Install a small, decorative yet functional deck using modular frames covered with merbau panels. An awning creates shade over the entry.
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Before and after
How to build a deck with awning
Gather your supplies
- Gravel
- 200 x 100 x 50mm pavers
- 1116 x 1116mm modular decking base frames
- 50, 75 and 100mm batten screws
- 50mm modular decking adjustable support feet
- 150mm modular decking adjustable support feet with 140mm modular decking steel supports
- 20mm hex head screws
- 10 x 80mm nylon masonry anchors
- 1113 x 555mm modular decking merbau panels
- 90 x 19mm pre-oiled DAR merbau decking
- 70 x 45mm H3 treated pine
- 42 x 31mm x 5.4m pink primed pine
- Exterior paint
- Heavy duty anchor points (2)
- M10 x 75mm galvanised hex head bolt with nut (2)
- 1.3m x 8mm galvanised chains (2)
- 5mm D-shackles (4)
- M10 x 125mm galvanised eye bolt (2)
You’ll also need
- Square shovel
- Spirit level
- Drill with nut driver, regular and 150mm hex head bits
- 10mm masonry and timber bits
- Hammer
- Mitre saw
- Paint equipment
- Metal spray paint
- Nail gun
- Ladders
For you to note
- Modular decking consists of flatpacked frames, with pre-made panels that drop on top – two for each frame. Frames are joined with batten screws, predrilled with a 5mm bit.
- Use manufacturer’s online calculator to add up how many feet you need, with at least one at every corner intersection of frames, plus outside corners. This deck required feet in various heights. For 150mm and higher, install with steel supports.
- To finish the deck, frame with DIY fascia made from pre-oiled merbau.
- Blue metal gravel is laid in front of door under the deck as drainage to prevent flooding into the office.
- Paint all timber parts of the awning before assembly with exterior paint using a mini roller. Use rust-proofing spray paint to seal all chains, bolts and shackles in the finished colour before installing.
- This area is just under 3.4m wide x 1.15m deep; adjust materials for deck and awning to suit your site.
Here’s how
Step 1
Prepare area in front of door with square shovel; cover with gravel, using level or timber offcut to spread evenly. Position pavers in the ground to match modular decking foot set-out.
Step 2
Follow supplied instructions to assemble 3 decking base frames, predrill and secure using 75mm batten screws with hex head bit.
Step 3
Install shorter 50-150mm feet through holes in the frames. Install 150mm feet with steel supports in frame corners, predrill and secure with 20mm hex head screws using a nut driver. Position frames together, predrill along joins, securing with 50mm batten screws.
Step 4
Secure frames to concrete garage floor; predrill with 10mm masonry bit, tap in nylon plugs with hammer, secure using 100mm batten screws.
Step 5
Use level to check frames, adjusting feet as needed through the frames with a 150mm-long hex head bit.
Step 6
Drop in pre-made modular decking merbau panels. Cut merbau decking boards to fit around deck frame; predrill and secure with 50mm batten screws.
Step 7
From treated pine, use a mitre saw to cut a back rail to span wall, above door, with angled ends to fit eaves. Cut 2300mm front rail and
four 610mm supports. Butt-join supports against rails, predrill and secure with 75mm batten screws. Cut 5.4m lengths of pink primed pine in half for screening. Paint all timber. Centre screening on frame using a 31mm offcut as a spacer; secure with nail gun.
Step 8
Predrill with 10mm bit to secure 2 anchor points into roof ridge beam with M10 bolts; attach two 1.3m chains with D-shackles. Predrill with 10mm bit to secure 2 eye bolts into front frame 300mm in from ends. Position awning above door, supporting with a ladder.
Step 9
Predrill and secure back rail into wall framing with 100mm batten screws.
Step 10
Attach chains to eye bolts with D shackles, tightening to tension chains.
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