Thread: Sleepers as bearers for decking

Jeff,
Not the ideal way to do it. Timber layed on the ground will have problems with moisture. Even treated tumber will still suck up moisture and most likley transfer it to the decking timber.
At that hight above the ground is a deck the best way to go. Perhaps paveing the area would be a better option. Decks with very low ground clearance are usually a pain the the &r<e as rain water will cause all sorts of muck to gather under them and unless it is made with lift out pannels will be a real chore to keep cleaned out.
Regards
John

Is lowering the ground level under where your deck will be an option ? A mate did that and it worked out well.

I don't think I could go any lower, I dug the original dirt out all by hand by myself (no help from the missus!!). I was gonna pave it, but a pain, thought decking would look good. Any suggestions if I go a little lower?

How is the area for the proposed deck with regard to levels fo drainage or ponding?

Not that much rain fall, and it doesn't really lay there as the ground slopes to the front of the house at a slight degree.

I guess you could always dig a wee bit deeper, then put a concrete footing block down, buried halfway then put bearers on that, a pain I know but you dont want to go pavers and you should not lay timber straight on the ground!

As a builder I would say that it's not ideal as well but there are always solutions even if not the best construction practice and you are willing to accept that the deck may not last 30 or 40 years.

The simplest, most inexpensive way would be to use 50 mm thick (or thereabouts) concrete pads. These will be your footings so to speak. The larger the pad the better for stability. Sit your decking joists on these but with Alcor or some other damp-proof material underneath. Even some galvanised sheet metal will do. Ensure that if it rains or water falls on the deck, that the water does not pond about the joist on the damp proof material.

Fix your decking directly to your joists. This deck will last quite a while but it is a "floating deck" and will creak a bit as you walk around it. It will do the job and fullfill your aim even if not best practice.