Buy your renovation and building supplies online and save - all delivered to your door -

Design your own Deck

There are many ways to construct a deck as the construction is dependent on the design. It is true that the fundamentals remain the same as far as timber sizes and fixings (bolts and nails etc.) go. However the design does influence the way the deck is constructed. The purpose of the deck is the first part of the deck that needs to be decided and then the look. Including the decking board colour which which will influence the decks over all look and feel.

Your deck design

In your decks design consider clearly the use and activities the deck will be for. Is the deck for more play room or a breakfast area, BBQ area, or to extend your dining area? Consider the level of the deck in relationship to your home. Would you like to step down onto the deck from your door or would you like the deck level with the floor of your home? The deck then becomes an extension of the room that it is connected to. If the deck is in the garden consider if it has shade or if it needs more. What type of decking boards would you like? Wide or thin decking boards?

Decking stairs. What type of stairs would you like? Consider steps that are filled in and look like part of the deck or steps that are open. Also consider wide steps, or full deck length steps. All these options have an impact on the look, function, and cost of the deck.

Materials: Decking Timber Selection:

The construction materials influence the way a deck looks and thus you must decide what type timber you wish use for the decking. For the cheapest construction materials, treated pine decking boards can be used and stained in the colour of your choice. While treated pine is cheaper it does not generally last as long unless it is coated regularly. Also treated pine will not look as good as a hardwood deck. Hardwood decks look the best are stronger and will last longer than a treated pine deck. Hardwood decking boards do cost more but are much more durable. There are a number of types of hardwood available coming in a range of colours.

Hardwood decking available: 90mm x 19mm or 70 x 19mm

• Merbau (Kwila): Red/brown
• Blackbutt: dark/light brown
• Tallowwood - varies
• Spotted Gum
• Mixed Forest Reds
• Mixed Hardwood
• Turpentine
• Ironbark

While all of these decking timbers are available some will be harder to get and will need to be ordered in. These harder to get hardwoods will be more expensive but will be very durable and have excellent colours.

Deck design

• Is your deck connected to your home or is it freestanding?
• Is it a high or low (under 1 metre) deck?
• Will your deck have a roof (pergola or awning) over it or will it be exposed without a roof?
• How large an area is your deck going to be?
• What type of timber are you using?

Council building Guidelines for decks

The next important thing to do when these questions have been answered is to go to your local council and ask what the local building guidelines and rules are when constructing a deck. For example a small deck may not need council approval only large decks. However some other councils may require all decks to be subject to approval. It is very important to work these issues through before you start or you may have to pull the whole deck down. Please note that all decks must be constructed to the current building regulations or standards whether they do or do not need council approval.

When you are aware of your local rules then you can draw up a plan to submit to your council if required. The best practice of building decks is to have it over engineered or stronger than the minimum requirement. There are a number of resources for building decks and pergolas that will tell you what the minimum timber sizes that are needed for the span of your deck. However remember that these are minimum sizes and it is good to build your deck stronger than it needs to be. Every year people are hurt from poorly built and overloaded decks. Your deck must be built strong and maintained so that no one will get hurt.

Balustrade

Balustrade simply put, is a railing that stops people falling off the edge of your deck. If you have a low deck of 600mm or less you are generally not required by law to have balustrade (however check this with your local council). If a balustrade is required consider the type you would like before you start. (see our web page on balustrade for more details). Planning your deck and checking the current building regulations with your local council will help you greatly in the final construction and look of your deck. Also your local decking supplier should be able to help you in your timber selection and supply of you fixings that are needed for construction.