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Hi everyone. I have assembled the framing of the modular decking for my low level deck (see photos). What is in the photo is essentially a walkway, the main deck will be under the pergola and slightly higher. I've gained some confidence from what I've done so far and am considering using tuffblocks and building a framework rather than using the modular decking for the main deck. My question is just about the joist size. I'm not going to use a bearer and joists system, just a framework of joists, mainly because the Pergola is already there (before I bought the house) so I need to preserve the ceiling height of the pergola as much as possible.
I'm unsure about joist size and span of tuffblocks. The Tuffblock website has an article where they're using 2"x6" (45x150) joists, I've seen joists of 45x90 used in Australian based articles and the joists of the Good Times modular panels from Bunnings are 45x70. I'll probably use 140x19 merbau decking.
The pavers will be staying, they're not perfectly level, a small part of the deck will be on soil (the far sides in the second photo).
The total size of the main deck will be about 6.4m x 7.4m or 47.36 m2. It's a lot bigger than any articles I've seen about building a low level deck. Any advice will be much appreciated.
Hi guys,
the deck is finished now and I'm getting ready to oil it. It took 4 months and there has been a lot of rain and heat (when it's not raining) on the decking both installed and waiting to install and the resins have leached out of the wood several times. The decking boards have been soaked several times. Should I still apply tannin and oil remover and prep timber cleaner or is it ready to go ?
So far this year in Brisbane it rarely goes more than a week before we get more rain so I'm hoping to get it oiled by the weekend when rain is predicted.
You can see in the photo the step has gone gray already, will the oil restore the colour to that or would I need to stain it ?
The deck is 45 m2, can you recommend some oil ?
Hello @Zog
It would be the safest approach to apply tannin and oil remover and prep timber cleaner. This will also remove any residual oil and grease that might have settled on the surface of your deck. It's best to do it right the first time to get a good even finish on your decking surface.
If you need further assistance, please let us know.
Eric
