How to build a deck connected to the house?

[Imran24]

Hello experts...needing some advice for this new project. Have a few questions and appreciate any help with this long post.

We are planning to build a deck using Ekodeck with following details:

- Length: 5.6M, Width: 5M (Around 2.5m width is concrete slab and the rest 2.5 will be built on Soil)

- Attached to the house, on slight slope along the house

- Image attached detailing Post and Bearer design, annotated with comments.

- Slope from right to left is almost 400mm. Ground clearance on right edge is almost 300mm and on the left is almost 700mm

Here are a few questions:

- Can first bearer be replaced with Ledger (140 x 40 H3) attached to the brick wall using M10x100 (or 8x100), 600mm apart AnkaScrew 10mm x 100mm. If yes, can a termite barrier be applied between ledger and Bricks (if required at all). Note: Ledger will sit below peepholes and the deck will remain under the roof. Thinking to use Joist Hangers to attach joists with this ledger. Any downside of using a ledger i.e. any impact on bricks load bearing or termite risk?

- Posts under first bearer (Marked # 01 in the image) will be dynabolted to concrete using Ramset Dynabolt Gal 12mm x 70mm . Is this correct or should go for 100mm? Posts to be 1400mm apart, along the bearer and almost 1600 mm between two seperate bearers.

- First and second bearers will be made of 90x45 H3 treated pine, 02 off nailed together (marked # 01 and 02 in image). Is it good enough? The reason for 90mm is that I have less clearance on right hand side of the deck.

- Bearer # 03 in the image will be made of 140 x 45 H3 Treated pine (01 off). is it strong enough?

- Thinking of using a combination of Tuff Blocks and "In Ground Posts" on soil section as shown in image. Is this good approach? 

- For Posts in the ground; I will dig 600mm deep hole, place a brick at the bottom, place the post on brick, fill the hole half way with concrete and rest of the hole with dirt? Is it correct process?

-  All Joist connections with Bearers will be secured with Tripple Grips (using 90x45 joists).

@MitchellMc @EricL 

[EricL]

Hello @Imran24 

Please allow me to try and answer some of your questions. Before you begin, I strongly suggest checking your local council's rules and regulations regarding low-level deck sizes. 

• Yes, a termite barrier is a must and can't be skipped. The advantage of having a ledger is that you save on posts, and you have a strong anchor point which is the brick wall. Because you are anchoring to the house, it's very likely that you'll need a permit for your deck. But with a detached free-standing deck there is no need for a termite barrier and your low-level deck will likely not require a permit.
   
• For extra security, I suggest going with the 100mm anchor.
   
• It's better to use a nut and bolt configuration rather than just nailing the 90x45 together. 
   
• In regards to 140x45's capacity in load bearing situations in relation to your decking plan, I suggest engaging the services of drafts person, they'll be able to answer this questions more accurately.
   
• Use of various footings in deck building is an acceptable practice. 

Your last two questions will require the services of a drafts person.

If you need further assistance, please let me know.

Eric