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Hello @Halima
Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us and thanks for sharing your question about your plan on building a deck.
Please allow me to try and answer some of your questions.
- 100mm is not a lot space to work with, if you were to use 70x35 in combination with standard Merbau decking you would be using 89mm of space leaving you with 11mm as an air gap. There would not be enough space for a pedestal, but you can use angle brackets to hold and support the timber joist.
- In my opinion screws are better at framing as they don't easily pull out.
- In regards to timber size the space available will dictate the size you can use. You can also look at this guide - How to understand deck span tables. It will give you a general understanding of timber spacing and how certain timber sizes can be used with less support.
I also suggest checking the rules and regulations of your local council regarding low-level decks. There might be rules in regards to size limitations and permits.
If you need further assistance, please let us know.
Eric
Hi @Halima,
Let me also extend a very warm welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. We are looking forward to seeing your deck project come to life.
In addition to Eric's helpful advice, you should find the guide How to build a low-level deck useful.
Jason
Appreciate the link! I came across it shortly after posting and have bookmarked for reading again 
Hello @Halima
There are several sizes of angle brackets you can use depending on your need. For example, the Dunnings 60 x 100 x 35mm M10 Galvanised Angle Bracket allows you to position the timber at varying heights and can easily be anchored with a nut and bolt configuration. There are single hole variants along with double hole mounting styles. I suggest visiting your local store and having a look at what you'll be needing.
If you need further assistance, please let me know.
Eric
Hi Eric,
What kind of approach would you suggest if the clearance were between 60-65mm ? the 70x35 wouldn't suit the job in that case.
Hello @Halima
The first thing I would do is to double check the available space. If you only have 60mm to 65mm I'm afraid that is not enough space to install a low-level deck. Unless you can find extra space, I suggest thinking about an alternative cover to the area such as concrete and tiles.
If you need further assistance, please let us know.
Eric
Thanks Eric. The 60mm query was for my own place, I won't be looking at that anytime soon.
Back to my parents back deck. Here's an image of my plan so far drawn on cad. Top of the photo is north, House starts from the west side.
Pictured below (to scale)
Frame = 4430 x 2780
Picture Frame style
joists = 70 x 35
supports = L and Pedestals
West joist/bearer secured to brickwork of the doorway with concrete screws(dynabolts?)
Joist hangers for both ends
Deck boards planned for 140 merbau with 3mm gaps
450mm centre to centre spacings
deck lines account for 3mm spacings between boards
N
W E
S
questions-
- I've planned for 70x35 H3 timber for the frame. For span/support would a L bracket or pedestal support every 1.5metres be appropriate? span table linked above doesn't have anything for 70x35 timber.
- Any suggestions for how many rows of noggins?
- For the various fixings, where would concrete screws, dynabolts be most approrpriate? for timber/timber I'll use framing screws rather than nails as you've suggested
- What's the best practice regarding overhangs when provisioning for fascia plates? Would it be more appropriate to fix fascia plates under the top deck boards or flush to the top as I have imaged below?
- With the supporting pieces for the frame part of the top deck, should a joist run alongside directly along it? or will my noggings pictured below be enough?
anything to consider that I might've left off that'll dictate the build?
feel like I'm getting close to working out a BOM for the project
Hi @Halima,
You'd typically support 90 x 45mm timber joists every 1000mm, so for 70 x 34 (I'd go with 45mm thick), you'd need to support more readily. Something like every 700mm should be fine.
Noggins can be placed every 1000mm between joists and offset on the next row.
Dynabolts or Ankascrews are appropriate masonry fixings. For anything within 100mm of the edge of the slab so with Ankascrews as they are less likely to crack the concrete.
Your plan is looking good so far.
Please let me know if you have any further questions.
Mitchell
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