How to design / build a low deck?

[Offcut]

Need to replace a low deck and trying to work out how, before pulling it up!

Deck is 3150 x 3300 with one corner removed - two remaining edges each about 2000 long.

Height above adjacent paving is only 240mm.

Two complete edges are up against the house.

If I do external bearers and hang the joist between them with noggins - how many stirrups set in concrete should I use?

What else do I need to be thinking about?

[EricL · Accepted solution]

Hello @Offcut

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's fabulous to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about building a low-level deck.

I suggest having quick look at these guides - How to build a low-level deck by @Adam_W and How to build a deck by @MitchellMc. These guides I've mentioned should give you a very good idea of what you'll need to consider when planning your decking frame. To give us a better idea of the location, would it be possible for you to post a few photos of the entire deck? This will give our members a chance to assess the area. We can then make recommendations on what to watch out for when planning your decking frame.

The answer to your questions will depend on the size of the timber you'll be using. Before taking your current decking apart, I suggest taking some of the decking panels off and doing some investigation on how it was built, the current spacing of the timber joists and the size of timber used for the framing. My number one tip for this project is to draw your plan on paper, this will give you a very solid idea of what needs to be done and the materials you'll need to get.

Here is a link for ideas and inspiration: Inspiring low-level deck builds

I also recommend looking at the Bunnings deck-building guide:

• how to plan out your deck
   
• How to set out a deck
   
• How to install stumps
   
• How to install bearers
   
• How to install joists
   
• How to lay decking
   
• How to add a step to your deck.

Here are some amazing low-level deck projects our Workshop members have shared:

• Low-level composite deck over concrete slab by @Nat2
   
• Low-level composite deck over concrete and soil by @oninpena
   
• Low-level Merbau deck over concrete by @DIYImpressions

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric