The Bunnings Workshop community can help with your home improvement projects.
Hi, great forum here.
Im building a low level deck, with limited clearance in Eastern Melb. Nice clay soil with lots of rocks!
I'm down to 500mm deep x 450 x 450 wide.
I will only have 150mm clearance between the underside of the bearer and the ground, so I'm curious about what stumps I could use?
I don't like the idea of concrete stumps, and am considering having the bearers sit directly in a pryda type stirrup, but cant find anywhere that says this is an accepted construction method? If this is ok, does the entire stem need to be encased in concrete?
The other option is TP H4 posts ontop of a 200mm thick bed of concrete, but obviously the concern is the post rotting out.
Bearer span is 1500 and joist span is also 1500 @450 centes so going to use 2/90x45 h3 for bearers and 90 x 45 joists.
Community manager's note: Check out How to build a low-level deck for expert advice.
Hi @Crash76,
Welcome to Workshop.
That sounds like a great project. Have you searched "low-level deck" here on the site as it's a popular topic that has come up many times and you might find some helpful advice in previous discussions.
Let me also tag the very helpful @Adam_W who might like to share some of his experience with stumps.
We are looking forward to seeing your deck project come to life (with a bit of help from our amazing members). Feel free to post anytime you need a hand with anything.
Jason
Hi @Crash76
H4 100x100 is perfectly fine for stumps, they're what I use. 400 deep hole that's 300x300. Make sure there's at least 300mm of stump in ground and set in RapidSet concrete making sure you get about 100mm of it underneath the stump.
I'd suggest using 140x45 for bearers and 120x45 for joists.
Importantly - are you installing timber or composite decking?
Hi @Crash76 and welcome.
Okay... unpack a few things here... as @ProjectPete said if using timber 100x100 is fine but yes, must be H4. Make sure as well that concrete is mounded up so any water can run away. The other option of-course is to use steel such as these (available in different sizes, just concrete the foot in)
For a low deck with stable soil post holes 500 x 450 should be fine but again... as @ProjectPete said don't sit your stumps on the soil, make sure there's either a layer of gravel or concrete underneath.
Or another support option for the centre posts at least that doesn't require holes...
Hope this is of some help...
Feel free to fire us any more questions.
Do you need a permit for new deck or extending a verandah/deck???
Hi @CloudyHaze,
Welcome to the Workshop community. We are pleased you could join us and trust that you'll get loads of helpful information, advice and inspiration for all your projects from our amazing members. Feel free to post anytime you need a hand.
We would encourage you to contact your local council regarding permit requirements as they differ according to your municipality.
Thanks,
Jason
Workshop is a friendly place to learn, get ideas and find inspiration for your home improvement projects
We would love to help with your project.
Join the Bunnings Workshop community today to ask questions and get advice.