low level deck

[Heath1980]

Hello

I realised this has been done to death but I'm in the planning phase of a low level deck. Just hoping to get some simple, sound advice.

The deck will be 8m X 5m and will replace our paved area in the alfresco. The part where I'm scratching my head is deciding to build on top of the existing paving or ripping the oavers up to gain a bit more height. I want to set the deck flush with the zero brick level, the measurement from paver to zero brick is 75mm but if the pavers get pulled the measurement will be 135mm. The tightest measurement that I can think of is using a builders edge pedestal foot at 35mm on a 50mm paver plus a 90 x45mm joist and the ekodeck board will be 23mm thick which in total will be 198mm.

Is it just a simple case of losing sand to make it higher or can the pedestal foot rest on something thinner than a 50mm paver.?.

Kind regards 

[MitchellMc]

Unfortunately, given the measurements you’ve provided @Heath1980, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to construct a deck without removing the existing pavers. To achieve the total height you need of roughly 200 mm, you’d have to remove the current pavers and excavate the area further. Assuming your pavers are 50 mm thick, you would need to dig down an additional 80 mm after taking them out. This will give you enough depth to lay new 50 mm pavers flush with the soil and correctly position the pedestal feet, joists, and decking so that the finished surface sits flush with your brick level.

There isn’t really a way to bypass this excavation if you want a stable, level deck. Pedestal feet need a solid, level base to rest on, and using something thinner than a standard paver could compromise stability. By removing the pavers and preparing a proper base, you’ll ensure the deck is safe, durable, and correctly aligned.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

[Heath1980]

Thanks for your response, very helpful

2 more questions, what would be the minimum paver thickness for the pedestal feet?

And what would be the most efficient way to remove 80mm of sand for that sized area?.........I'm assuming a good old fashioned shovel and wheelbarrow 

Kind regards 

[MitchellMc]

A paver of 30 - 50mm would be sufficient @Heath1980. And, yes, a shovel and wheelbarrow would likely be the most efficient way. The good old bait and switch of inviting a few mates around for a BBQ and beverages, and getting them onto it, is another option worth considering.

Mitchell