Minimum ground clearance

[spanky]

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

[russall]

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'

[dazzler]

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

[husky]

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.

[spanky]

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