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I have an alfresco area which I'd like to deck. The joists (Green lines) will most probably fix straight into the concrete and ideally, I'd like to go 1500mm beyond the concrete (Red line). I have a storm water pipe (White line) about 800mm out from the concrete. 800mm out from the concrete, the ground is at its lowest point, which is about 200mm lower than the alfresco. With regards to the footings and bearers, what are my options?
Community manager's note: Check out How to build a low-level deck for expert advice.
For a new deck go with the Intergrain 4L Natural UltraDeck Timber Decking Oil. For an aged deck (in 24 months), go with the Intergrain 4L Merbau UltraDeck Timber Decking Oil, which has Merbau-coloured pigments in it to restore the colour. For a ten-year-old deck that is completely grey and drained of colour, go for the Intergrain 4L Merbau UltraDeck Timber Decking Stain.
They all protect your deck, it's just really the level of pigments in each one.
Mitchell
Hello @IronStan001
According to the Intergrain website the Intergrain UltraDeck Timber Oil is a water based, lightly pigmented oil and will offer long lasting protection compared to a traditional oil-based coating whilst enhancing the natural colour and characteristics of your timber.
Longevity and service life is of course subject to the weather and environment. Harsh sun, heavy rain and hail can easily damage the finish on your deck. But I agree with MitchellMc on using the water-based one for easy clean up.
If you need further assistance, please let us know.
Eric
Hi @IronStan001
Thats sounds like a good plan regarding the Intergrain UltraDeck. In regards to the screws, I recommend using two per joist. Please remember to put an allowance of 15mm from the edge of the panel and drill pilot holes and countersink to prevent splitting the timber.
If you need further assistance, please let us know.
Eric
So, I've now planed all the joists where needed. I can run my level across the joists with ease and I've removed any high spots so the level doesn't see-saw. Aside from the fact that the level will catch itself on the edge of a joist, it's probably less than 0.5mm, so nothing to worry about. All in all, it's pretty flat.
Except for 1. The 3rd last joist (which you can probably tell in the picture, hasn't really been touched by the plane) sits up to 5mm low in some spots.
Yet, 400mm further down, it's fine.
I had a few of these laying about which I could use to nudge the joist up by a couple of mm to close the gap for any section of joist that is over the concrete. However, the span that isn't over the concrete might be a little tricker. So, what are my options?
Can I use shims under each decking board on that joist to eliminate the gap?
Hi @IronStan001
Using plastic shims would be the easy option, you could make your own timber shims but that would take a while and they would shrink in time, whereas the plastic shims would retain their shape.
If you need further assistance, please let us know.
Eric
Hi @IronStan001
Just keep in mind that if there are any tannins or chemicals weeping out of the decking panel it will push the oil off. So, it's important to make sure that the decking panel is dry. I suggest putting some cover sheets on the concrete base just in case the oil drips from the panels.
If you are keen to coat the underside, I propose giving the panel the full prep process before coating it with oil.
If you need further assistance, please let me know.
Eric
