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Can you build a low-level deck with just 5cm clearance?

nirmal1988
Cultivating a Following

Can you build a low-level deck with just 5cm clearance?

Hi All,

 

I am thinking of decking my alfresco which is already concreted. My alfresco is 3m wide and 4.2 m long.

I have been reading various threads about building a low-level deck and they were all very helpful.


Some of them being:
https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/t5/How-To/How-to-build-a-low-level-deck/ba-p/45715

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/t5/Featured-Projects/Low-level-Merbau-deck-over-concrete/ta-p/9...

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/t5/Featured-Projects/Low-level-Merbau-deck-over-concrete-slab/t...

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/t5/Featured-Projects/Low-level-deck-with-picture-framing/ta-p/7...

 

But, when I measured my clearance, it is hardly 4-5 CM from the concrete to the top of the brick below the alfresco door.
Is it even viable to build a deck in this area ? If yes, what type of framing timber should I use ?

See picture below.

 

See arrowSee arrow

 

Kindly advice.

 

Thanks,

Nirmal

nirmal1988
Cultivating a Following

Re: Low-Level Deck Advise

Thanks @Vis-á-vis for your suggestions.

Klevaklip looks like the perfect solution for me. I am sure, it would be helpful to many.

I am now considering decking tiles as they will be cost & time saving. I was looking at Decko ones, https://decko.com.au/collections/composite-decking-tiles

Let me compare it with Northern river one.

  

nirmal1988
Cultivating a Following

Re: Low-Level Deck Advise

Hi Experts @Vis-á-vis / @MitchellMc / @EricL 

This is a general query regarding decking, the concrete on my alfresco has a fall (slight decline from building to outwards) to handle drainage I suppose. While laying the joists for decking, do we follow this fall or do we adjust the joists at outside end to have them at same height ?

Hopefully, my question is clear :smile: 

 

Thanks

Re: Low-Level Deck Advise

Is this the same low level deck you were looking at building a while back? If so, what solution did you go with? 
Your joists need to be level as you decking site directly on them and should be flat (no fall). 
Ordinarily your posts/piers would have different heights out of the ground, your bearers would then be set level and your joists would automatically fall level (with some slight packing on the bearers perhaps). 
but ultimately yes, your deck should be flat with no fall. 

nirmal1988
Cultivating a Following

Re: Low-Level Deck Advise

Thanks @Vis-á-vis , yes, it is the same low level deck.

I am struggling to finalize between the klevaklip aluminium joist you had suggested earlier and decking tiles.

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