It depends on a range of things like how steep the slope, if you are levelling the whole block or just enough to build, if there is rock and if you will be removing the surplus dirt. We levelled roughly 250 square metres and removed 20 tonnes of clay and some concrete for about $4k. I've heard other...

Hi all Can anyone suggest what cable thickness is appropriate for these new 12v lights I will be setting up? I have a 12v LED driver that plugs into the mains. Output is 100w, 8 A max. Connected will be 4 LED strip lights - each is 12v, 25W. Each light will be on a separate cable, no more than 6m in...

Hi all Quick question. What is the correct trowel size for 900x150mm floor tiles? The standards I can find only relate to square tiles and I'm not sure if it's about the tile area or dimensions. Any help appreciated. Cheers

Thanks everyone. Yes, a substantial pad footing is in place under the corners, where the posts sit. The metal posts are galvanised. Been delayed by wild weather in Sydney. Hoping to finish the carport next week.

Thanks Beetaloo. I will ask the bricklayer to do as you suggested. The pillars are about 2.4m high and the metal posts quite stable. Would you also fill the cavity (about 25 mm around the post) with mortar?

Hi All Have built a carport with a storeroom at the rear and an open front. The front is supported by a metal post (uni pier) in both corners. The posts are bolted to the slab. These will be surrounded by brick pillars (350mm square). Should the bricks be tied to the metal post to strengthen it or j...

Thanks guys! It was good fun.

Thanks for the help! Finished the deck before Christmas. Check out the photos: http://timandkatiesrenovationdiary.blogspot.com.au/2015/01/my-first-deck.html

Hi there - just wanted to share some pics of our latest project, a bedroom reno for our 5 year old daughter. Before: http://i61.tinypic.com/154k9ya.jpg After: http://i58.tinypic.com/2mr89xk.jpg Our blog is at http://timandkatiesrenovationdiary.blogspot.com.au/2015/01/jasmines-room.html

Thanks Bashworth and Building Expert - appreciate the comment and explanations. Re mapping cracks - These currently only are visible when the driveway is just wet. As it ages, would you expect it to get worse? is there anything that can be done (i.e. sealer etc) to prevent them from getting worse? (...

Also note the saw cuts are approx 15mm deep.

Thanks Building-Expert. We had engineer specify requirements for an extension we did, including the carport slab. The carport slab and driveway were done in one pour (roughly 3.3 x 15m). The engineer specified 25mpa and (from memory) SL82 mesh. The concretor said he always uses 32mpa for driveways, ...

Thanks Stewie and Saint Mike. I was here when the guys laid the driveway. No cement dust was used on the surface. The concrete mix was coloured all the way through. They used a float and then one of those spinning/fan style finishing machines. The reo seemed reasonable, was well supported, overlappe...

Hi All We had a new concrete driveway laid about 5 months ago. Coloured concrete 32mpa, 120mm thick, reo throughout with saw cuts every 3m approx. After it had cured for around 6 weeks (with no use) we sealed it with Crommelin Diamond Coat. Looked fantastic. Now it still looks fantastic when dry, bu...

Thanks everyone! Love this forum. I have found a product called Superlam which is a laminated hardwood product. It comes in 90x70 and is H3 treated. Manufacturer recommends it for deck bearers and spans more than 2m with a FLW of 2400 (mine is only 1500 anyway). Will get some pics up here when compl...

Thanks Adam. The land slopes and clearance is less on one side. Also a double brick perimeter wall. Hardwood 100x75 seems to be a dollar cheaper actually. Or I could double up 2/90x70 treated pine bearers. Would one of those work do you think?

G'Day - a quick bearer span question - appreciate any suggestions. Deck on brick piers, 1m from the ground. I'm limited in height to 90mm bearers and 90mm joists. Piers are at 1.6 centres (span 1450). Floor Load Width: Bearer A and C = 750mm Bearer B = 1500 Continuous bearer: Is a 90x70 sufficient (...

Thanks Wobbly1. Very useful info. I have nearly got my plan together and will start the job soon. Photos to follow!

Hi Wobbly1 - thanks for the reply. I still want to go for the deck. Any other takers? Would love some comments re timber size and pergola attachment.