How to design and build low-level floating deck?

[coolnav]

Hi, 

I have done a lot of reading in this form on the Low Level floating decks, got inspired by some of the DIYers and decided to go ahead and make use of backyard by building a deck, I am planning to do a 6mx4m as shown below. Inspired by Good Times decking, will be using the adjustable support feet (deck height including bearers height + board height is around 30 cms).

I am planning to do this all by myself, to minimise the effort, I decided to lay the deck on the existing pavers using the support pedestals (i haven't decided which pedestals to go with like Tuffblock or the Good Times support pedestal), I also need the pedestal to be adjustable in some areas as the ground has some ups and downs. The pedestals will placed on top some concrete pavers to make it more stable.

For the decking I have decided to go with Merbau 90x19 boards. 

I would be starting the project soon and would like DIYers of this forum to go through the design and let me know if I have missed anything, need to fix the design or have any suggestions, really appreciate any help and guidance from this group.

Also I tried various online free planners but didn't get what I was looking for, like some online tool like https://www.blocklayer.com/ has good planning tool but doesn't allow break boards and thus was not very helpful.

If anyone in this forum can point me to a free online tool to help in designing the deck is really appreciated.

I am looking something very similir to the blocklayer online tool, that gives you the BOM, the exact layout of the boards with measurement etc.

Or anyone in this group can generate it for me , TIA

[MitchellMc]

Hi @coolnav,

It sounds like you’ve got a solid plan in place for your deck project, and I can see you've put a lot of thought into it! Your spacing looks about right with 450mm between the joists and 1000mm between the footers. However, I did notice on your plan that the bearers are running over the joists—this might just be a mistake, but it’s something to double-check to make sure everything is aligned properly.

Overall, it looks like you’re on the right track. If you need help with the design, feel free to reach out. It can also be worth checking out programs like SketchUp, which have a good free version that can help with your deck layout.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

[coolnav]

Thanks @MitchellMc for such a quick response, regarding the "bearers are running over the joists" , I have taken the GoodTimes way of modular decking approach and will be building blocks of 4  6m x 1m and fasten them with screws to form the bearers as 90x90, and then use the pedestals to support.

Below is rough sketch of what I am planning to do.

[Dave-1]

Evening @coolnav

Just going over the design and I am a little confused. Are you going to have bearers that the 1m cube is going to be sitting on or are you intending to mount the squares directly on the tuffblocks? I might have something wrong so thought better to clarify is all.

Dave

[MitchellMc]

I'm sorry, but I'm not sure I entirely follow @coolnav.

So is the image you've shown us now the bearers that will then have the joists run over the top of them in a perpendicular orientation spaced at 450mm centres?

Mitchell

[coolnav]

Hi @MitchellMc , @Dave-1 ,

Sorry for the confusion! Let me clarify my approach:

Initially, I considered using the GoodTimes modular decking system. However, after looking at the cost, I realized that buying it as a kit would exceed my budget. Instead, I decided to follow their design but modify the construction method.

Rather than assembling multiple square modules and fastening them together, I’m building four larger sections, each measuring 6m x 1m. I’ll be using 90x45 timber for these sections and then fastening them together to form a single 6m x 4m deck.

GoodTimes kit

For support, I plan to use TuffBlocks (as shown in this Bunnings Workshop project) or the Modular Decking Support system included in the GoodTimes kit.

Hope this makes sense

Nav

[EricL]

Hello @coolnav 

Just a friendly reminder to always check with your local council in regards to the rules and regulations in building a deck. There may be size limitations even for a low-level deck. If there is a limit, a permit might be necessary.

I've drawn up a sample image of your proposed plan next to the Goodtimes modular decking frame. Did I understand your plan correctly or did you plan on having the frame face in a different direction? I suggest using the Builders Edge Adjustable Pedestal Feet. This is easier to install as you can drill it directly into the frame itself, no extra parts or plugs are necessary.

I also suggest having a look at this discussion - Low-profile deck with screening and steps by @MGusto. This is an excellent example of a deck being built with pedestal feet. 

Here is a link for ideas and inspiration: Top 10 most popular deck projects

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[coolnav]

@EricL , Thanks for the drawing, makes it much easier :). very close except the its across the 6m length instead of the 4m.

TIA.

[EricL]

Hi @coolnav 

Please keep us updated with your progress, we look forward to seeing the start of your deck framing project.

Eric