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Greeting guru’s. last time I asked about a deck I got my head in a spin and ended up doing a knock down and rebuild because “it was easier”.
I now have a new home and a very low area in the front of my house and am wanting to do a low level deck so we can better utilise this space (which is very shaded by a balcony, gets quite a bit of water run off from the neighbours, and contains a storm water pit. ).
the space below is about 5400 long x 2600. The pit is only 60mm lower than the SLAB. I am wanting to have the deck finish about 260mm up from the pit (200mm up from the slab) - which gives me about a 130mm step from the patio onto the deck.
I have so much clay, bricks, debris, and a gas line under the soil that I am trying to avoid doing piers (I am concerned about the amount of work to dig the footing, and am concerned that a mistake will be less forgiving). I have done a lot of clean up to level the ground with a slight slope, and have put a French drain to try and catch the runoff and direct it to the pit. I was thinking of putting builders plastic over the whole area, covering it with coarse sand (for drainage). and then putting supports on the sand (maybe with a paver under each) and a single layer frame so I can meet my target height with the limited clearance.
i am planning on doing composite decking to reduce maintenance in the future.
i am attempting this myself so try and minimise the cost and for the self satisfaction - but I am an over thinker and will be unlikely to start until I know what I’m committed to. Does anyone have advice? (I looked at the span tables - but they always confuse me). Thanks
Noggins are a fantastic way of stabilising a deck @qroozn. So, if you are able to add them I would certainly recommend it.
Mitchell
Unfortunately, sleepers are not structurally rated and, therefore, can't be used in the construction of a deck @qroozn. To get a 5400mm length, you'd likely need to join two 2700mm lengths.
Mitchell
H3 structural timber is fine as long as it does not touch the ground @qroozn. It only needs to be H4 if it's on or in the ground.
Mitchell
Thanks everyone for the help.
i finally got stuck into it. Have made a lot of little mistakes along the way - and it’s not perfect - but it’s better than I had expected.
I have now decided to buy a tonne of blue metal to go on top of the current dirt (hopefully to stop some of the dirt splatting before I finally do the drck over the top.
i have done a mixture of 350/400 joist centres (working around obstacles) … I am concerned that now I am reading up and it says I should have 350 max spans for composite decking. Hopefully It will be fine). Frame feels extremely solid.
Evening @qroozn
We all make mistakes and believe me I know your feeling Cant really see any in your pic.
I dont think the differences will be an issue, tho I am wondering why you are putting down the gravel? Once the deck is over the dirt there will be minimal spashing and weeds will be unlikely to grow.
Dave
Hi @qroozn,
That's looking great!
The max span on Ekodeck composite decking is 450mm, which will be fine with your current layout.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Mitchell
ta da
added the gravel because it’s very low and the I’ll likely get a fair bit of water around there. My wife and I are very happy thanks everyone. It to oil it.
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