How to build low-level composite decking on concrete?

[abassi3]

Hi Guys, 

I’m looking for some suggestions on my first big Project- “Ekodeck Composite Decking on Concrete”. I am in reasearch stage right now and wondering if bunnings community can assist with few questions.

1. Decking height is going to be between 130mm-140mm, planning to use 70*45mm h3 timber with decking pedestals? Any suggestions

2. How do we work around “round pillars”- 5 pillars in 24sqm pergola? Thinking of using profile gauge to measure& cut decking board around the pillar to give it an overhang? Any other suggestions?

I will have more questions as I proceed.

Thanks in advance.

Ash

[JacobZ]

Hi @abassi3,

A warm welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is fantastic to have you join us at the planning stage of such an exciting project.

Unfortunately, using Hyne Timber's Bearer Span Table and Joist Span Table as references, you can see that 70x45 T3 Green MGP10, which is another way of referring to 70x45 H3 Pine, is not recommended for use in deck framing. The smallest profile that can be used is 90 x 45mm H3 Treated Pine Framing.

Working down from the top, Ekodeck is 23mm thick, then 90mm for framing will leave you with 17-27mm room for your pedestal feet. With your choice of materials, these Builders Edge 25-40mm Minifoot Pedestal Feet are the only pedestals that will fit within this space requirement assuming the finished decking height is above 138mm.

A profile gauge, such as this Empire 150mm Contour/Profile Gauge will come in handy for cutting in decking boards that run up against and butt into a round pillar. You can mark your decking boards with the contour gauge and then cut it with a jigsaw.

It can be tricky to frame around round pillars, so this will be something we need to consider in the framing plan for your deck.

If you were comfortable with drawing up and sharing a basic plan with the dimensions of the area, I'd be happy to look over it to ensure everything will work and will fit within the span tables. Some photos of the space would also be handy.

Let me know if you need a hand uploading images, I'm happy to help if required and please feel free to ask any further questions that you might have.
 

Jacob

[abassi3]

Thank you so much for your quick response. I will draw something basic and share some pictures too.

[abassi3]

Sorry for the Delay. Please see the rough drawing of the area & pictures if the area too.

 

 

 

[MitchellMc]

Hi @abassi3,

I've created some renderings to assist you with your plan. You'll need joists spaced 450mm apart across the span to attach your decking boards to. You'll note that in order to cut the board to fit neatly around the posts, you'll have to add some additional framework for them to be supported by and fixed into.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

[abassi3]

Thank you so much @MitchellMc , this looks very good and solves lots of doubts.

1.If I have to change the rotation of the deck boards from vertical to horizontal so it aligns with the flooring inside the house, would it make lot of difference in the framing?

2. Assuming I use 90x45mm H3 Timber, I don’t have enough clearance to use deck pedestals. What are my other options? L Brackets I think? Which ones would be best to use in my case?

[MitchellMc]

Hi @abassi3,

An issue with that is that the maximum length that Ekodeck is sold in is 5.4m, which won't span your 6.3m. That would mean you'd need to do a staggered board deck, which complicates the framing further.

90mm joists, 23mm decking and a mini foot at 25mm, brings you to 138mm which was under you max of 140mm.

Mitchell