them up and installing them. works beautiful with the wifi settings only thing I can think of if I think hard is when I put the stain on wood,  lights also gets covered with it but again it does not impact light emitting it’s colours best thing ever people coming to it house appreciates the deck and lights 

[EricL]

Hi @nishadshah

What a beautiful decking project and those lights really bring the wow factor. When the time comes to re-stain your deck, I suggest covering the lights with some Frog Tape 24mm x 55m Multi Surface Masking Tape to prevent them from getting stained as well.

Eric

[CSParnell]

Thats fantastic to hear @nishadshah thank you for letting me know a quick look and the Holman Home App integrates with Google Home as well to allow you to set up full integration  with other smart systems and control with voice activation with Google speaker devices.

 

[amichaelmedia]

I've done something similar...

And I wanted to extend my wifi lighting from my deck to my garden beds and use spotlights and perhaps some festoons.

Can these cables go underground? I know I have to split the cabling. But unsure how to get it across my 8m wide lawn to my back fence and along the garden beds that run along it

[EricL]

Hi @amichaelmedia 

You can definitely add more lights to your garden system, and it would be an advantage if they were compatible. However, if they are not, it will need to be run independently. There are quite a few systems to choose from and you'll need to invest in a Holman RGB Wi-Fi Garden Light Controller if the sets you purchase don't have wi-fi.

Another thing to watch out for is to make sure that the units are rated IP68 Weather Resistant which allows you to install them anywhere outdoors. It is possible to run the cables inside a conduit, but it's important to measure the length of cable that you have. 

Let me call on our experienced members @Adam_W and @CSParnell for their recommendations.

I also suggest having a look at this guide - How to install outdoor string lighting by @Adam_W. 

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

[CSParnell]

@amichaelmedia if you have the Holman deck lights you can have a look at what add ons you can incorporate onto the system. Eg. Garden lights, tree lights you just have to watch how many watts total are being run on the controller.

https://www.holmanindustries.com.au/garden-lights/

As @EricL mentioned if you are running underground I would run it in a conduit just for protection  more than anything incase you put a shovel through it down the track but as far as regulations go there is no need as it is extra low voltage.

If it is a different brand lighting system have a look at what is available.

If you want festoon or party lights that might be tricky on Wifi so maybe look at a good pack of solar ones like Lytworx brand.

If u let me know what brand you have already we can help you design it.

Carl

[DIYer23]

That looks amazing!! Both me and my husband are going to do a floating deck out the back. We had to rip the old deck up as it was not Installed correctly and rotted. I’m a little bit of a handy person but unfortunately my husband isn’t handy at all🤣 after ripping out the old deck I have levelled the yard. It will measure 6.6 by 4.7.  We can’t afford to pay someone so we will need to do it ourselves, Any advice is really appreciated. Thanks 

[Jason]

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @DIYer23. We're so pleased to have you join us and look forward to seeing your deck project come together. We're sure you'll get loads of inspiration and advice from our wonderful members.

I would recommend you have a good look at the comprehensive Bunnings guide How to build a deck. It would then be great to see you hit the Ask a question button here on Workshop and start a new discussion about your project, sharing your plans and any questions you might have. Our community would love to share their advice and experience with you. Photos of the space so that they can see what you are working with, as well as a sketch of your plans can really assist members to provide more specific and helpful advice. 

Looking forward to seeing what you can achieve (with a little bit of help from the community).

Jason