Share
We relocated to a new property, but the backyard was in complete disarray. Weeds had spread all over, completely taking over the grass. We were shocked by the quotes we received, ranging from $20k to $30k, for building a deck and installing artificial grass. As a result, we decided to tackle the project ourselves. This was our first DIY endeavor, so it was a completely new territory. I spent several months researching online and reading books to learn how to build a deck. As a software architect, I tend to be thorough in the design process.
This journey took a year, with extended breaks due to weather and other personal commitments. However, I am pleased that it was finally completed and provided a lot of experience along the way. I am thankful to the Bunnings community, especially Eric, for their guidance and support throughout the project.
Please go through the discussion over here.
Materials
- 90x45 MGP10 H3 treated pine
Drainage and Waterproofing
- Bitumen membrane
- Drainage scoria
- 100mm slotted draincoil
- Draincoil Tee
- PVC glue
- PVC priming fluid
- Stormwater Snap Tee
- Geotextile fabric
Timber connectors
- Timber Connector Screw 12G x 35mm Hex Head
- Timber Connector Nails 35 x 3.15mm
- 10 x 75 Dynabolt
- 60 x 60 x 70mm M10 Galvanised Angle Bracket
- 40 x 80 x 40 x 5mm M12 Galvanised Angle Bracket
- 40 x 40 x 40 x 5mm M10 Galvanised Angle Bracket
- Joist hangers
- M10 x 120mm Galvanised Cup Head Bolts And Nuts
- M10 x 120mm Galvanised Hex Head Bolts and Nuts
- M12 x 110mm Galvanised Hex Head Bolts and Nuts
- M12 x 65mm Galvanised Hex Head Bolts and Nuts
- M12 x 50mm Galvanised Hex Head Coach Screws
- M12 x 75mm Galvanised Hex Head Coach Screws
- M10 Galvanised washers
- M12 Galvanised washers
Lights
- Holman RGB Wifi controller
- Holman 45mm RGB Colour Deck Light
- Holman RGB Colour Garden Light Extension Cable
- Outdoor Power Garden Stake
- Solar lights for gazebo
Miscellaneous
- Stirrups
- Pedestal feet
- Quick set concrete
- Decking clips and screws
- Composite decking
- Weed mat & pins
- Timber treatment spray
- Dy-Mark 350g Fluoro Pink Spray And Mark Paint
Tools
- Circular Saw
- Compound Sliding Mitre Saw
- Jigsaw
- Planting and digging tool
- Framing nailer
- Multi-function tool
- Rotary Hammer Drill
- Drill driver
- Impact driver
- Router
- Hex crow bar
- Mattock
- Hammer
- Clamps
- Mallet
- Utility knife
- Shovel
- Wheelbarrow
- Hoe
- Ratchet
- Paint brush
- Torpedo level
- String level
- Post level
- Builders string
- Knee pads
- Gloves
- Measuring tape
Steps
Step 1
Profiling and Digging
Size of alfresco is 3.2m x 2.4m but we decided to extend the deck to the backyard fence increasing the size of deck to 6.2m x 3.33m with 2 cm clearance on concrete and 10 cm clearance on the soil. The deck was supposed to meet two walls with 2 cm clearance to allow ventilation for weep holes. A small deck was added to the plan later to serve as entrance to the grass.
Step 2
Drainage
A channel was excavated on both sides of the alfresco, ensuring it was wide and deep enough for the ag pipe and drainage stones. Geotextile fabric was laid down, followed by a thin layer of drainage scoria before placing the ag pipe. Fortunately, a stormwater drain was located at the corner where both ag pipes met, allowing for an easy connection using a stormwater snap tee. Another layer of scoria was added, and the geotextile fabric was wrapped around the pipe. Finally, the channel was filled with the remaining scoria.
Step 3
Frame
Galvanized stirrups were used as stumps, set into 400x400mm holes filled with quick-set concrete. A weed mat was laid down, followed by a layer of drainage scoria. The bearers were constructed using two 90x45mm treated timber pieces, glued and nailed together. I got stuck when one of the stumps ended up being over the ag pipe channel, which was resolved by using a large paving stone and a pedestal feet.
Since it was a low-level deck, the bearers and joists were installed at the same level. The frame was secured to the alfresco floor with angle brackets and dynabolts. To enhance durability, the surface of the frame was coated with a bitumen membrane.
Step 4
Decking Boards
The decking boards were mitered and installed to create a picture frame. Holes were drilled to accommodate decking lights. After that, the boards were cut to size and secured using decking clips.
