How to install front porch deck?

[benito75]

Hi all, I am looking for some advice and a solution to get my front porch decking laid with minimum fuss. It seems every time i have a plan there are other hurdles preventing progress.
Presently, I am unable to lay the wood frame in the manufacturer suggested upright position, as it will not leave enough room for a ventilation gap and will exceed the available working area and clash with the bottom of the security door when it opens. I could lay the wood beams for the frame flat to get around this, although this raises other concerns with structural integrity and how the joists can be screwed/nailed to the beams given the increased width and size. 

I could remove the concrete slab which would remove the issue altogether, although this could potentially make things more challenging as far as council approval and additional cost. I already have the decking wood and required bolt, screws and risers and don't want to resort to composite decking to get around the issue! 

I'm hoping there are other options here and whether or not i should be looking at using some steel frame to lay the decking on?

Either way, I'd be grateful for your assistance. Cheers

*Edit: the total distance between the slab and the underside of the door is 10cm in total.

[MitchellMc]

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @benito75. It's wonderful to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about construction a deck.

Your frame height is 70mm minus 19mm for the decking, leaving 51mm. This would allow for a 90 x 45mm joist on it's face and 6mm under it for drainage. You'd likely need to pack out under it with plastic shims and attach the frame to the concrete with countersunk Dynabolts. 6mm clearance under the deck frame is not a great deal, and will reduce the lifespan of the deck due to the early onset of decay. You could go for a steel frame that could provide a longer lifespan.

Joists can be physically placed on their face but need more support than on their edge.

I've constructed a rendering to illustrate.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell
 

[benito75]

nice work, thank you. i think i just needed some encouragement to get on with it. was more of a brain fart than a massive hurdle. I often look to be too precise and unwilling to budge. thanks Mitchell

[EricL]

Hello @benito75 

Please keep us updated with your progress, we look forward to seeing the start of your decking project.

Eric