The Rear Deck

***Warning: Seriously Large Post Ahead***

You may want to grab a coffee - this could take a while....  ;-)

The backyard had commenced in our last post with the 'Great Wall' being erected. It was now time to start on the deck!
Due to the sloping block we had decided that we wanted to create a level area to entertain with; something that would provide enough space to dine on and also lounge around near the Spa and something that would capitalise on our views. We had some pre-conceived ideas about the deck style and seating and the fact that it needed to come up around the Spa, so that it was immersed halfway, therefore making the Spa edge a form of seat to ensure it was at a sociable level when you were sitting in it. It also needed to incorporate a Spa fence for safety reasons and something that would not hinder our visibility.

Enter 'Travis' from 'Travis McLean Decks and Pergolas'. Travis had been doing some post handover work as part of our three month inspection for PD. He mentioned that he ran his own decking business and offered to put in a quote. His figures, ideas and knowledge impressed us so much we signed him up straight away.

The Materials
After designing the deck and getting council approval, he provided us with the materials list which I set about fulfilling. Once again another quick call to Craig (Australian Lattice and Timber) to send over a truckload of goodies! The shots below show 'some' of the materials. (The roofing/plumbing materials came later). 680m of merbau was received, some of which will be used in additional structures to be included in later posts.




All the holes were dug and the posts laid. The outside feature posts are 90x 90 Cypress Gold pine, while the unseen stumps 'below deck' are 100x100 Cypress pine.

The upright post seen below were used to support the Spa fencing so they needed to be very straight and square.

Bolt down post supports were used around the spa on the concrete pad.

With all the floor joists down, the merbau planks were spaced to ensure uniformity across the deck. You can see in this shot and the one below it, the sub-frame of the corner seating and planter box. All boards were pre-drilled and hand nailed using S/S twist shank nails.




The structure starting to take shape.

The 'Cherubs' during construction.


The merbau was meticulously recessed around the spa walls.






Flooring nearly there.

Here you can see the lift-up lid frames in place using Stainless Steel hinges.

 

In the corner we included a planter box. I was able to find a plastic planter tub at Bunnings which fitted exactly in the space  - so happy with the end result.

 

Next the roof structure had to be erected. Not an easy task for one man!

 

 

Deck complete.

In this next series of photos, you can see the final product.
Two coats of Feast Watson natural decking oil have been applied to give it some additional colour. For the upright posts we used the same branded product but chose a 'Merbau' colour to blend in with the merbau decking.

The seating completed and planter box filled in the corner.


The tops of the seats lift up to allow for storage of various Spa toys and foldable deck chairs. Stainless Steel finger pull rings have been recessed into the lids.


The roof has been installed. We used a mix of solid and opaque sheets to allow light to come though.


And the Glass Spa fencing attached.

The 10mm toughened glass is held in place using Stainless Steel 'D' clamps at a height of 1200mm to meet pool fencing regs..

The exposed timber of the roofing in the pic below will later stained as per the upright posts in the pic above.


While building the deck we also added some deck lighting. We shopped around a lot, especially online! The most efficient and economical type we could find were these LED lights from a brand called Micromark. Great light and very cheap to run. The main box comes with 2 Stainless Steel lights and also includes the transformer which can handle up to 10 lights. You can buy the additinal lights individually. We used 8 in total. The cable length is huge too - 10m. You simply bore a 55mm hole and drop it in.

The connector unit and transformer have been mounted under the deck below an access hatch for easy access.

Each light is 70mm in diameter and includes 12 bright white LEDs providing ample feature light.

 

Glass Fencing

The Glass fencing required was relatively easy to install between the pine posts but I needed to get some expert help to install the glass panels between the house and the brick pillar and to also include a self closing gate. After a few calls and emails to various Glass fencing companies,  I decided to go through Dean from Krystal Glass Fencing who was able to supply a glass gate and the relevant fittings. He also put me in touch with one of his engineers, Neil, who came out to install the 50x50 SS posts and glass gate.

The Holes were bored through the concrete and then the posts inserted. Once squared up and aligned the holes were filled with grout and left to dry for  few days.

And here is the finished gate with the additional post awaiting the glass to be mounted.














A total of 4 access hatches were well crafted into the deck to allow access to the various spa pumps and plumbing.


Well, there you go, I said it was long. I hope I haven't bored you with too much detail, and I hope that by going to this length it may have helped some other person who may be planning their own backyard deck.

We have to mention a special thanks to Travis for the excellent work he has done. We are very pleased with the outcome.

The next post will include additional backyard work involving plantings, instant turf and more garden structures. Till then, happy building  :-)