How to build a footing for 3x3 gazebo?

[NishanS]

Hi,

I have purchased 3x3 m gazebo. I want to install it in my back yard. There is a deck at the back. But it is a floating deck. So I’m planning to install the gazebo directly on the ground. Each pole of gazebo comes with base plate which has 4 holes for bolts. Total weight of the gazebo is 164 kg. Can someone please advise me about required dimensions for my concrete footing. Thank you in advance.

Nishan 

[JacobZ]

Hi @NishanS,

A warm welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is fantastic to have you with us.

You should start by confirming with your local council whether your gazebo requires building approval. While it is a relatively small structure, some councils require engineering drawings to be submitted. It's worth checking now to ensure everything is up to standard before installation.

If your council requires building approval, then the anchoring method would need to be confirmed with the engineering plans to ensure it is a suitable installation.

For a structure of this size, a cylindrical concrete pier in each corner with a diameter of 300mm and a depth of 600mm is common, but it is worth confirming with your local council before proceeding.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob

[NishanS]

Hi Jacob,

Thank you for your prompt reply. I have already checked with my local council, and it turns out that I do not require a permit since the structure is less than 10 square meters in area. Therefore, I can proceed with your instructions, adding the footing of the specified size.

I will also ensure that there are no utility lines underneath my backyard before digging, and I will contact the relevant parties to confirm this.

Please let me know if there is anything else I need to consider. I truly appreciate your support with this Christmas project.

Regards

Nishan

[JacobZ]

Hi @NishanS,

I'm glad to hear you can proceed with the installation.

The only other advice I have is to check out the Post Hole Digger which can hired through your local Bunnings' Hire Shop. This will make digging your pier holes a breeze. 

Let me know if you have any other questions.

Jacob

[NishanS]

Thank you for the post hole digger; it will be extremely helpful for the job. At the same time, I would like to get a 300mm diameter Formwork Tube (Formatube) as well. I believe it will make the process of building the piers much easier. I’ve searched for it but wasn’t able to find it. Does Bunnings sell them? If so, could you please provide the details?

Regards

Nishan

[MitchellMc]

Hi @NishanS,

I am not aware of us selling Formatube, or any formwork tube. You might like to speak to the Special Order team at your local store and they'll be able to double-check the suppliers in your area.

Mitchell

[NishanS]

Hi@MitchellMc

Thank you for your valuable advice. I managed to source a 300mm diameter formatube, 3 meters long, from a local supplier, which is more than enough for my project.

I also wanted to follow up on your previous response regarding the low profile deck. I tried reaching out to you through the other post, but the reply option seems to be unavailable. You provided plenty of useful ideas, and I have a few more questions I’d like to ask here.

You mentioned that I could use concreted timber posts or plastic pedestals. I prefer to use plastic pedestals, as this would make the deck floating, and I wouldn’t need a permit for a floating deck. However, my main concern is how plastic pedestals should be fixed. Is the entire deck simply resting on the ground without attachment, or should it be secured to something, such as a side wall?

I would greatly appreciate your input on this.

Regards

Nishan

[JacobZ · Accepted solution]

Hi @NishanS,

Pedestal feet don't have predrilled holes that you can use to anchor them, so the decks are often floating. This is fine for small decks, but when they get larger, it has to be anchored in some way. It's best to avoid tying the deck to your walls as this adds complexity that could have implications in terms of building approval and it can be avoided.

When the deck runs over concrete, the method we recommend is to use a galvanised angle bracket in close proximity to the pedestal feet with a screw into the frame and a Dynabolt or Ankascrew into the concrete below.

If it is over the soil, I'd suggest using a few Otter 690 x 90mm Ground Screw Stirrups alongside your pedestal feet.

Let me know what you think.

Jacob

[NishanS]

Hi @JacobZ 

Thank you for your suggestion; it brings me one step closer to finalizing the deck design. I’ve added the Otter 690 x 90mm Ground Screw Stirrups and pedestal feet to my list. For the pedestal feet, I noticed two main pedestal options on the website: the Tuffblock 300x300x90mm and the Builder’s Edge 35-60mm Smallfoot. My preferred choice is the Tuffblock 300x300x90mm, as it offers a larger surface area and easier installation. However, I have a concern regarding its lack of height adjustability. Since I’m building the deck on soil, do you think it will be difficult to level the deck using the Tuffblock 300x300x90mm, or would you recommend another pedestal option?

Thanks again for your support!

Nishan

 

[EricL]

Hello @NishanS 

The soil for your deck must be prepared properly if you are placing footing over it. It must be compacted, and large rocks must be put aside. For a very stable footing, I suggest using large pavers for the Builders Edge 35 - 60mm Smallfoot Pedestal Feet. This will prevent it from leaning or turning sideways should the ground become wet.

I suggest having a quick look at this discussion - Low-level composite deck over concrete and soil by @oninpena. It's an excellent example of using pedestal feet in combination with pavers.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric