A well-designed deck creates the perfect extension of your living area for hosting weekend barbies or enjoying a quiet cuppa in the sunshine. But before you dive into deck construction with a builder, it’s important to decide whether a ground-level or raised deck is right for your home. Let’s break down what raised and ground-level decks are, the benefits of both and how to choose the right option for your home — along with key considerations for when you’re ready to get started.

What is a ground-level deck?

Ground-level decks are low-profile structures that rest on a subfloor, avoiding direct contact with the ground. Often designed as freestanding structures, they don’t require attachment to your house, providing greater flexibility in placement. With a simple frame topped with timber floorboards, ground-level decks offer a practical and straightforward way to create a relaxing outdoor retreat.

The benefits of building a ground-level deck include:

• Design integration: You can easily integrate a ground-level deck into your landscape by planting trees around the deck.
• Location and versatility: Ground-level decks do not have to be attached to any structure of your home, unlike elevated decks. You can build them in any area of your yard, making them look more beautiful and different.
• Cost: Building a ground-level deck is pretty affordable. They are simple, and the total cost for both labour and material is low. You can also go for additional furniture.

What to consider when building a ground-level deck with professionals

At Additions Building, we specialise in professionally constructing ground-level and raised decks to ensure safety, compliance and quality. It’s important to note that any deck higher than 1 metre, longer than 5 metres on one side or greater than 10m² requires council approval.

For those considering a ground-level deck, working with experts ensures your project meets all regulations and is built to last. Here are some considerations when building a ground-level deck:

• Ensure Proper Ventilation: Ground-level decks should be elevated slightly above ground level with a subfloor to allow for proper airflow. This helps prevent moisture buildup, reduces the risk of rot and insect infestation and enhances the deck’s durability.
• Use solid foundations: A solid foundation is essential for any deck, and its design will depend on the surface and specific engineering requirements. To guarantee quality and compliance with Australian standards, it’s important to work with experienced professionals who can ensure your deck is built safely, securely and to last.
• Choose weather-resistant materials: Opt for treated timber, composite decking or hardwoods like merbau or spotted gum, which can withstand Australia’s harsh weather. Treated options resist rot and warping, while composite requires less maintenance.
• Level the foundation carefully: The ground must be properly prepared to ensure the deck remains stable and secure when building a ground-level deck, as this helps avoid uneven surfaces that could impact the deck’s stability.
• Plan drainage: Builders should add a slight slope (1–2%) to the deck or use gaps between boards to allow water to drain away. Proper drainage prevents pooling, which can damage materials over time.

Building a ground-level deck requires careful planning and expertise to ensure quality and compliance. Partnering with a professional can ensure a sturdier, longer-lasting deck.

What is a raised deck?

For a home that has the main living on the second floor, a raised deck is the way to go. Elevated decks over 1 metre often include stairs connecting them to the backyard and must incorporate safety and legally compliant features such as railings. Typical centre hall colonial design houses often need a raised deck to be even with the door.

Some of the advantages of raised decks include:

• Maximised views: A raised deckserves as an amazing way to finish out your yard along with trees and other landscaping materials.
• Increased home value: By expanding your usable outdoor living area, a raised deckadds overall square footage and value to your home.
• Flexible entertaining space:Raised decks are ideal for hosting everything from relaxed Sunday brunches to larger celebrations. Add some furniture, string up some fairy lights and your deck will look fantastic.

What to consider when building a raised deck with professionals

Creating a raised deck requires proper planning, council approval and the expertise of a licensed builder to ensure compliance with Australian standards. Key considerations include:

• Secure footings: Deep, stable footings are essential for elevated decks, as they provide a solid foundation that supports the structure and prevents shifting or settling over time, even on uneven or sloped terrain.
• Reinforced structure: Incorporating cross-bracing between posts adds crucial stability to the deck’s framework. This reinforcement is particularly important in regions prone to strong winds, heavy rainfall or other environmental factors that can compromise the deck’s integrity.
• Building code compliance: Raised decks must adhere to local safety and building regulations, which typically require features like railings, balustrades and staircases to ensure the deck is safe for use. Compliance not only ensures user safety but also avoids potential legal and regulatory issues.
• Load capacity: Raised decks should be designed with sufficient strength to accommodate the weight of furniture, gatherings and additional features like hot tubs, planters or outdoor kitchens. Properly reinforced beams and joists help prevent sagging or structural overloading, ensuring durability and functionality over time.

Ground-level vs raised deck: Which one works for you?

When deciding between building a ground-level deck or a raised deck, consider your home’s design, construction budget, usage and local guidelines:

• Your home’s layout: Ground-level decks connect to backyards, which are ideal for homes with direct outdoor access. Raised decks suit elevated living spaces, as they provide a functional link between indoor and outdoor areas.
• Your backyard space:Raised decks work best on sloped or uneven blocks and offer under-deck storage. Ground-level decks are perfect for flat yards and can easily complement landscaping.
• Your budget:Building a ground-level deck is usually more cost-effective due to simpler construction and fewer materials. Raised decks are pricier but can add long-term value, especially with features like railings or pergolas.
• Your local guidelines: Ground-level decks often don’t require permits but need proper drainage and ventilation. Raised decks taller than 1m, longer than 5m on one side and great than 10m² require approval, safety railings and engineered supports.

Create your perfect deck with Additions Building

Building a deck, whether raised or at ground level, is an excellent way to enhance Australia’s outdoor lifestyle. At Additions Building, we handle every aspect of the process — from planning and design to construction — ensuring a seamless experience and a deck perfectly tailored to your home and needs.

We build ground-level decks that create a smooth connection between indoor and outdoor areas. For raised decks, we focus on maximising views and crafting versatile spaces perfect for entertaining. Whatever your vision, we build high-quality custom decks that bring it to life. Request a free quote from us today — let’s build the deck you’ve always wanted.

Enjoying the sun and breeze from your patio space can be quite pleasing and refreshing as it lets you connect with the beauty of nature. But what about when the weather is bad. You’re not out there, but a lot of your stuff is. People often forget that they have a lot of outdoor furniture and fixtures that need to be protected from a climate that is harsh enough to destroy them. Patio screening Brisbane is important, but may not be enough; you should look to ways to avoid the costs of repairs.

So, here is how you can protect your outdoor space from weather damage:

 

1. Direct the weather elements outwards

You can consider opting for insulated patio roofing Brisbane to protect your outdoor space. Residing in Brisbane, you are likely used to the hot weather conditions with occasional rains and cooler weather. The breeze might feel soothing and refreshing for you, but it may not be the same for your outdoor furniture. Refreshing sea breezes contain salt with can cause deterioration and corrosion of furniture and fittings. Having an insulated roof for your outdoor space can save you from the rage of nature and will act as a protective sheath for your outdoor furniture.

2. Checking the patio

Houses that have screened patios should always be checked, especially if they have supporting cables and fasteners. Proper care should be taken to tighten them frequently, or your patio could be damaged by strong winds. Using hurricane shutters can also help in safeguarding your outdoor space against rough weather.

3. Hold your loose objects tight

Your outdoor patio might have planters, ornaments, and furniture, and these can become high-speed projectiles during strong winds and hurricanes. Not only can they get damaged, they can also cause damage to your garden and house. So, it is always a good idea to secure them by either shifting them inside during adverse weather conditions or by securing them so that they don’t get airborne.

4. Safeguard outdoor appliances

If you have insulated patio roofing in Brisbane outdoors, you may think that this means your outdoor items are safe. You are right to some extent because such a roof can protect your expensive fixtures against air but not rains. Rains can cause moisture in the air, which stands as one of the significant reasons for destroying your electrical appliances and other fabricated goods. Therefore, consider covering such goods and appliances with UV resistant and waterproof sheets to enhance their longevity and extended services.

Conclusion

Installation of patio screens Brisbane, sealing, hurricane shutters, etc. can help in combatting the adverse weather climates. Apart from these tips, you can get more ideas about how to battle the adverse weather conditions just by reading our other blog posts.