DIY - Low level deck help

[abdinner]

Hello,

I've been reading all the posts and got some knowledge on how to start with my first ever DIY.

Below is how the measurements look.

I have few questions on what tools and materials are needed.

• As I want my deck to flush with brick level, which is 160mm.. am I better off using 90 or 120 mm boards with packers/shims underneath?
• I would also like to have a broader boards of 140mm around the border of deck and 90mm boards laid vertically. How would I achieve this?
• What type of tools are needed for this project? I have none to start with.
• I would highly appreciate if I can get a high level list of materials such as screws, bolts, angle brackets etc.

Thanks,

AB

[MitchellMc]

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @abdinner. It's great to have you join us and many thanks for your questions.

120mm H3 timber is not readily available, so you would look at using Treated Pine Outdoor Timber Framing 90 x 45mm on pedestal feet. Do you want a picture frame around the deck's exterior using 140mm timber like the image below? If so, you'll either leave space to fit the frame when laying decking boards or install the frame boards first.

I'd encourage you to read through How to build a low-level deck by @Adam_W. You should also find this step-by-step guide useful: How To Build Your Deck. You'll find this guide lists all tools and materials required.

Please let me know if you need further assistance or had other questions.

Mitchell

[abdinner]

Thanks for replying @MitchellMc 

Yes, I would want something like that. Referring to other community posts, I think I should do something like this to get the 140mm border.

• I would need around 41mm of spacing under the joists as I use 90mm for frame + 19mm for decking boards. Can I instead use shims/plastic wedges beneath the frames to achieve spacing for drainage?
• For my length of deck, what would be ideal width to place my brackets on alternate sides?
• Can you also please help me with a basic drawing of how should I lay my joists? I'm getting confused on how to lay them near the brick posts/pillars?

Thanks,

AB

[MitchellMc]

@abdinner,

It would be best if you framed around the pillars and the perimeter to nail off the decking boards. Otherwise, your joist placement looks fine. You could pack up under the 90mm joists, but that is quite a height, and what pedestal feet are designed for. If you are to place brackets between 600mm and 100mm would be ideal.

Mitchell

[abdinner]

@MitchellMc , If I use pedestal feet, do I still need to use brackets?

If brackets are not needed, does the spacing of 600 to 1000mm still remains same for pedestal feet?

[MitchellMc]

@abdinner,

No, they are a stand-alone support and fixing method. Your joists are screwed to them and then they are glued to the concrete or left free-floating.

Mitchell

[abdinner]

Thanks for that @MitchellMc 

How would I place order for these decking boards? Do I ask my local Bunnings to cut them to my length's as I can see only 5.7M length boards in store?

I've made a list of items that are needed for this project. Can you have a look and let me know if I'm missing anything?

	Tools and Materials	Link	Qty or mts	Price	Sub-total
1	Spirit level	https://www.bunnings.com.au/stanley-1200mm-high-impact-abs-resin-spirit-level_p5660383	1	20	20
2	90x45mm joist	https://www.bunnings.com.au/treated-pine-outdoor-timber-framing-90-x-45mm_p8032162	70	5.45	381.5
3	90x19mm side border deck boards	https://www.bunnings.com.au/90-x-19mm-kd-select-grade-merbau-decking-linear-metre_p0062735	19	5.75	109.25
4	90x19mm vertical deck boards	https://www.bunnings.com.au/90-x-19mm-kd-select-grade-merbau-decking-linear-metre_p0062735	160	5.75	920
5	140x19mm deck	https://www.bunnings.com.au/140-x-19mm-kd-select-grade-merbau-decking-linear-metre_p0062737	19	9.95	189.05
6	mini foot pedestal	https://www.bunnings.com.au/builders-edge-25-40mm-pedestal-foot-minifoot_p2450073	90	8.4	756
7	drill driver	https://www.bunnings.com.au/ryobi-500w-corded-impact-drill-with-6-drill-bits_p6210418	1	60	60
8	decking screws	https://www.bunnings.com.au/macsim-10-x-50mm-stainless-steel-countersunk-decking-screws-1000-pack_p2...	1	95	95
9	joist joiners	https://www.bunnings.com.au/pryda-joist-hanger-suits-45-x-90mm_p1071668	10	1.5	15
			Total for Decking	2545.8
1	decking oil	https://www.bunnings.com.au/cabot-s-10l-natural-decking-oil_p1523681	1	159	159
2	deck clean	https://www.bunnings.com.au/cabot-s-1l-deck-clean_p1521451	1	15.2	15.2
3	10l Bucket	https://www.bunnings.com.au/cabot-s-10l-deck-hand-bucket_p1661947	1	25	25
4	deck brush	https://www.bunnings.com.au/uni-pro-175mm-jumbo-deck-brush_p1662785	1	26	26
5	paint can opener	https://www.bunnings.com.au/uni-pro-metal-paint-can-opener_p1670452	1	0.5	0.5
6	stirrer	https://www.bunnings.com.au/uni-pro-plastic-hand-held-paint-stirrer_p1661099	1	3	3
			Total for Staining	228.7

[MitchellMc]

Hi @abdinner,

That list seems very comprehensive and includes all the essentials for the build. No doubt you might require a quick trip back down to Bunnings at some stage to pick up a necessity. You might like to discuss your order's requirements and the cutting to size of the timber with the team in-store. Generally, you would lay the full-length decking and then come back at the end and cut them all to size. This ensures that all the decking timbers are cut to the same length. You could have the decking pre-cut in-store, but you would want to make sure that your measurements are exact and nothing will change.

The pedestal feet require you to screw them to the joist. You can use your decking screws, but they will stick out slightly from the other side of the joist. I can't see this being an issue, but you might like to use 40mm screws instead. These screws will also be suitable for the joist hangers.

You also need some longer screws to join your joists together on the corners where the joist hangers can't be used. I would suggest Buildex 10-8 x 75mm Climacoat Countersunk Ribbed Head Treated Pine Screws - 50 Pack in those locations. An alternative is to bend one of the attachment wings on the joist support.

It would be a good idea to pre-drill and countersink holes in the decking before driving in those screws. This will allow the screws to be perfectly flush with your decking and prevent any timber splitting. The Starborn No.10 Smart-Bit Flat Head Countersink Drill Bit would be a fantastic product to use for this purpose.

A set of plastic packers would help ensure you keep the gap consistent between all your decking boards.

Please keep us updated and let us know if you have further questions.

Mitchell