How to build Merbau deck steps and side panel?

[fr97sk]

Hi everyone!

The contractors building my deck have left a section on the side leading to the pool not covered and it currently doesnt look neat.

I was planning to build a step lead to the stone tiles anyways myself but the plan was to only build a step in front of the pool gate and just cover the rest with Merbau (same as deck above).

The only issue I am facing is how I can attach the merbau as the only way to make it flush with the side panel on the top would be drill the merbau into the concrete/brick section which I believe shouldn't be done.

Can anyone help me with ideas on how I can get build decking steps and also cover the areas I'm not installing steps?

Thanks!!Side 1Side 1Side 2 (Pool Gate)Side 2 (Pool Gate)Side 2 (Pool Gate)Side 2 (Pool Gate)Side 1Side 1Side 1Side 2 (Pool Gate)Side 2 (Pool Gate)

[MitchellMc]

Hi @fr97sk,

It’s true that connecting timber directly to a flat concrete or brick surface isn’t ideal, because it can lead to moisture being trapped and the timber decaying faster. In your situation, though, it’s not a major concern if you take a few precautions. I’d recommend painting the back of the Merbau board where it will meet the concrete with a protective coating like Bitumen paint, which gives the timber extra resistance to moisture. After that, you can drill into the concrete, insert plastic wall plugs, and screw the Merbau directly in. That’s a practical way to cover the areas without building a full step.

Regarding your step plan, the tricky part is ensuring it complies with standard step regulations. Standard rise for a step is usually between 150–190mm, with a maximum recommended of around 200mm, while a step that’s too low can be a trip hazard. The width of your Merbau boards will affect how you calculate the rise. If the area you’re looking to cover is quite high, leaving no step could exceed the recommended maximum rise, but adding a step could create a rise that’s too short. Either way, it can be difficult to get the height perfect for safety. If you let me know the total height from the top of the deck to the tile level, I can work out exactly what would comply and suggest the best solution. 

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

[fr97sk]

Thanks a lot Mitchell!

The current step is 280mm from tile to top of deck all round while the the Merbau boards I have used are the 140mm boards.

Thanks for your help!

[MitchellMc]

Thanks for the measurements, that makes things much clearer @fr97sk. Since the deck is 280mm above the tiles and your Merbau boards are 140mm wide, you’ve actually got a perfect situation for creating two compliant steps, each with a rise of around 140mm. That sits comfortably within the standard rise range and will feel natural and safe underfoot.

The simplest approach is to build a small, independent step frame that sits against the deck on the tiles. You create a low ladder-style frame from treated pine and then clad it with the Merbau. It keeps everything ventilated, avoids fixing boards straight to brick, and gives you a neat finish that matches the rest of the deck.

Mitchell