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Hello everyone,
I'm trying to build a deck in our alfresco. At this point, it's still on the planning stage. I've seen a few posts here and there on this forum and would very much appreciate some further inputs to more experienced people than me.
My background: I work in the IT industry and "hardware" isn't really my thing lol. Anyway, I've built a few benches, and tables (nothing fancy) but not really built anything as big as an outdoor deck.
Project Alfresco: We have a small alfresco that my wife insists should have a deck. I agree, and I want to build it myself. Here's some bit of a challenge. The brick height is low, and also, "not even" from the side near the wall (corner of the doorway), it's around 130mm slopes down to 125mm the other side. Also, what would look good:(1) building the deck only on the slab of the alfresco, or (2) including the one outside as well?
Need suggestions on best way to build it, should I use this? https://www.bunnings.com.au/tuffblock-300-x-300-x-90mm-instant-foundation-system-deck-support_p24103... shour I do something else? Open to any suggestions at this point since this is my first build.
thank you.
How much is the bracket moving around @yeahboo? When you tighten the Dynabolt down, it should grab the bracket and lock it into place.
To use bolts near the wall, I'd drill your holes through the frame and then flip it over and enlarge the hole so the head of the bolt is recessed inside the frame. Flip it back, push against the wall, stick the brackets over the exposed threaded sections and tighten the nuts up.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Mitchell
Maybe 1mm? Note I'm just trying it from Bunnings. Sample.
is this the right bolt? LOL.
Sorry, obviously, my inexperience is showing and thanks again for taking time to answer my questions
Oh, that's fine, @yeahboo. I thought you meant you'd installed the bracket onto the concrete, and it was moving around after doing the Dynabolt up. That's no issue that the timber bolts move a little in the bracket; that's the right one to use.
Mitchell
Hello @MitchellMc ,
Last weekend, I made some cuts for the frame (outside ones).. I followed your advice to make it square/rectangle.. so the measuremeants ended up
2 x 4110 mm = This was because I factored in the 45mm (from the 2x4700mm), and some allowance for the fascia board ~19mm but I made it 20mm (so width total is 4220mm
2 x 4700 mm = These 2 are on the "outside" of the square/rectangle, and a 20mm extra for the board...
What I noticed though is that it looks like the apron isn't straight (and timber as well) so there might be some parts of the cement showing towards the side near the fence.. Is this something that I should rectify now? or it's up to me if I am fine with a few milimeters of cement showing? or am I thinking too much and I should fasten the outer part first and see how it looks? Thanks!
Hi @yeahboo
The timber can be forced to straighten out using the angle brackets. I suggest putting the angle brackets in an alternating pattern one on each side. This will allow you to control the bend of the timber.
Your other option is to look through your timber set and search for the straightest one you have in the bunch. The best way to give yourself a guide is to set up a builder's line so that you know if the timber is sitting straight. I also recommend using a spirit level so that you'll know if the timber is level horizontally as well.
If you need further assistance, please let us know.
Eric
Evening @yeahboo
Id be thinking along @EricL's lines but I will add some thoughts 
Rem you will have a "face" to the edge of the deck. this will cover up uneven edges and "fix" things that dont look quiet right.
I have very rarely found timber that is straight, usually there is a curve or twist.
You will find that the deck boards may have a bend to them, In this project you can see how I used a ratchet to help straighten them out Courtyard privacy fence and gate build, Part 2
I have found over the years that sometimes it is better to have things "look right" more then actually "be right" Its hard if you want it to be perfect but fooling the eyes can take a project that you are working with and cannot control the past edges a long way to looking right right.
Easiest way to hide the unstraight edge of the concrete maybe to have the low deck overhang the edge by a little?
Dave
Hello @MitchellMc ,
I followed this advice for the ones that will be "touching" the wall. The one thing I can't wrap my head around is, how will I attach the rest of the joists on this side if I drill/fasten this timber already in the concrete? Since the other side isn't exposed, I won't be able to drill it like the one you did in the video.
Hi @yeahboo,
Ideally it would be best to create the entire frame shifted out a metre from the wall, so you have access to screw through the frame into the ends of the joists. Then, once completed, have a few mates assist you to pick the whole frame up and shift it back into position. However, your post might make this a little difficult.
Alternatively, you can use 90 x 45mm joist hangers.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Mitchell
Hello @MitchellMc ,
I ended up following your advice to shift it away from the brick first and then move it back.
I built it level while a few meters away from the brick. I noticed a few bent and twisted timbers so thoses ones aren't fully screwed with 2 screws. I am hoping when I put some timbers perpendicular to each joist (not sure what's that called), that they will "straighten" joists and I can complete the 2 screws...
If I want to have "picture" frame boards, I will need to put another timber on either side (left, and right parallel to the joists) right? Hopefully, I complete the frame before the long weekend ends
Thanks for all your help so far! also, any points you can think of that I may have forgotten are always welcome!
Great stuff, @yeahboo!
Adding those noggins will help straighten the joists.
You're correct that you need to add another timber/joist at either end so the decking boards can be fixed to it, and then you can add the picture frame. Have a look at step four in this guide: How to build a deck.
Mitchell
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