Thread: Designing a Deck

Originally Posted by bjs1002

All,
I am after a decking design software. I saw one a few years ago at Bunnings (Biz-e Builder Decking) but they don't carry it anymore and the company that created is not very helpful.
Does anyone know of any other software available that is NSW or Australia specific? All the programs I have found are all US based.

Check out my posting dated 4th Nov on this subject.
The web site is Deck Master for improved decking performance over a longer life

Cheers
Mac

Post your sizes might be able to help you out

Do you intend having a roof on this deck? If so, you need to allow for uplift forces when designing the footings. Here in the tropics, this is a really big problem

Cherub65 I am looking at a multi teir deck. The top teir will be about 10m x 1m, then a couple of steps down onto a deck about 10m x 4m
The top teir will be multi purpose - used for pot plants etc and also for additional seating.

I do intend to put a roof on about half of it. I'm in Sydney but I will look into the ulift. thanks

Deck under 1000 mm from ground level.

Bearer 240 x45 mm
three spans of 1670 mm = continuos span of 5010 mm (2 to make your 10000 mm = 7 posts)

Joists 140 x 45 mm
two spans of 2000 mm = continuos span of 4000 mm
Floor joist spacing 450 mm

Can use smaller timber for upper deck but for continuity i would stick with 140 mm

If you need plans for council i could help you out, cheers Paul

If you are using stainless wire balustrade to fence your deck you might want to download a very useful guide called "DIY Stainless Wire Balustrading" from the internet