Browse Forums General Discussion 1 Feb 24, 2016 9:22 am I've had a deck designed but the comment I have had from more than one builder is 'there are a lot of posts'. I'd just like to get a feel for what is typical. Spacing for the posts in this design is 1.5m to 2.4m and the deck is around 2m high. Total of around 70 sqm and 38 poss. Yes I realise it has to do with the bearers and spans but just wondering what is 'typical' for something along these lines. Can send plans. Re: Elevated Deck Post Quantity 2Feb 24, 2016 11:03 am Post the plans up here so we can comment further. What has the structural engineer recommended ? My elevated timber deck ( 1800mm to 300mm high off the ground) has brick piers approx 1800mm apart and 1500mm spacing carrying 100 x 75mm hardwood bearer with 100 x 50mm hardwood joists @ 450mm crs as a comparison. Stewie Re: Elevated Deck Post Quantity 5Feb 24, 2016 1:49 pm http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i328/g_sports/House/Deck/1_Deck_3D_zps3663vd4y.png http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i328/g_sports/House/Deck/4_Side_zpslprkipnb.png http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i328/g_sports/House/Deck/3_Timber_zpshilfwa9p.png http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i328/g_sports/House/Deck/2_Deck_Post_Spacing_zpskbzftg55.png The only way you could reduce the number of posts is by increasing the joist and bearer size. Stewie Re: Elevated Deck Post Quantity 6Feb 24, 2016 2:16 pm Hi Stewie I supposed the question should be 'is it sensible and/or economical to do so'. I not after a definite answer but just reassurance that the number of posts is not excessive and in-line with typical decking structures. The reaction from a couple of builders was as though this many posts was a bit 'over the top', hence my concern. I have no reason to want to venture under the deck, so if that many posts is a sensible, economical way to go then I am fine with it. Re: Elevated Deck Post Quantity 7Feb 24, 2016 6:24 pm In our local councils anything over 900mm above the ground and more than 25 sq m in floor area needs to be DA approved. For that you also need a structural engineers drawings which would show you all the info you are asking. Are you going through your council? Stewie Re: Elevated Deck Post Quantity 8Feb 24, 2016 9:12 pm Yes and they approved the plans, including the structural requirements. So I just need a builder. My question is simply to make sure the designer (who is an ex-builder, will not be building it, and has no interest in cutting costs) hasn't overdone the posts just to get it through. Maybe he hasn't so I will get on with it - confirmation of that is all I am really after. Re: Elevated Deck Post Quantity 9Feb 25, 2016 6:03 am Quite often in cases like this you just have to weigh up the different costs. If you leave your plans as they are, work out what all the lineal metres of posts,bearers and joists would be $ wise. Plus an amount for the concrete pads and stirrups. Then say OK we are going to remove two of the posts on the outside run and space them at say 2400mm meaning you'd look at beefing them up to 125 x 125mm. Naturally you'd have to beef up the bearers too to span the greater distance. Once you work out the difference in material costs then you have to look at the difference in labour costs for less posts etc. Then you just have to weigh up whether one is better over the other. Not just costs but looks too. Bigger bearers and joists mean that your apron around the outside will have to be higher too. Your handrail may have to go up a size to span the greater distance as well. Stewie Re: Elevated Deck Post Quantity 10Feb 25, 2016 9:04 am Elecmuso My question is simply to make sure the designer (who is an ex-builder, will not be building it, and has no interest in cutting costs) hasn't overdone the posts just to get it through. Maybe he hasn't so I will get on with it - confirmation of that is all I am really after. I suggest you also have a real look at the 3D iso in front elevation The posts are all over the place, differing centres, in reality to hide this you will have to batten/screen the sides. Designer,Engineer (Civil,Const & Envir),Builder,Concrete & Masonry Contract.Struct Repairs Surrey Hills, Vic 3127 Garage is being built with metal, 3m distance away from my cover deck. It is parallel to my cover deck, living room, family room and kitchen,… 0 9592 I've just built 3 stairs off a landing out the back and been told by the private certifier I need hand rails sorry tried to attach a pic but couldn't mine don't have sides… 5 5692 |