How to build a low level deck over pavers?

[Heath1980]

Hello

I realised this has been done to death but I'm in the planning phase of a low level deck. Just hoping to get some simple, sound advice.

The deck will be 8m X 5m and will replace our paved area in the alfresco. The part where I'm scratching my head is deciding to build on top of the existing paving or ripping the oavers up to gain a bit more height. I want to set the deck flush with the zero brick level, the measurement from paver to zero brick is 75mm but if the pavers get pulled the measurement will be 135mm. The tightest measurement that I can think of is using a builders edge pedestal foot at 35mm on a 50mm paver plus a 90 x45mm joist and the ekodeck board will be 23mm thick which in total will be 198mm.

Is it just a simple case of losing sand to make it higher or can the pedestal foot rest on something thinner than a 50mm paver.?.

Kind regards 

[Heath1980]

Ok great, that helps slot.

Do you think noggins would be required in between the joists ?, I see alot of people using them

Also the concrete is very inconsistent, it's quite bumpy in parts and quite skinny in other parts. Most of these pedestal feet have a diameter of around 150mm.

Would it suffice to get a paver and footing on the sand as close to the brickwork as possible or is it critical to have support right at the edge under the bearer

Thanks

[Heath1980]

Also......sorry to back track but is it possible to attach 2 or 3 ledge board pieces and position them to avoid the weep holes

[JacobZ]

Hi @Heath1980,

Yes, noggins are always a good idea. They help stiffen the frame by reducing joist movement, which improves strength and load distribution. They also prevent twisting over time, keeping the deck surface flatter and more stable.

In theory, you could use small sections of ledger board to prevent the weepholes from being blocked and remove the need for pedestals close to the wall, but as I mentioned earlier, you would need to confirm with a suitably licensed professional that the brick structure is capable of supporting the additional load of the deck.

I think it is worthwhile to have a quick look at @maker_m82's discussion How to build low level floating deck and not cover weep holes, which is ongoing and very similar to your project.

In their situation, I recommended removing the bearer from that end and instead running the joist up to the wall. Considering the issue of the concrete on that edge, I think this would be a great solution for you as well, because you can have joists overhang your pedestals by around 300mm without any issues whatsoever.

Do you have the same issue with the concrete foundation on the wall to the left of the door where you'd be running a double joist?

That side could be a little bit trickier to manage, so I'll see what you say before we delve too deep.

Let me know what you think.

Jacob