How to raise the height of deck?

[meldarl]

Hi Team Bunnings,

I'm planning to uplift our deck this summer and need some help.

A. Can I raise it to match internal floor?
B. I'll be putting down spotted gum or Blackbutt decking board.. Can you please suggest a colour to match with brick as well as boards.

Thanks

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[JacobZ]

Hi @meldarl,

Thank you for your questions about raising and improving your deck.

I think it would be possible to raise the height of the deck in line with the internal floor, but it wouldn't exactly be straightforward. The first thing I would be doing is speaking with my local council to see if there are any requirements for building approval. While it might seem pretty straightforward, as the deck is raised and tied into a roof structure, there can be engineering concerns when altering the structure. It is best to check and see before you move further into the planning stage.

I see three ways you could do it. Remove the old frame and start again, lift the old frame and reattach it higher up, or leave the frame where it is and attach timbers to the top of the existing frame. Each of these approaches has its own unique challenges and considerations that you would need to make.

Have you considered how you would move the frame up? Were you planning on lifting it or starting again with a new frame? 

Personally, I wouldn't be colouring spotted gum or blackbutt because they are such beautiful timbers in their own right. I would instead be using a clear decking oil such as Cabots Aquadeck Natural Exterior Decking Oil to simply enhance their natural colour. You could always use a decking stain if you'd like to, but these timbers are often chosen because they are a feature in their own right.

Allow me to tag our knowledgeable members @Nailbag, @Dave-1 and @AlanM52 to see what they think.

Jacob

[Dave-1]

Good Afternoon @meldarl 

An interesting question, All the points that @JacobZ has raised are valid, One thing to keep in mind is your steps, Raising the existing height will cause the steps to be out of whack. To the point that any redo of the deck will need the steps to be redone as well.

Maybe do a few rough sketches of possible decks.

One a little higher but keeping the existing beams plus steps (it looks like you dont have a lot of space to extend an extra tread) as is, one raising the beams by the height you need and one redoing the deck itself and to allow for new stairs as well. 

Dave

[meldarl]

Thanks @JacobZ & @Dave-1 , 

My plan was to add timbers to the top of the existing frame, but I’m guessing I’ll also have to add more support to the existing frame. And Dave raised a good point, I would have to redo the stairs as well. I’ll probably let this go for now.

Regarding painting, sorry for not providing details. I want to paint the frame, and I’m looking for suggestions that will go with the decking boards + Bricks. We liked dulux colorbond monument, but may be it's too dark.

Another questions.-- can we use the same board for the ceiling to get this look? Is there anything we should consider (thinner board ??)?

[JacobZ]

Hi @meldarl,

I suppose it is all up to preference, but I like Monument as a colour. It contrasts well with so many things, and red bricks and natural timber would certainly look nice with it.

Yes, you could also use decking boards to create a ceiling on the underside. They'd likely be your best option because they have gaps in them that would allow water to drain through. Most other materials that are used for ceiling linings are solid and wouldn't allow this, so I think decking boards would be the way to go.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob

[Dave-1]

Good Evening @meldarl 

Monument colour is very on trend and I think its one of the colours that will be around a long time as it gives a nice blend to whatever you are painting (As indosnt stand out brightly) 

With the boards on the ceiling idea.

I hesitate in saying yes, mostly because of the added weight to the structure and also becaue the people I have talked to that have instlled it say its a lot of work. As you have alsonite on the roof, you could always use timber panneling tho it wont look as nice.

How about pine slats instead? They are lighter then floor boards and you could have a wideish gap between each so you dont need so many boards. You could then coulour them to match whatever you want (the ones I am thinking of are pine so will absorb colours nicely)

Dave

[Nailbag]

Hi @meldarl 

Just to throw a more simplistic solution out there, would you consider just a floor level landing the width of the door and out say 1200mm. The entire deck wont be flush, but will provide an easier transition of heights when it not a doorway step. No permit required and very cheap to construct.

Nailbag

[meldarl]

Thanks @Nailbag .. this is a great idea! I'll probably do that.. Thanks for sharing.. 

Thanks @Dave-1 , I was not able to find good pic at that moment.. I just found exactly we were looking to do: https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/t5/Outdoor/Alfresco-feature-ceiling-panelling/td-p/215273 Thanks again @Nailbag.