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This expansive verandah with Ekodeck decking creates a generous outdoor living space for a new home.
The project
This was my first owner-builder project – with some help from professionals.
Getting ready.
Stage 1: Erecting new verandah using timber already primed and painted.
Stage 2: Installing Laserlite gutters and flashing.
Stage 3: Digging footings and installing concrete stumps for the deck substructure.
I wasn't sold on the concrete stumps idea but the plans approved by council called for them. They are 1200mm stumps as I was required to go down at least 1000mm. They were massive holes!
You can get the stumps at Bunnings, via special order if your store doesn't have them in stock. In the end they were easy to work with and will stand the test of time.
Stage 4: Building the decking substructure – 90mm x 45mm treated Pine.
Stage 5: Laying decking boards – EkoDeck Backbeach.
The deck finally finished.
It has been a long work in progress. Getting the plans and permits was a much longer and more costly battle than I expected. It was roughly 12 months and somewhere from $2000 to $3000.
The build was done in stages. The roof structure was done over about three weekends with a mate who was a registered builder (he was the expert and I was the lackey). Same with the roof – a mate's mate and I did it over two weekends (it only took that long because he needed to measure up and order the flashings).
As for the deck and substructure, I couldn't get any builders to help as everyone is super busy. I backed myself and and did it all with some help from the father-in-law to lay some boards.
The ease of Ekodeck was so good, but I do recommend that you plan the board layout before starting the joists. If I hadn't planned it all out there would have been a lot of rework.
Installing breaker boards was a new concept to me, I was just going to lay them with butt joints but after reading up on the Ekodeck boards I'm so glad I used a breaker board system.
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.
More inspiration for your decking project
Bunnings Workshop member Backyardtradie used Merbau decking boards to transform their outdoor entertaining area with this solid low-level deck.
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 collection of Top 10 most popular deck projects.
and inspiring low-level deck builds.
Let us know if you need a hand with your decking project – we're here to help.
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