An Explicit Instructional Outline for Constructing a Deck in Australia

At some point in their lives, all homeowners in Australia will reach the conclusion that they cannot live without installing a deck in their backyard. Not only does the addition of a deck transform your yard into the focal point of your property, making it possible for you to host gatherings and enjoy quiet time with dignity, but it also immediately expands the number of activities that can be carried out there. In the end, there is no question that it is, in fact, an excellent investment that ensures you will be able to derive the greatest possible pleasure from your property.

Since you've made the decision to construct a deck, you're probably curious about the steps involved in doing so. Do not look any further. We would like to take this opportunity to present to you a comprehensive plan that lays out the fundamentals of everything you need to understand in order to construct a deck in Australia.

Step 1: If necessary, seek the necessary permits and permissions from the local council.

It's possible that you'll end up saving a lot of time and effort in the long run if you just make sure to complete this one step before moving on to anything else. Make sure that you have received permission from your city council before beginning construction on your deck. Decks and other home additions are subject to a different set of rules and regulations depending on which council you live in. The type of material that can be used, the site setbacks, the structural integrity, and the minimum standards that need to be met for construction are some of the things that the council regulates.

Make sure that when you check with your local council about the construction of your deck, you specifically ask about what exemptions apply to you. If certain extensions meet certain requirements, you can often get away with them without having to get a permit or pay any additional fees. This is because certain extensions are exempt from these requirements.

The second step is to start making plans.

Before beginning this project, as with any other one involving your home that you may undertake, you should first devise a comprehensive plan for how you want things to turn out. You have the option of doing this task on your own, or you could hire a professional if you believe that would yield better results.

The first thing you need to do is choose the orientation in which your deck will be laid out. You will be thankful to yourself in the long run once you have determined what time of day it will get the most use, as well as whether or not you want to enjoy the sunrise in the east or the sunset in the west. While taking all of this information into consideration, you now have the opportunity to decide whether or not you need to build a solid roof in order to create shade.

Next, examine the floor levels of your property and make a decision regarding the height of your deck in relation to those levels. People typically go for one of two distinct variations: either they construct it with steps that lead down to the exterior deck, or they build it quite low and at the same level as their floor. The other option is to construct it at the same level as their floor.

Checking out what's happening beneath the surface of your backyard floor is a very important step in the planning process, but it's also one that's sometimes skipped over. If you are planning to construct a deck on your property, it is in your best interest to first determine what kinds of pipes and electrical wires are running beneath your home. Doing so could save you a lot of money and prevent you from having to deal with a number of other problems. If something is accidentally cut into while construction is taking place, it can result in a significant amount of debris, significant amounts of delay, and even some risk. Calling the utilities company and asking them what's below is one way to find out what's down there.

Step 3: Determine Which Materials to Use

The next step is to make a decision regarding the kind of material that will be used to construct your deck. There are four primary ones that are utilized quite frequently. Hardwoods (like Merbau), treated pine, composite decking, and modular decking are some examples of these materials. Every kind of substance comes with its own advantages and disadvantages.

Hardwoods have a natural color and finish that many people find appealing, in addition to their exceptional strength and longevity. Merbau, Jarrah, Spotted Gum, and Blackbutt are all examples of common types of hardwoods. Even though hardwoods like Merbau contain a wealth of naturally occurring oils that protect and preserve them, you will still need to ensure that your hardwood is properly maintained and treated if you want it to last for a long time.

The most cost-effective choice among all timber options is treated pine, which has had a treatment applied to it to protect it from rotting and the effects of the elements. The fact that Treated Pine can be stained or painted to conform to any color scheme is something that many people appreciate about this material. It is lightweight and extremely easy to work with, but in order to ensure that it lasts for its intended purpose, it does require annual treatment.

Wood fibers, recycled plastic, and fiber cement are the primary components that go into the construction of composite decking. Due to the fact that it is better for the environment than timber, it makes for a good alternative. In addition to this, it needs almost no maintenance because it does not cause the same kind of damage to the environment that timber does. Be prepared to spend more money if you decide to go with composite decking instead of traditional wood decking.

The assembly of modular decking, which is typically made of wood and offers a significantly less complicated process, The one and only drawback is that it is more expensive than the conventional timber decking.

Step 4: Check That You Have All of the Necessary Equipment and Materials

Now that you have selected the material that you will be using for your deck, it is time to make sure that you have all of the appropriate equipment and supplies that are necessary to transform your decking materials into a deck that is fully functional. When it comes to the construction of a deck, the following are some of the tools that you really ought to make sure are within easy reach:

• Shovel
• Chisel
• Saws by hand or by power
• Driver for Screws
• Spanners
• Measuring Tape
• Hammer
• Square
• Builder's Line
• Drilling with an Electric Drill and Various Bits
• Wrench That Can Be Adjusted
• Spirit Level
• Stakes Made of Wood and Metal
• Spray paint
• Glue
• Nail Gun
• Fastener

Simply going to your neighborhood hardware store is all that is required to acquire any of these items.

Step 5: Measure Your Deck's Area and Lay It Out

It's time to take some measurements of your deck now that you're all set up. Start by determining its boundaries through measurement and marking. When you are performing the task of taking measurements, make sure that you remember to take into account the height of the joists and the decking. Be sure to factor in the height of the joists when calculating your height from the measurements. After this, place a mark at each end of the sill, and then measure the distance from the ground to these marks to determine the height of the sill. After that, you'll be able to string your lines at this height all the way around the outside of the area.

Next, you will need to screw your temporary timber guides into place all the way around the decking area's perimeter. Make use of your spirit level to check that these are level and ensure that they are straight. On your timber, make a mark indicating where the end of the deck will be, and string a line across it. Use the 3-4-5 rule to determine whether or not your deck is square.

Now, consult your engineering plans to determine the minimum distance between each of your stumps that must be placed. First, you should measure and mark these out from the sill all the way up to the deck, and then you should mark along the edge. After this, you should run string lines in order to create a grid. At each point where the string intersects, a stump is required to be placed. Use spray paint to demarcate these areas.  

Installing the Stumps and Bearers is the Sixth Step.

There are a few steps involved in installing the stumps and bearers. Start by spray painting the areas where the stumps will be located, then dig holes for them. Ensure that they are dug to the appropriate depth, which should be outlined in your plans and permits. When this is finished, an inspector should be called so that the stumps can be checked out before they are set in place.

Make your bearers the appropriate size, and then use glue and a nail gun to put them together. After that, you should determine their height for them. In order to accomplish this, simply run your spirit level from the existing timberwork to the brickwork. Now, measure the distance between the spirit level and the brickwork; this will tell you how big the check-out needs to be. After that, you can mark the check-out on the bearer, but before you do so, make sure you have a square set handy so that you can also mark the width and height of the check-out. This will provide additional support for your deck in addition to the brickwork.

After that, utilize a circular saw to cut the check-out. Check that the saw's depth setting is accurate before beginning. After this, you can then drill holes for the stumps, after which you can level the bearer and support it. Now, before you cement the stumps into place, make sure that they are properly secured. Install the remaining bearers and stumps in the same manner as described in the previous steps. After this has been allowed to sit overnight, you will need to replace the support posts and then return the following day to fill the holes with soil.

Install the Joists is the seventh step.

The joists can finally be installed at this point. First, measure and mark the wall plate, and then cut a checkerboard pattern into the wall plate using a utility knife. Now you need to fix the first joist and attach the wall plate.

After you have completed this step, you will need to stretch a string line across the joist, then measure and mark the location of the second joist. After that, secure the second joist, and then move on to the rest of the joists. After you have completed this step, the next step is to insert the timber in between them.

The eighth step is to lay the decking.

At long last, we are at the point where we can begin laying the decking. To begin, cut the material for the deck to the appropriate dimensions. After this is finished, place the first piece in position, and then use a drill and a fastener to secure it. At this point, all you need to do is lay down the second piece of decking, fasten it, and continue doing this for each successive piece of decking until your deck is finished.

The conclusion is as follows. You should now be aware of the requirements necessary to construct a deck in Australia. The blueprint for doing so should have been provided to you by this detailed guide that walks you through each step. In the event that you require additional information, please do not be reluctant to contact us at the number 03 9305 2000, where we will be more than pleased to be of service to you.

Do you believe you have more tools at your disposal to construct a deck now? Do you have any questions Share your thoughts with us by writing a comment in the section below.