Results 1 to 5 of 5
  1. #1
    Join Date
    Mar 2008
    Location
    Melbourne
    Posts
    2

    Default Minimum ground clearance

    Hi all,

    I've been thinking about building a deck in the courtyard of my place (area about 5m x 7m) and I've been trying to get an idea of how much space is required/recommended between the ground and the bottom of the bearers. Currently there is about a 50mm drop from the base of the courtyard door to a small strip of concrete which is something like 50mm thick (which I am going to rip up). The yard then slopes away from the house and drops about 80mm. I realise I'm going to have to dig out some of the courtyard but I am not sure how deep it should be for ventilation etc. Does this depend on my local council or is there some guideline for this?

    Regards,

    Mark

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Aug 2007
    Location
    Brisbane
    Posts
    35

    Default

    I'm also building one at the front on my place and will also have to be doing some hard labour with a shovel. I'm allowing for 500mm, although I think 450mm is the minimum. As you mentioned you will need space for ventilation, but also space to get under with a torch and look for damage/termite tracks ect....

    Happy Diggin'

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Dec 2004
    Location
    Northen Rivers NSW
    Age
    58
    Posts
    758

    Default

    Hi spanky

    Firstly you need to visit your local council and get a copy of thier regulations as each council may be different

    You may HAVE to comply with thier code which is dependant on the size/location/material of the deck or you may NOT have to comply.

    I built a deck that did not need to Comply due to its size and location (not fixed to house EG)

    If it must comply I would suggest it will be 450mm min from ground level to the bottom of the bearer. If you use steel it may be lower.

    Most council websites have thier building requirements, if you cant find it, tell us the council and someone should be able to help.

    cheers

    dazzler


  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    melbourne
    Posts
    12

    Default

    I have just built a smallish deck using 140x45 TP bears and internal joists. At one end I left only 50mm clearance from the ground which varies along the length to approx 200mm. I cant see how there would be a ventilation problem as long as there is some sort of gap for air to flow through.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Mar 2008
    Location
    Melbourne
    Posts
    2

    Default Thanks

    Sorry for the long delay in replying. Thanks for the advice. I will chase up the regs with my local council.

Similar Threads

  1. Is there a min ground clearance for a deck
    By dub3media in forum DECKING
    Replies: 5
    Last Post: 4th December 2007, 09:43 PM
  2. Minimum thickness of decking
    By alisonol in forum DECKING
    Replies: 8
    Last Post: 15th October 2007, 11:53 AM
  3. Stormwater - minimum fall?
    By gsouth in forum PLUMBING, ELECTRICAL, HEATING, COOLING, etc
    Replies: 23
    Last Post: 26th November 2005, 09:45 PM
  4. Minimum characters set to 1!
    By RETIRED in forum FORUMS INFO, HELP, DISCUSSION & FEEDBACK
    Replies: 10
    Last Post: 23rd May 2004, 12:32 PM

Tags for this Thread

Bookmarks

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •