How to build a deck using existing posts?

[GillyT]

 

 

The area under our existing deck is a mess and I’m keen to build a small deck directly below it. The 2 existing posts have fairly unsightly footing and I’m not sure how to conceal them or get my new footings close enough - I was planning on using TuffBlocks for the footings so I don’t have to pour concrete. I’m not that handy. Any suggestions how to navigate around the posts or can I use them somehow?

[JacobZ]

Hi @GillyT,

A warm welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community and thank you for your question.

I would suggest your new deck is not mechanically attached to the posts unless you consulted with a building professional. When doing your own work, it is best to leave things detached. The deck can still go around the posts, it just shouldn't be attached to them.

Where are you hoping for the outside edge of your deck to finish? 

If you just left the deck slightly short of the posts, then you wouldn't really need to take them into account, but if you wanted to finish in line with them or beyond them, you would need to consider how to tie them in with the deck.

A relatively simple way of tying the posts in with the new deck without mechanically attaching to them is to essentially sandwich them with framing, then cut your decking boards in around them, like in the below render.

 

Is this along the lines of what you were thinking? If not, can I trouble you for a quick sketch of what you were thinking so I can have a look over it before assisting further?

Let me know what you think.

Jacob

[GillyT]

Thanks Jacob - I would like the deck to line up with the posts so like your idea of sandwiching them into the design. Appreciate your feedback.