Are you planning to build a timber deck? It’s a great addition to any home, but before you jump in, there are some key considerations you should carefully consider before building a deck in Victoria. By addressing these essential questions upfront, you can avoid potential issues down-the-road.
Key Considerations
Function
Determine how you’ll use your deck. Is it for outdoor dining, relaxation, or both? Consider the entry points – do you prefer a single door or a sliding door for easy access?
Comfort
Think about how you’ll enjoy your deck. Will you be walking barefoot on it, or is it near a pool? Assess your sunlight preferences and decide if you need shade options like an umbrella or a pergola.
Aesthetics
Is your deck attached to your home, consider the exterior’s style. Does it feature traditional red brick or contemporary render? Note the colour of your sliding door frame and any nearby structures that may influence your deck’s colour or texture choices.
Greenery
Will your deck be near canopy trees or incorporate greenery in planters and retained garden beds?
Types of Timber
Choose the right timber for your deck.
Solid Timber
Options like Spotted Gum, Ironbark, and Merbau offer a classic look. You can choose pre-oiled timber products to save post-construction mess, but they may be a bit more costly or standard timber products that will need oiling after installation, making them relatively cheaper and easier to source.
WPC Timber
Ideal for contemporary homes, WPC products offer wood grain lookalike textures and neutral colours. We recommend using the textures that are not identical to deep woodgrains, as they require less maintenance.
Deck Construction
Consider the two primary construction methods:
Concrete Slab with Pedestal System/Structural Timber
It’s easy to construct in various ground conditions, but it’s not permeable and may require soil fill if the ground is lower than the house interior level.
Stump Construction
Suitable for areas where the ground is lower than the house, but it can be costly on unstable ground or clay-rich soil.
Permits
In most cases, you’ll need a building permit for your deck in Victoria. Some exemptions apply, such as decks under 10 sqm not attached to the house. Always check with your local council’s building department or planning authority for clarification or click here for more information.
Obtaining a permit involves several steps, including:
Step 1 – Planning and Design
Your Landscape Designer or Architect prepare the necessary drawings.
Step 2 – Structural Assessment
An engineer will assess the design based on soil reports, ensuring structural integrity.
Step 3 – Regulatory Review
A building surveyor evaluates the design, either approving it with any necessary adjustments or providing reasons for rejection.
Once you have the approved drawings, you can proceed to gather and compare quotes from potential contractors, streamlining your deck construction process.
While the permitting process may seem lengthy and complex, we strongly advise against engaging anyone to build your deck without the required building permit. Failing to obtain the necessary permits can result in fines from the council and significant legal challenges when justifying your project.
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