Low-level deck with steps and lighting

[asifkhawaja]

This low-profile deck was built over alfresco tiles to expand the sitting area in the backyard.

• The project
• Before and after
• More inspiration for your deck

The project

I turned my boring backyard into an amazing sitting area using Ekodeck decking.

I used treated Pine 140 x 45mm for the frame and Pryda joist hanger suits 45 x 140mm to support them.

I placed sheeting under the deck to prevent weed growth.

For the tiled alfresco area, I used treated Pine 70 x 35mm for the framing and fixed the timber to my alfresco tiles with plugs and screws. I had to pre-drill holes in the tiles for the plugs and screws.

Overall it cost me roughly $6,500, and more than half of this cost was for the Ekodeck boards.

Before and after

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 and Inspiring low-level deck builds.

[Reego]

Hi @asifkhawaja,

I have been inspired by your low level deck using Ekodeck, it looks like it has made a huge difference to your entertaining area. I have recently installed Ekodeck at the front of my house and very pleased with the outcome. My wife and I are in the planning stages of building a low level deck on our alfresco stepping down approx 200mm to an extended low level deck from the house. I was wondering if you have a gap between your joists and the tiles on your alfresco floor and if so what did you use to lift the joists off the tiles?  

Dave

[EricL]

Hello @Reego

It's great that this project has inspired you to build your own deck. Let me tag @asifkhawaja so that they are made aware of your question. Looking at the construction photos I don't see any fixings placed in yet. Any updates you can provide when you begin your deck project would be much appreciated. Our members would be more than happy to provide you with advice or information should you need it.

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

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[SLFDesigns]

Hi @asifkhawaja!

Your deck looks so good!  I'm brand new to this community as we are looking to have a go at a low level deck around our gorgeous mango tree to make it a functional area.   Just wondering how long did it take you to complete your deck from start to finish?  And do you consider yourself an experienced DIYer?  Just trying to gauge how realistic this project would be for us to attempt.

Well done again - it looks amazing! 

[StevieB]

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @SLFDesigns. It's fantastic to have you join us and you're in the right place. Plenty of community members have been able to tackle a deck project with little D.I.Y. experience beforehand.

Here are a few great places to start:

• How to build a low-level deck by @Adam_W

• Inspiring low-level deck builds by Bunnings Workshop community members

• How to select decking timber by @Adam_W

Look forward to hearing @asifkhawaja's reply. Let me also tag @MitchellMc who can help you plan out this project when he's back on the site tomorrow and over the weekend.

Stevie

[asifkhawaja]

@Reego thanks so much. There is no gap between the joists and the tiles. I fixed the joists directly on the tiles with screws/plugs (example here). I had to pre-drill holes in the tiles for the screws and plugs. I did keep some gaps in the framing though to allow any rain water to drain out just in case.

@SLFDesigns thank you so much. I am not an experienced DIYer and had never done any similar projects before. I worked only a few days a week on this so it took me almost two months or maybe more. If I can do it, anyone can do it. 👍

[MitchellMc]

Hi @SLFDesigns,

We'll all be keen to assist with your project and any questions you might have along the way. Feel free to start your own discussion post to document your progress.

Mitchell

[Rockatansky]

Hi Asif, great project ... Just curious how did you fasten your steps on the outside edge, having not used Edge Boards with the Hidden rebate underneath ? 

Cheers

[MitchellMc]

Hi @Rockatansky,

Let me tag @asifkhawaja so they are notified of your question.

There are specific edge boards for Ekodeck, like the Ekodeck 137 x 23mm 5.4m Ironwood Composite Designer Edge Board Decking. They utilise a clip system to fix with an overhang. The fascia board is screwed through the lower section of the front face into the deck frame. The top of the board is fixed with a concealed clip. Here's a helpful video on how to install Ekodeck designer series edge boards.

Standard Ekodeck needs the groove removed on the exposed edge and also uses the same concealed clip system. Here's a video on How to install your Ekodeck Classic.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

[PhillipK]

Hi @asifkhawaja , for the cost about $6500 is it just for the materials? Thanks

[EricL]

Hello @PhillipK 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's wonderful to have you join us.

Let me tag @asifkhawaja to make them aware of your question. To give you a better idea of the cost breakdown, I suggest using the Ekodeck 137 x 23mm 5.4m Alpine Ash / Ironwood Composite Designer Decking Decking as a reference. If for example you had to use 35 lengths of the Ekodeck panels at $98.00, it would be equivalent to $3430.00. The remaining budget would then cover the cost of the timber frame, gravel, screws and other parts needed to build the decking frame.

If you're planning on building your own low-level deck, one way to save on costs is to consider the type of decking panel you'll be using. If for example you were to use 90 x 22mm Decking H3 Treated Pine - 5.4m, it would currently cost you $24.30 per panel. However, you'll need to consider the cost of maintenance and repainting the deck every year. 

Using composite decking provides you with a measure of convenience and quality. It doesn't need to be oiled or painted, it's virtually impervious to insect and rot attack and its maintenance needs are extremely low. It's prudent to use the best materials your budget can afford especially if it is going outside and getting exposed to the weather.     

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

Eric

[asifkhawaja]

Hi @PhillipK

Yes, thats only for the material. Note that was more than 2 years ago now and before the Covid pandemic hit so I would assume the price would be a bit higher now.

[DIYdeck]

Build price $6500, sounds very expensive for DIY for the size of the deck. Can you break down tue proce please. 

[MitchellMc]

Hi @DIYdeck,

If you have a look at a couple of comments up from yours, @EricL provides some details on the costs: "If for example you had to use 35 lengths of the Ekodeck panels at $98.00, it would be equivalent to $3430.00"

The rest of the cost must be in the frame and fixings, but let me tag @asifkhawaja to see if they can verify.

If you have any questions about building your own deck, we'd be more than happy to assist you.

Mitchell

[jarryd13]

Hi @asifkhawaja ,

The deck looks amazing, I'm currently planning to do a similar project and would really appreciate your answer.

What span are the stirrups and distance between bearers please?

Regards,

Jarryd

[EricL]

Hello @jarryd13 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us.

It's wonderful to hear that you're planning on building your own deck. Let me tag @asifkhawaja to make sure they are aware of your kind words and questions. I recommend having a quick look at these guides - How to build a low-level deck by @Adam_W and How to build a deck by @MitchellMc. Please don't forget to post an update, I'm sure our members will be keen to see your deck once its built.

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

Eric