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Hi Team,
I am in the process of building a deck in my alfresco.
i would like to clarify, is it ok for me to build it this way?
the spacing in the picture is not correct. i was thinking 400 MM between each wood and then the deck boards go on top of it?
will this work? or should the base frame be above the ground? I.e not touching the floor?
Thanks a lot
Hi @shawnvaz,
Spacing your joists 400mm apart would be fine to lay the decking upon. It's best to have the joists elevated above the ground to allow airflow to the structure and water to runoff. You could use the brackets you have now and elevate the joists 10mm off the ground. That would be much better than having them sitting directly on the ground. You might like to use some Macsim 75mm Mixed Hang Window Packers to assist in getting the correct height.
Please let me know if you have further questions.
Mitchell
Hello @shawnvaz
The span of each bracket is relative to the length of your timber. The more brackets you have, the more support the timber has and therefore eliminates the possibility of having a bouncy frame. As my colleague @MitchellMc has mentioned having a space of 400mm for your joist is fine. If the area supports a 450mm distance, that spacing will work as well. I suggest having a look at this discussion - Low-level deck advice and suggestions by @oninpena. Their build area is very similar to yours and you might find some of our recommendations applicable to your plan.
There are many types of software you can use from Sketchup to Tinkercad. There are also online estimators that you can use to get an idea of how to lay your frame. I suggest drawing it with traditional pen and paper as it gives you a much better idea of how you will build the frame. You can also put side notes and reminders to yourself while planning the frame. I recommend having a look at this guide - How to build a low-level deck by @Adam_W. This guide will give you basic ideas of how to draw your frame. Once you finish your framing plan post it here. Our members can then have a look at it and make recommendations that will help you out.
Here is a link for ideas and inspiration: Inspiring low-level deck builds
Here are some amazing low-level decks that our Workshop members have shared.
- Low-level deck with steps and lighting by @asifkhawaja
- Low-level deck and Merbau screening by @WendyL
- Low-level deck for pool area by @Marty_McFly
Please keep us updated with your progress, we look forward to seeing your deck framing plan.
If you need further assistance, please let us know.
Eric
Hi @shawnvaz,
To fix the frame together, you can use Zenith 14 - 10 x 100mm Galvanised Type 17 Batten Bugle Head Timber Screws. You can also use them to join your joists to the frame. Joist hangers are convenient and might be needed if the frame is hard up against a wall and you can't screw through the frame into the end of the joists.
Joist supports don't need to be as close together as 500mm. If you look at a few of the projects contributed by our members, they tend to include supports spaced up to around the 1000mm mark.
You could join two sections of timber with brackets, and you don't need to create a special join if each section of timber is adequately supported. It would be a good idea to plan your joist supports out, so one is right next to the join.
Mitchell
Thanks a lot. Please forgive my drawing, i am no expert
im sorry, let me correct myself
i am using a 90x35 timer. will this work ok?
I am trying to deck the alfresco area. but extend the deck a bit over
this is the area i am planning to deck
request :
1. for 90x35 , what bracket should i use. (reminder i am building low profile deck. 130 mm from the concrete slab)
2. what spacer can i use?
3. towards the end of the deck i have a 70 mm fall. so there is an excessive gap. what can i use in this space? is there a bracket that can support it?
4. what should i use for bracket and bolt. (Eg. bracket, bolt to screw into concrete and bolt/screw for bracket to timber)
below is the pattern i am aiming
Thanks
Shawn
HI @shawnvaz
Thank you for updating us with your plan. Doing some quick math 130mm ( available space ) - 90mm ( timber frame ) - 19mm ( deck panel thickness ) will leave us with a 21mm gap. I suggest using Dunnings 40 x 80 x 40 x 5mm M12 Galvanised Angle Bracket. However, if you have an increasing fall you might have to use the next size up when you get to the center of your deck.
When you get to the end of your deck where the gap is 200mm I suggest using Dunnings 65 x 130 x 65 x 5mm M12 Galvanised Angle Bracket. To anchor the angle bracket to the concrete, I suggest using Dynabolt Galvanized. To mount the timber to the angel bracket, I recommend Bolt and Nut Galvanized in conjunction with Washer Galvanized. The size of the bolts, nuts, and washer you will use is based on the thickness of the angle bracket and the timber framing.
You will have to use a combination of timber offcuts and Macsim Fasteners 75mm Assorted Window Packers - 90 Pack. Let me tag my colleague @MitchellMc and see if he has other ideas on what bracket to use for your deck.
If you need further assistance, please let us know.
Eric
Hi @shawnvaz,
I trust @EricL's recommendations are useful, and I'd agree with what he's suggested. You'll have a little bit of room to work with the brackets on the sloped section. The brackets can be mounted at different heights onto your 90 x 35mm timber. I'll illustrate below. If the gap becomes too large, you'll need to switch to the larger bracket that Eric mentions.
90 x 35mm timber will work, but my preference would be to use 90 x 45mm timber as the deck will be stronger and more rigid.
Please let us know if you have more questions or need further assistance.
Mitchell
