Need some advice on a ground level deck. Can somebody advise if it is recommended to add joists in between the bearers rather than laying them on top?
The reason why i am asking is because i am limited with the overall height of the deck and by putting the joist over the top of the bearers this will go over my max height of the deck. I have seen some decks build with metal brackets that hold the joist in between the bearers rather than sitting over the top of them. Is this still safe?
[quote=cherub65;774466 just make sure you use proper bracket nails as opposed to clouts[/quote]
I wasn't aware of this, what is the difference please......thanks.
Clouts have a thinner head.But as with strapping nails have a reinforced head so that the nail head will not pop off under load/ You can also consider to use a couple of batten screws through bearer to joist connection.Ps If using cca treated timber always use gal fixings.
The nails cherub mentioned are called connector nails. I have done a deck like this, worked a treat, I did add posts in the centre of the joists to take out some spring. Keep it in mind and see if you need them.
Another idea that I have just come across which looks good and keeps the deck tidy is to have the outside bearers a size larger and keeping the joists down the width of the deck so that the decking is flush with the top of your outside bearer. A mate just had a deck done and this is what they did to his.
Clouts have a thinner head.But as with strapping nails have a reinforced head so that the nail head will not pop off under load/ You can also consider to use a couple of batten screws through bearer to joist connection.Ps If using cca treated timber always use gal fixings.
Ground Level Deck - Joist Question 
