Low-level decking missing breaker board

[etak1]

Hi, a professional installed a 10 metre x 2 metre low level decking (ground level) in our backyard attached to house last month....but he failed to install a breaker board so I'm worried about the structural integrity etc.  The boards run lengthwise as I walk on it.  Also the joins (with no breaker board) are uneven.  The professional won't answer my calls or texts...so I just don't know what to do.  Could you help tell me what can be done?  Thanks

 

[EricL]

Hello @etak1 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us and thanks for sharing your question about your decking project.

Your deck is technically finished and if you wish to install a breaker board in the middle means that all the timber decking panels will need to removed. Your decking frame will need to be modified and re-structured, it all depends on how your builder built it. A support frame will need to be added to your decking frame in order for you to install a breaker board.

Once the decking frame has been properly modified the breaker board can be installed and then the rest of the decking panels can be put back in place. The decking panels will need to be cut down of course to accommodate the breaker board. 

If your original request was to have a breaker board installed, your builder should have followed your instructions. But if they are refusing to answer your calls you can always lodge a complaint with the QBCC. But before doing that, I strongly urge you to exhaust all means of communication before making a permanent complaint.  

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

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

[Nailbag]

Hi @etak1 

I am very disappointed on your behalf for your situation. Its clear to me the builder (loosely termed) isn't returning your calls as they are very much aware they have made a mistake.

As with @EricL suggestion, I would be persuring a resolution through the building authority. But that will only work of the installer was registered.

Assuming they are not, the only way to install a breaker board is to lift all the boards up to the point of the central joins as Eric mentioned. The sub-frame will need to be reinforced to accomodate the breaker and then the boards re-instated.

Nailbag

[Dave-1]

Good Evening @etak1 

Ive never thought of a breaker board as needing to be installed. It gives a nice break in the look yes but it is not needed for the deck to be finished or structurally sound.

The builder should answer your calls, even if they think there is nothing wrong. I see that as good buisness.

If you didnt ask for a breaker board then the builder may be of the opinion (poor opinion as no discussion or explanation is forthcoming) that the job is done. The boards being uneven I am not sure what you mean as they look like they line up? I would have staggered them to give a more uniform flow but that is only an opinion of mine, it is not essential.

As to what can be done I am of the same opinion as @EricL and @Nailbag that communication will be a better move then an outright complaint in getting something you are happier with. Did you have anything written down between you and the builder, a sketch or an example picture?  I would suggest an email to the builder that did the job, explaining what you asked for verse what you have and your concerns about it. 

Dave

[etak1]

I didn't request for a breaker board in the first place because I didn't know anything about it until later when another professional mentioned it that it was missing and the structural integrity could be compromised.

[Dave-1]

Morning @etak1 

It is always hard when professionals point out issues with someone elses work, and frustrating especially if you are happyish with whatever it is that you have done.

I really dont see the need of a breaker board especially on your deck area other then a particular "look" If you were happy with the job before the second professional put their two bpobs worth in Id try and remember that.

Dave

[EricL]

Hello @etak1 

If the breaker board was not discussed in the initial build the builder would have provided support for the decking where the panels meet. Otherwise, you would feel a bounce or softness where the unsupported decking would be. Does your deck feel loose or bouncy? Does it feel unsound as if the entire structure is not solidly built? If not, odds are the builder has provided enough support for the decking frame.

Generally speaking, a decking breaker board is a board installed perpendicular to the primary decking boards, often placed in the middle of a deck or at transitions. Its purpose is to create a visual break, reduce the number of butt joints, and add aesthetic appeal by introducing a clean, defined division. It also allows for longer spans without visible gaps or irregularities in decking board alignment.

The framing underneath supports the breaker board and the overall deck structure. It usually includes doubled joists or blocking to provide a stable and secure surface for attaching the perpendicular board. Proper framing ensures the deck remains strong, evenly distributed, and free of movement, contributing to both durability and safety.

Although it provides extra support to the decking frame, it's not going to have a large overall effect to the stability of your deck if it is not installed. Again, this is dependent on how your builder built the frame.   

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric