Low-level deck with picture framing

[Jithesh]

A Merbau deck built over concrete in just three weekends.

• The project
• How to build a low-level deck
• More inspiration for your deck

The project

I built a 7m x 4m Merbau deck over a concrete slab in my alfresco area. I used H3 treated Pine attached to the concrete slab with L brackets which allowed a gap under them.

The joists were placed every 450mm and bearers 2m apart. It took three full weekends to complete the project.

To create interest and break up the long expanse of decking, I placed a perpendicular board to the others every few meters. Not only is this pleasing to the eye, but it conveniently allowed me to work with shorter lengths of decking.

To finish the deck, and for some added ambience during evening alfresco dining, I installed up-lighting surrounding its perimeter.

How to build a low-level deck

A low-level deck can pose a range of potential design and installation problems, with particular challenges around ventilation, drainage, termites and rotting. But it doesn't have to be a difficult project once you take the time to understand the basics of how they are put together.

Experienced Bunnings Workshop member Adam Woodhams has created a comprehensive guide to building your own low-level deck which should provide an excellent reference for getting started. 

More inspiration for your deck

Whether you are building a new deck or rejuvenating an existing one, get inspired by the clever and creative Bunnings Workshop community in our Top 10 most popular deck projects.

[nsavi]

This is awesome.

[MitchellMc]

We're excited that you've found these projects contributed by our talented members inspiring @nsavi! Would you like to build something similar? We'd be more than happy to assist with any questions you have in getting started.

Mitchell

[nsavi]

@MitchellMc 

I have a pergola area as big as this which I'd love to transform into something similar like what @Jithesh did.  But I am afraid I'm a noob in this area and I don't think I'll be able to make something as big as this.

I have a pergola area which I'd love to transform into something like this

[MitchellMc]

We all start somewhere @nsavi. Plenty of reading and asking questions will get you on the right track. Many of these amazing decks you see contributed from our members were their first major D.I.Y. projects They were accomplished with helpful assistance from our knowledgeable members.

Remember, we're here to help.

Mitchell

[rahulva]

Do you need approval from the council as the deck is not 1m away from the fence?

[MitchellMc]

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @rahulva. It's sensational that you've joined us and many thanks for your question about council permission.

It's always best to start by approaching your local council to get an idea of what regulations might affect your plans. Distance from the boundary fence is just one limitation to consider. They might also have requirements for footer sizes and height requirements.

We look forward to hearing more about your deck project and encourage you to reach out if you need any assistance. We're here to help.

Mitchell

[Reego]

Hi @Jithesh,

Really good job mate! Are the lights you installed in the decking solar or hard wired?

Dave  

[Jithesh]

Thanks @Reego . 

I have used the Holamn deck lights with the controller - not solar.

https://www.bunnings.com.au/holman-30mm-rgb-colour-deck-light-6-pack_p0011667

[EricL]

Hello @Reego

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. Thank you so much for joining us.

Are you planning on putting in your own deck lights? Any updates you can provide while installing them would be much appreciated. Our members would be more than happy to provide advice and information should you need it.

Here are other amazing projects our Workshop members have shared. 

• Backyard festoon party lights by @weekenddiyer  
• Backyard covered patio with low-level deck by @tom_builds
• Pergola over low-level deck by @DIYgals

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[Reego]

Thanks @Jithesh 

[be11y]

This came out really well. I’m doing the same thing as you and I’m just wondering how far apart you spaced your brackets?

[MitchellMc]

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @be11y. It's wonderful to have you join us, and many thanks for your question on this fantastic project.

Let me mention @Jithesh, so they are alerted to your question, and hopefully, they can provide you with the answer needed. It looks like they might have followed my advice and alternated the side on which the brackets were placed. If so, it appears they've used around a one-meter spacing for the brackets.

We'll be looking forward to hearing all about your decking project and encourage you to start a discussion to document your progress and share your achievements with the community.

Please let us know if you need any assistance with your build or have questions.

Mitchell

[be11y]

Thanks for the advice @MitchellMc. very much appreciated. Once I get the material and start I will share my progress.

[Jithesh]

hey @be11y . Good luck on your deck build.

I have alternated the brackets every 1m as suggested by @MitchellMc . This picture shows a rough plan that I made before starting with the work.

[zacare]

Hi @Jithesh,

It look awesome, what is the overall cost ?

Thanks,

[MitchellMc]

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @zacare. It's sensational that you've joined us, and many thanks for jumping into the discussion.

Hopefully, @Jithesh will be able to answer your question. Are you planning your own decking project? You might like to start a discussion, including details of the height of the deck and what type of decking you'll be using. We can then assist you in putting together a layout. Once you know how you'll construct the frame and supports, you'll be closer to establishing the cost for your own project.

We look forward to hearing more about your project and assisting you in completing your build.

Mitchell

[chisanga]

Nice work @Jithesh, very impressive. I am also planning on my first DIY project of building a low-level deck over concrete. The height between the concrete and the entrance is 110mm, my plan was to use 75mm x 45mm treated pine timber for the bearers and joists leaving me with 40mm of which 20mm is for the decking boards meaning I only have 20mm for the footings and so far the closest I have seen in Bunnings is the 25mm-65mm. So I was excited when I came across your post where you have used the L brackets, did you have to put any wedges under the timber to lift them off the ground or was the space provided by the L brackets enough to lift the timber?

Thanks

[MitchellMc]

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @chisanga. It's sensational to have you join us, and many thanks for jumping into the conversation.

We're excited to hear about your deck project and would encourage you to start a discussion if you need further assistance or would like to document the process. Hopefully, @Jithesh can answer your questions about how they raised their timber joists. You'll find a bit more information on the project in their discussion post: Low-level deck on concrete slab. It appears they used joist hangers on either end of their joists, and the angle brackets support the timber off the ground. They've got a few timber spacers pictured during assembly, but I'm not sure if they were used in the final design or just for positioning and fixing the joists.

I look forward to hearing more about your project and seeing it come together. Please let me know if you need any further assistance.

Mitchell

[chisanga]

Thanks @MitchellMc, I will give that a go.

[Jithesh]

Thanks @zacare . I did not calculate the exact cost, but it came somewhere between 4k-4.5k. That includes the cost of all tools as well since I had to purchase everything being a first time DIYer.

[Jithesh]

Thanks @chisanga .

Along with L brackets, I used window spacers to lift the joists from the ground. They provide necessary gaps and also helped me to keep the joists level and made it easy to fix them to the L brackets.

Good luck with your project.

[chisanga]

Thanks @Jithesh 

[MitchellMc]

Please keep us updated on your project @chisanga. When it comes time to start, you might like to create a discussion about your project so you can document the process and request assistance if needed. 

I'll be looking forward to seeing what you create.

Mitchell

[Maggie24]

Great decking!  I really liked the up-lighting - it adds a really stunning look to a great project.

[Lesley2046]

Looks so much better and I love the lighting. Congratulations!

[BAditya]

Hi @Jitesh just wanted to ask what size H3 treated pine timber you used for frame? and what size decking board you used?

I am also planning to build a deck similar like yours. 

[MitchellMc]

Hi @BAditya,

I'll let @Jitesh confirm, but it appears to have been 90 x 45mm H3 Pine and 140mm Merbau decking that they've used.

Mitchell