Good Times modular custom or standard frame?

[snipwhip]

Hi,  I'm intending a build a deck around 5.4m * 2.0m (+/- 10cm) using Good times custom frame (945 * 945) instead of the 1113*1113 standard frame for Ekodeck. Has anyone used this custom frame for your decking which Good Times will cut to size for you and if so, what was your experience with the quality?

I can't find many reviews on the custom frames but the standard frames seem ok enough. Ultimately thinking of whether to get custom frames or buy the standard frames and cut down to size myself. I intend to use long 5.4m ekodeck boards and not the panels. Thanks in advance.

[JacobZ]

Hi @snipwhip,

What is the thickness of the steel posts?

If you can't get 12g x 30mm screws, I wouldn't go shorter, but you could always go longer.

These Pryda 12G x 35mm Timber Hex Head Connector Screws would be suitable. They are designed for use with joist hangers and in decking applications, so they would be perfect.

Let me know what you think.

Jacob

[snipwhip]

Thanks,  I'll probably purchase those. For the fascia, I'm thinking of joining 2 shorter pieces to make a longer length board of the 5.3m. Is this advisable or should I try and get a single long piece? Are there problems with aesthetics and expansion using the 2 pieces? 

[EricL]

Hello @snipwhip 

Just keep in mind what I mentioned when joining pieces together, it is necessary to put a gap between panels to allow for expansion. If you don't wish to see gaps, then it's best to get the single long piece.

Eric

[snipwhip]

 

 I've just received my delivery of frames and one of them had these broken off sections. Are these still good to use or do they impact the integrity significantly? Thanks

[MitchellMc]

Hi @snipwhip,

All the timber is structurally rated MGP10. Occasionally, you do see knots on the edge of the timbers, and those can fall out. However, the timber is still perfectly fine to use, and those missing sections don't put it into the realm of affecting your deck. 

Thanks for letting us know. I've passed on the feedback to Good Times, but regarding their use, there won't be any issues.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

[snipwhip]

Thanks @MitchellMc that's good to know. 

[snipwhip]

Hi, while planning to join up my good times frames in a mosaic pattern, i realised that two of the frames will be joined right over the overflow relief gully. How can i modify the frames here so i can provide an access "hatch" over the gully? im also using the merbau prefab panels so that's another complication as i will need to then get the merbau panels to fit the new configuration. I'm thinking if i can move the joists away from being directly over the ORG (like below sketch), i could cut out parts from each merbau panel and join them together as a "removable" lid (maybe 300 x 300) over the ORG.  That way, its not obstructing the ORG from functioning and if we need to look at it, we can remove the merbau lid. Would this be possible? 

[JacobZ]

Hi @snipwhip,

You'd have to cut both frames so there is a clear line to the ORG, alter the frame so that it works around it, move the feet and likely add more so that the frames are supported and then cut the decking panels and add framing to them so you can lift the access panels out of place. Realistically, it would be a lot of work. There's a similar example of a hinged access panel in How to build a trap door into existing deck. This might give you a bit of an idea.

Is there any way you can move the frames over so that the ORG only falls underneath one frame? It would certainly make things a lot easier as you wouldn't be dealing with decking boards changing direction and the alteration of multiple frames.

Let me know what you think.

Jacob

[snipwhip]

Hi @JacobZ 

Yes I think you're right. If I moved the deck right,  it will be all within 1 frame which will be easier to create an access point. I will need to move it 45mm to the right, leaving me total gap on the left end (from the wall) of about 90mm which could perhaps fit a "picture frame" on one side if I could create a double joist on that end. Given that these are good times decking frames,  how can I construct a 90mm double joist to attach to the main deck?

Do I just get another 45mm wide joist and add 45mm blocking and screw them to the end of the main deck to create the 90mm space for the picture frame like my rough sketch below?  Will I then need additional support for this double joist section given its outside the good times frames? Thank you

 

[EricL]

Hello @snipwhip 

I have only seen this type of modification with the double joist on the inside of the frame to allow for the picture framing. The outside frame serves to support the double joist allowing you a little bit of an overhang. But in your case the double joist is fitted outside the main frame and is only supported with screws. In the interest of health and safety I propose adding 100mm Modular Decking Adjustable Support Footings (or the 150mm if you need it taller) along the length of the joist.

Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1, @AlanM52 and @Nailbag for their recommendations.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric