How to build a new deck where current pavers are?

[ricm]

Hi there,

Any advice on this would be greatly appreciated... We are building a new deck in an area with pavers in the back. We have an uneven area of pavers up against timber sleepers in the garden corner, my question is - what would you advise that we use to put under the decking to make the area level? If we put 'build tuff' as bases and attached the whole frame base to the side sleepers, would this work?  . 

[EricL]

Hello @ricm 

Instead of using a filler, I suggest adding more screws to the skirt to reduce the gap between your skirt and the deck. 

Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1 and @Nailbag for their opinion.

Eric

[Dave-1]

Evevning @ricm 

Instead of a using a filler (I am presuming you mean something foam based) how about trimming a small piece of the skirt you have spare and sliping it into the gap? I dont know if the skirt will hold up if you screw tighter but something solid between the decking boards and the skirt would work well and the eye wouldnt notice so much. I have small gaps around my deck, the weather does have a play with that (mine are timber) with yours that are more stable I would just work out the largest bits and leave the smaller gaps. 

Dave

[Nailbag]

Hi @ricm 

Firstly I 100% agree with both @Dave-1 and @EricL and finish the new deck to the pump enclosure. Then I would rebuild the door shorter so it will open over the new deck. Yes it will be a step down to the equipment, but aesthetics wise I think this will be the better finish.

I also agree with @EricL and would pre drill more holes and insert additional flat-headed screws in those areas that have gaps to the eco-deck. Then with any remaining gaps I would use an exterior flexible filler as the gas will definitely change with weather.

Nailbag

 

[ricm]

Always great to see images, I always struggle with text! Man see.. man do! 

Thanks so much @Nailbag - we just made a (hopefully) final order for delivery, will be finishing this thing properly!, starting with a small excavation of the area, frame build, treat and get those last deck boards cut and laid. 

Thanks @Dave-1 @EricL also and advice on the imperfect fittings, will try and get it better with the nails first.

I'll send a proper video when Im done.

[ricm]

Relating to the same project (3.5 months in now lol!) ... @EricL @Nailbag @Dave-1 @MitchellMc 

I bought some stairs/step from BigW market place for the pool. Currently as you will see from the pics Ive tried to use foam filler, glue, everything I have to secure the main connectors to the new decking, as it is quite high from the actual ground/old pavers/soil I had to put the stairs in to the composite deck. 

It's clearly not secure, even for kids, never mind an adult. 

My question is, is there some way I could use concrete mix to fill the holes thereby holding the stairs down more securely? Like, under the deck (which I cannot really access now), away from sight?

If anyone can advise anything I would be as ever, v grateful. 

Ric

[JacobZ]

Hi @ricm,

Unfortunately, as I'm sure you've found, expanding foam is not going to create the necessary tension to hold a post tight.

I imagine the product you've purchased would have included a method of installation that can create the necessary tension required to securely anchor the post.

I noted that you had pavers under your deck. Is there a way to remove the deck and run the posts through the composite decking to attach the post to the pavers beneath? 

This may be an option, but if the product's installation instructions say concrete is required, then you'll have to create a concrete footing.

If this is the case, my suggestion is to use Lanko 702 Durabed Structural Grout, ensuring you follow the manufacturer's instructions closely to build a footing for the post to be attached to.

Let me know what you think.

Jacob

[Nailbag]

Hi @ricm 

Expanding foam is essentially a filler and has no structural integrity. As the deck is low level with no access underneath it’s going to be a challenge to securely fit the railing. 

my only suggestion is to use a flexible exterior silicone to replace the foam. Then use small stainless right angle brackets and screws to secure the rail to the deck. It won’t be exactly pretty but should be sound. 

Nailbag

[Dave-1]

Good Morning @ricm 

Three and a half months and look what you have accomplished! It takes time to build a deck from scratch and in reality I wouldnt say you have been running the project for long.

Would it be possibel to move the steps to somewjhere else? And do you have a photo of the product and where you are placing it on the deck?

If we can see the ends of the steel that go through the deck (or attach) we may get some ideas.

Dave