The deck we built

[strangerep]

As I have never built a deck before, would you be able to provide an illustration or photos of the deck in the construction phase. I am having difficulty visualising the steps as there are many methods to use.

It would be a wise investment to get a copy of "The Australian Decks &
Pergolas Construction Manual" by Allan Staines. (Pinedale Press,
ISBN 1 875217 10 X).

[RichardKinder]

It would be a wise investment to get a copy of "The Australian Decks &
Pergolas Construction Manual" by Allan Staines. (Pinedale Press,
ISBN 1 875217 10 X).

Fully agree - it's a very good reference book.

As an aside, take a look at my deck as it progresses at:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rdk/set...7594450653234/

Yes, yes, it's built to hold an elephant, but I don't want it falling down now do I?

[swazee]

Richard

Good work with your deck...looks great.

How much do you think it will cost all up and what timber did you use throughout??

I noticed the cross support underneath. Was this necessary or just to reduce your public liability insurance?

Regards

Pat

[RichardKinder]

Richard

Good work with your deck...looks great.

How much do you think it will cost all up and what timber did you use throughout??

I noticed the cross support underneath. Was this necessary or just to reduce your public liability insurance?

Regards

Pat

Thanks Pat!

Cost - about $1000 on timber so far, $200 concrete, $300-ish on other hardware. I've just ordered the Hardipanel (15mm 2700x1200) - 4 sheets for $680. So I've spent a couple of grand so far. I reckon all up I should get away with $5000 for the whole thing (famous last words!).

Timber is mostly treated pine (H4 posts, H3 joists and bracing). I've made sure I paint all bare surfaces, even though the deck will be waterproofed. Bearers are F11 hardwood - unsure about exactly what variety. All I'm sure is the bloody things are heavy and hurt when they slip off the posts onto your shin (ouch!)

The cross support is just to make sure the thing doesn't move - I'll be putting a 30mm re-inforced mortar bed on top of the hardipanel so I can tile the deck - worked out it'll be > 1 ton of load with hardipanel + mortar, so I'm not taking any chances with movement! I probably could have got away with only a couple of cross supports, but I'm a sucker for punishment :P

--RK