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Hello Community,
I hope you are having a great time with the family and enjoying Christmas!!
I need help making a decision. I have a low-level deck, which I inherited. Background before I go on asking for help with a decision.
Background:
I want to extend the deck (Dimensions to 3480mm * 1440mm). Reason: In winter the grass is completely dead & utilise the space. Image of extension:
The aerial view of the existing deck
Side view of the existing deck and proposed extension
The plan was to fix a few boards on the existing deck; however, upon inspecting, the "bearer" & "joists - all" are rotten.
Below are the examples:
So, the extension soon changed to a complete re-do of the deck.
Therefore, I read through various excellent posts in the community space on decking, low-level decking, and so on. Decking (DIY - being a rookie) wouldn't be an option for me.
Why? Because of the height, to level the deck and the tiled area, the height is 145mm.
Help!!
Firstly, thank you for reading the post and understanding the background. Now I need opinions on deck vs concrete and landscaping - paver, gravel, etc. (I need to think through).
Here is the plan:
Considering the height until the tiled area is 145mm, even if I go up to the sliding door covering the tiles with the deck, it will be 155mm. Further, on the left of the existing deck, in order - I have a downpipe, garden tap, water heater and plants in the soil.
Would the deck still be a good option, or am I better off concreting the area and doing other landscaping?
Thank you again for reading the post, and looking forward to the replies.
Regards
Tushar
Hi @tusharsaini
Merry XMAS
I always prefer a cement slab over a low level deck any day as once a cement slab is poured it will out last the house
and you can put some great tiles on the slab even timber like tile that are very realistic. You can retile with out to many issues as a future option or over tile.
You still can use real timber on cement slabs with rubber backing.
Cement needs no up keep ever.
No insect will damage it.
Your original low level timber deck that is starting to rot is why I like cement set and forget. Possible cost around the same as a new deck that every 20 years reeds maintence or replacing.
A cement slab only needs to be 75mm -100mm with steel so you can always put dirt underneath the slab to build it up to the current tile height or just go 145mm in cement thickness to save time and effort.
For that area I would replace the whole area in cement and re- tile so the whole area matches.
There is a nateral beauty to wood and I love that too but indoors where it will last longer.
Your the boss @tusharsaini you decide the pros and cons 
Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @tusharsaini. It's amazing to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about decking.
I agree with @Jewelleryrescue that concrete slabs with tiling are likely the best option for your space. The rotting of the original deck joists is a clear indication that the low clearance height contributed to moisture retention and decay. H3-treated joists are designed for above-ground use and, unfortunately, aren’t suitable for direct ground contact, which has likely exacerbated the issue.
A concrete slab provides a durable, low-maintenance solution that won’t suffer from the same issues as timber in such a low-height application.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Mitchell
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