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How to build a low-level deck?

qroozn
Getting Established

How to build a low-level deck?

Greeting guru’s. last time I asked about a deck I got my head in a spin and ended up doing a knock down and rebuild because “it was easier”.

I now have a new home and a very low area in the front of my house and am wanting to do a low level deck so we can better utilise this space (which is very shaded by a balcony, gets quite a bit of water run off from the neighbours, and contains a storm water pit. ).
the space below is about 5400 long x 2600. The pit is only 60mm lower than the SLAB. I am wanting to have the deck finish about 260mm up from the pit (200mm up from the slab) - which gives me about a 130mm step from the patio onto the deck.

I have so much clay, bricks, debris, and a gas line under the soil that I am trying to avoid doing piers (I am concerned about the amount of work to dig the footing, and am concerned that a mistake will be less forgiving). I have done a lot of clean up to level the ground with a slight slope, and have put a French drain to try and catch the runoff and direct it to the pit. I was thinking of putting builders plastic over the whole area, covering it with coarse sand (for drainage). and then putting supports on the sand (maybe with a paver under each) and a single layer frame so I can meet my target height with the limited clearance.

 

i am planning on doing composite decking to reduce maintenance in the future. 

i am attempting this myself so try and minimise the cost and for the self satisfaction - but I am an over thinker and will be unlikely to start until I know what I’m committed to.  Does anyone have advice? (I looked at the span tables - but they always confuse me). Thanks

 

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qroozn
Getting Established

Re: How to build a low-level deck?

Thanks @JacobZ - would I also need 2 or 3 noggins between each joist?

MitchellMc
Bunnings Team Member
Bunnings Team Member

Re: How to build a low-level deck?

Noggins are a fantastic way of stabilising a deck @qroozn. So, if you are able to add them I would certainly recommend it.

 

Mitchell

 

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qroozn
Getting Established

Re: How to build a low-level deck?

thanks @JacobZ - I am online now ordering my timber - and just realised I can’t get H4 140x45 at 5.4 lengths (I can get at 4.8 on special order only).


would I be right to use. 150x50 3.0m lengths treated pine CCA H4, and stagger them slightly as bearers rather than running. 5.250m full length?

 

thanks

colin

MitchellMc
Bunnings Team Member
Bunnings Team Member

Re: How to build a low-level deck?

Unfortunately, sleepers are not structurally rated and, therefore, can't be used in the construction of a deck @qroozn. To get a 5400mm length, you'd likely need to join two 2700mm lengths.

 

Mitchell

 

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qroozn
Getting Established

Re: How to build a low-level deck?

Thanks @MitchellMc . Could I just use H3 for the bearers? They will all be above the ground on small supports now (so not in direct contact with the ground).

MitchellMc
Bunnings Team Member
Bunnings Team Member

Re: How to build a low-level deck?

H3 structural timber is fine as long as it does not touch the ground @qroozn. It only needs to be H4 if it's on or in the ground.

 

Mitchell

 

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