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This low-level deck features composite boards on concrete foundations and had to accomodate a large Mango tree.
The project
Thank you Bunnings community for encouraging us to start this D.I.Y. project. We have done a few D.I.Y. projects around the house such as retaining walls and building in some shelves around our fireplace from scratch. We wanted to build a low-lying deck over an existing, rather degraded concrete patio type area and at the same time a smallish deck that wraps part of the way around our mango tree.
I originally wanted to use TuffBlocks because they were lighter and also sit a little closer to the ground, but the Bunnings tradespeople we were dealing with recommended concrete foundation blocks. They were awkward to handle and move but all in all okay for this first time deck builder to do on her own.
The deck couldn't really go higher than 6cm due to the back sliding door. There are three poles holding up the concrete balcony that we wanted to build around. The existing concrete pad doesn't go all the way to the fence line. There was about 1.5m of earth which we scraped back, levelled out and put down builders plastic before we started.
We popped in a couple of sleepers, as we wanted to level out the turfed area behind it and re-turf. The idea was that you could walk straight from the turf onto the deck, so we made them level to each other. We levelled the area as best we could before laying down the builder's plastic, but then had to do some minor adjustments using decomposed granite under the concrete blocks to get the supporting frame more level.
We used Ekodeck for the decking. It took us three days all up to finish around the Mango tree, and we couldn't be happier with the result.
It is lovely to relax under the big Mango tree. We feel pretty lucky.
Before and after
How to build a deck
Resident Bunnings D.I.Y. expert Mitch shares step-by-step advice in his guide How to build a deck.
Low-level decks can pose a range of potential design and installation problems. Experienced Workshop member Adam has shared comprehensive guide How to build a low-level deck that should help.
Adam has also shared a step-by-step guide How to build a decking boardwalk, which includes a video and a list of the tools and materials required.
More inspiration for your decking project
Community member DIYImpressions built this low-level Merbau deck over concrete, complete with built-in lighting.
Bunnings Workshop member backyardtradie built a low-level deck over concrete in his rear patio area.
Find more top ideas in our Top 10 most popular deck projects and Inspiring low-level deck builds.
If you need a hand with your own project, please Start a discussion. We're here to help.
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