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A Merbau deck with raised garden beds turned a tired, gravel area into a functional outdoor living space.
The project
This deck was something I had wanted to do for a very long time.
I was diagnosed with cancer and had surgery and chemotherapy. I was determined that once I had healed from the surgery I would start my project and not let the side-effects of the chemotherapy keep me down.
I started my deck and finished it before the chemotherapy treatments finished.
This was the first deck that I have built and some things may look strange in the frame but it worked for me and the deck has no bounce or creaking.
I covered the frame with a rubber strip before laying the pre-oiled 5.7 metre Merbau boards from Bunnings.
That breaker board near the back fence is where the 5.7 metre boards finished. It was my way to strengthen that area where one board ended and the next one started. My aim was to keep the join flat and level.
All materials came from Bunnings and it was all done with Ozito power tools. I think it turned out well. I just have the raised garden beds to finish.
Before and after
How to build a low-level deck
A low-level deck can pose a range of potential design and installation problems, with challenges around ventilation, drainage, termites and rot. But it doesn't have to be a difficult project once you take the time to understand the basics of how a low-level deck is put together.
Experienced Bunnings Workshop member Adam Woodhams has created a comprehensive guide to building your own low-level deck, which provides an excellent reference for getting started.
Resident D.I.Y. expert MitchellMc has also put together a step-by-step guide and video tutorial showing how to build a floating deck using adjustable pedestal feet.
More inspiration for your decking project
Bunnings Workshop member oninpena used pedestal feet to support part of a low-level composite deck built across a partially concreted area.
Workshop member nishadshah built this low-level deck Wi-Fi controlled lights.
Whether you're building a new deck or rejuvenating an existing one, you can get inspired by the clever and creative Bunnings Workshop community in our Top 10 most popular deck projects and our collection of inspiring low-level deck builds.
Let us know if you need a hand with your deck project – we're here to help.
