Workshop
Ask a question

The Bunnings Workshop community can help with your home improvement projects.

Low-level deck using reclaimed timber

aaron11
Having an Impact
aaron11
aaron11
Having an Impact

This low-level deck makes the most of a tricky space and utilises reclaimed timber for a unique finish.

 

 

reclaimed-timber-deck.jpg

 

The project

 

The deck build went great! 

 

deck-under-construction.jpg

 

The deck is 4600mm x 2270mm, and the height ranges from 250mm to 400mm because the ground is on a slope.

 

I used three rows of supports. The first was a ledger I DynaBolted to the brick wall of the house. The second was a ledger I DynaBolted to the concrete footing along the fence line.

 

For the middle row I DynaBolted stirrups for posts to the existing concrete footpath pavers.

 

Given the existing brick and concrete footings I didn't need to pour any additional concrete. I was quite relieved by that. I didn't feel like digging holes and messing about with concrete. 

 

build-under-way.jpg

 

I used new 120mm Merbau for the trims and reclaimed Merbau for the main deck space.

 

Before starting I laid down some plastic and covered it with stones to stop weeds. I also planted climbers under the deck on the fence line. I put holes in the deck for them to grow out of and spread across the fence. 

 

deck-with-stairs.jpg

 

The steps took a bit of figuring out but they turned out great.

 

Buying stringers for the steps was going to be expensive and I fancied learning how to make them. One side was on a sideways slope, so each stringer needed to be different. I made them out of treated Pine.

 

deck-long-shot.jpg

 

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. 

 

How to build a deck.png

 

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.

 

compositepedestal.jpg

 

Workshop member nishadshah built this low-level deck Wi-Fi controlled lights.

 

decklights.jpeg

 

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.

 

Comments
Dave-1
Community Megastar

@aaron11 

I really like how you have reused timber. It has come up pretty slick! Steps are something that my head tries to work out and then puts it in the too hard basket. Yours came up nice, Think I will give it a go myself when I come to do mine!

 

Dave

EricL
Bunnings Team Member
Bunnings Team Member

Hi @Dave-1

 

Please make sure to post an update when you give this project a go. If you run into any issues with the build, please don't hesitate to post a question. I'm sure our members will be more than happy to provide advice and information.

 

Looking forward to seeing your next project.

 

Eric

 

Why join the Bunnings Workshop community?

Workshop is a friendly place to learn, get ideas and find inspiration for your home improvement projects