Low profile deck

Hi @hadi,

Thanks for making your first post. Great to have you join us.

This is a common topic and we look forward to seeing how your deck progresses. If you could add some photos it would really help members see what you are working with.

You might also find these other decking discussions useful:

Low-level deck

Top 10 most popular deck projects

Mid-project deck update

Ground level ekodeck

Low level deck.

Of course there's also lots of D.I.Y. advice about decks on the Bunnings website, too.

Hope that helps get you started.

Jason

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/5368#Comment_5368

Hi @hadi
Thanks for the link to adjustable risers I'll have to get a few for site/inspections/repair jobs
I would definitely use them on a concrete slab base, not certain about resting/fixing then on Brick pavers for such a large deck?
As @Jason Mentioned Photos do help others, the better the photos, sketches and Information the better the reply
Other factors to consider,
1. Soil type , slope and drainage away from the house footings?
2. Nearby trees, plants ?
3. Effectiveness, cost, alternatives, etc,etc?
hth

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/64829#Comment_64829

Thanks man for the reply.

I'll sort out the photos as soon as I get home today. I'll upload great quality photos 🙂

1- Soil type = not sure what's underneath brick pavers. I'll live in west pennant hills in NSW. I assume it's a just normal soil. The brick pavers aren't very old. About 15 years I think. They're solid like concrete, one of the issue is if I want to dig them up requires a large effort.

2- There won't be any big plants or trees around as I'm doing the whole backyard reno. On one side it would be grass, on the top end it would be a raised bed and I'm going to use the raised bed wall and construct a bench to connect to it and the deck later on.

3- I'm trying to build this as cheapest possible but I wouldn't compromise quality for the cost. I think just wanted to reduce the labour cost as when I asked couple of guys to qoute me the labour cost was around $10 - $12k which was not affordable right now 🙂

I'm open to other alternatives as well. As I mentioned I'm trying to build an entertainment area for the family. Right now it's just the pavers and bunch of small plants, a low level hedge and grass which together doesn't provide us a good looking backyard. Again I'm going to build a pergola on top of the deck but hasn't decided yet what type of pergola or awning.

Thanks

https://www.bunnings.com.au/good-times-90-x-45mm-modular-decking-base-frame-kit_p8451187

Hi @hadi

I built my deck at ground level over existing pavers and used the "Good Times" modular decking frames from Bunnings.

They were very easy to put together and very sturdy when all joined up. Mine was just under 14 cm high and leveled it to the back door. You can get adjustable footings to even things out if needed. I then went over the top of that with treated pine decking timber as the cheapest option for me, then stained it. Hope you have fun and love your finished deck as much as I did with mine.

Stuart.

deck 01.jpg

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/5369#Comment_5369

Hi @Stuardo

Thanks for shring.

This is a great product but I wasn't sure if I can customise the size. Have you done that when you were building yours ?

Also the other quesition is that which type of leg you've installed ? or you just laid them on the ground ? Do you have more pics before laying the treated pines decking boards ?

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/64830#Comment_64830

Hi @hadi
Thanks for the photos here is my response to your points
1.Check to see if you soil is clay, your councils Building department should help, you don't need a geotech report
If it's clay make sure the rain is draining away from the House Foundations, leave the bricks in place, remove those for Posts/Stirrups,etc

2.Guide to Foundation Maintenance & Footing Performance
3.on labour Costs, $12k/50m2 = $240m2 (Ouch nuf said)

BTW Material costs start around.$100m2,

If you're planning in the future to extend or repurpose your " Goodtime/Entertainment Deck" into a Pergola and then later into a Indoor Out door room? please check with your council regarding Planning and Building Compliance requirements

Temporary Decks or platforms are costly & difficult to upgrade/repurpose. hth

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/64830#Comment_64830

Hi @hadi,

Yes I did customise, along the fence as it becomes a triangle shape there, but that was easy to cut and allow for.

Most of the deck was just the square modules fitting together nicely then some simple carpentry for the angle of the fence. I drew it all up on graph paper first to scale and worked out what I needed to do and buy. I was advised that with the deck being low to the ground I would require a min 5mm gap between decking boards to allow for airflow.

The deck started directly on the pavers at the doorway and only some small height adjustment in some uneven areas and I screwed in steel angle where required to stabilise. The legs from Good Time were too big for the requirements. Sorry I don't have any before photos without the decking boards. Six months later I had a patio cover professionally built over the top of the deck and all council inspected and certified. Best thing I ever did.

Regards,

Patio Finished.jpg

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/95083#Comment_95083

Thanks, I've decided to use the same for frame and for the decking board I use Merbau decking boards.

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/95082#Comment_95082

I've removed some of the brick pavers and surprisingly underneath was a bit of sand and then concrete. The concrete wasn't smooth as like concrete slabs though. I've decided to go with the Good times decking frames and use the 50mm seat posts and remove only bricks where the post would sit.

I've checked with the two landscape designers and they both said I don't need council approval for deck and pergola as it doesn't reach to the neighbours boundry line.

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/114055#Comment_114055

Thanks for the update @hadi, we are looking forward to seeing how it comes together.

Jason

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/95082#Comment_95082

Hi @BIM_Engineer and @Stuardo

I have a question to ask as I'm going to bunnings this weekend to get the decking board sorted.

Bunnings has Merbau FJ boards at 5.7 meters length. The length of the decking I'm trying to lay is 6.7 meters. The question is to ask is how do I calculate how many decking board I'll need. And if the FJ boards are not recommended what's my other options ?

I found that I can join two boards on top of a joist. But not sure how to calculate and recommnedation of the best way to do that for my length.

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/114058#Comment_114058

Hi @hadi,

I don't know an easy way around that other than doing the maths. That's why I worked it out on graph paper first. For odd shaped decks I'd draw it up to scale and break it into rectangles and work out the square meters (length x width) for those rectangles then how many boards to fit each rectangle, allowing for spacing. Left over areas of the deck outside of the rectangle shapes for me would be best guess. Order a few extra lengths to allow for mistakes too. (Remember the old saying to measure twice and cut once). Merbau FJ should be great for your deck and does look good when finished, no need to stain it either. The colour (tannin) does leech out of the wood when new so follow instructions for cleaning and prep before sealing it at the end. Can't wait to see the finished deck.

Cheers,

Stuart.

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/114058#Comment_114058

@hadi
If you send me a message I will put up a Google sheet (Spreadsheet & Diagram)

for you to use
hth
Chris

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/124708#Comment_124708

@BIM_Engineer

Hi Chris,

I"ve sent the email with the sketch.

Thanks

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/131875#Comment_131875

@hadi

Here is a solution to your deck (viewed from beneath) hth

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/136237#Comment_136237

Hi @BIM_Engineer,

Thanks for providing the info. Just a quick question, I have bought the Merbau from Bunnings, I haven't notice that in store but when I was installing them, some of them has a bend length wise and difficult to put them to work and screw them and follow the standard gapping. Is there a solution for this or I have to return them to the store and get the straight ones ?

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/139205#Comment_139205

Hi @hadi
if you can't straighten them when fixing return them
Cheers

Abhijit

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/95083#Comment_95083

@Stuardo

Hi Stuart,

You mentioned 'The deck started directly on the pavers at the doorway and only some small height adjustment in some uneven areas', can you please let me know how you made those height adjustments. I am going to start my deck next week and have a very uneven paver surface. I cannot use the good times height adjustments as they are very tall.

Thanks,

Abhi

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/114253#Comment_114253

Hi @Abhijit,

Welcome to the Workshop community. We are looking forward to seeing how your deck progresses. Have you considered removing your pavers?

Please feel free to post anytime you need a hand. We have members sharing helpful advice and project inspiration on Workshop every day.

Jason

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/114253#Comment_114253

@Abhijit

Most of the paving area was level with just a slight fall out from the door as expected for drainage. I used offcuts of the framing

timber at regular spaces where needed on top of the pavers beside the frame (not under) and brought the frame up to level then screwed the offcuts to the inside of the frame with the same bugle screws that hold the frame together. See image I tried to draw how it worked. Hope that helps.

Decking Frame Leveled on Pavers.jpg

Abhijit

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/124850#Comment_124850

Great! Thanks Stuardo. I think I understood this. I guess I will have to use this in some places.

Regards,

Abhijit

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/124849#Comment_124849

Hi Jason,

The paver surface is pretty sturdy and been around for years. So I am sure it will hold the frame firmly in place. I did consider removing the pavers but was apprehensive of what I may find and end up with much more work. But removing pavers is not completely out of plans yet. Will decide next week. Let me know if you think that's a better approach. Thanks.

Regards,

Abhijit

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/114055#Comment_114055

Hi @hadi,

Hope you are well.

As this has been an incredibly popular project this year I thought I'd check in to see if you could please share an update with us.

Thanks,

Jason

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/124958#Comment_124958

Hi, Sorry I've been busy with the born of my first child. Here some pics of finished deck. I've used the modular decking frame from bunnings and took some of the tiles to put the post in. And for the top used Merbau again from bunnings. Overall very satisfied with the outcome.

Thanks everyone who helped. Without this forum it was impossible.

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/132062#Comment_132062

Wow @hadi, sounds like double congratulations are in order. It's great you've finished the deck and what wonderful news that you've had your first child. We are so thrilled for you.

When you get a chance, can you please try adding those photos again? There was no images on your post. Please let me know if you need a hand with uploading them.

Many thanks,

Jason

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/136358#Comment_136358

Hi Jason, Sorry for delay. I've updated the post and added the photos. Hope you like them. Cheers, Hadi

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/139312#Comment_139312

Great work @hadi, congratulations. And a big congratulations on your birth of your first child - that's so exciting. What an amazing time it must be for you.

Thanks so much for coming back and sharing your completed deck, and for your kind words that the community assistance you received was invaluable. We're so pleased to hear it.

Looking forward to seeing what you tackle next!

Enjoy this special time with your family,

Jason

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/141279#Comment_141279

That is a beautiful deck @hadi and you should be proud of what you achieved. I hope you found the modules easy to work with and very sturdy when finished as I did. It seems Workshop is helping deck Australia one yard at a time. Congrats on your new child as well.

Stuart

pasmith

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/132062#Comment_132062

Great looking deck there @hadi .

I'm looking at doing something similar myself. Just want to know if you used dynabolts to secure the bearers to your house or did you just leave it free-standing?
Cheers mate,

Smithy