Decking Regulations in Victoria: Key Insights for a Hassle-Free Project

If you’re looking to complete a residential development project in Victoria, you need to follow certain regulations and guidelines. This guide will walk you through the different decking regulations in Victoria that you need to follow before the building work begins. It will also discuss whether you need a professional builder and a local council-issued building and planning permit for installing a new deck.

Important Deck Building Regulations

One of the most important deck building regulations to consider before you can start construction is that a permit is required. irrespective of size, a building permit is essential for decks and verandahs that are attached to a structure, such as a house or swimming pool according to Victorian Building Authority (VBA). Additionally, detached decks that serve as an amenity to a building also require a building permit.

Balustrade and Handrail Regulations for Decks in Victoria

Balustrade and handrail regulations for decks in Victoria are also very important to consider. The balustrade should be more than one meter up from the finished floor, if the deck is above one meter from ground. The balustrades themselves should not have a space of more than 125mm between them, ensuring that a small child’s head will not fit through the gap. The balustrade should not have any horizontal member that is climbable between 150mm and 760mm from the floor. AS 1428 Focuses on an improved design for better mobility and accessibility. Therefore, your deck should integrate a ramp, and use-specific facilities to ensure better accessibility for people with disabilities.

Bushfire Safety Regulations to Consider for Decks in Victoria

According to the Victorian Building Authority, your deck will need to comply with specific building codes and requirements depending on its Bushfire Attack Level, or BAL. For houses in the BAL-29 to BAL-FZ range, the decking should be non-combustible, with an enclosed sub-floor space and fire-resistant timber supports.

On the other hand, if you live in an area with a BAL-LOW to BAL-19 level, the decking materials need to be bushfire resistant and non-combustible within 400mm vertically and 300mm horizontally of a glazed element to meet deck safety requirements in Victoria. There are no unique decking regulations in Victoria for materials or supports. 

Different Types of Decking Materials and Their Suitability in Victoria

Timber Decking regulations in Victoria do not extend to the materials that you use. Only in more fire-prone areas will you have to choose specific types of timber. The two most popular types of timber decking material include Treated Pine and Merbau.

Merbau

Merbau is possibly one of the most durable types of timber available since it even requires specialised machinery to harvest and prepare. It has an abundance of natural oils within it, which means that it can last a very long time with minimal maintenance. It is also bushfire resistant and approved for use in BAL-29 areas and above, so you will meet necessary timber decking regulations in Victoria.

Treated Pine

Treated pine is a much softer wood, which means that it does require a little more maintenance to ensure it lasts long. However, it is significantly cheaper, termite and decay resistant, and can be painted or stained to fit your specific needs. 

Treated pine finished with a green tint, therefore, it is more commonly used in subfloor areas that do not require a high level visual appearance.

Environmental Impact of Decking in Victoria

A major concern that people have when choosing materials for decking is the environmental impact that their choices can have. Floor decking material, such as bamboo, Douglas fir, pine, Nootka cypress, western red cider, and redwood, are eco-friendly choices. Besides being fast-growing trees, they are sustainably grown and harvested without compromising on durability.

How to Apply for a Building Permit

According to Victorian Building Authority, irrespective of size, if the deck is attached to the building, you will have to apply for a building permit. Before you can receive building permits for your deck, you first have to hire a building surveyor. You have to submit three copies of allotment plans, specifications, and drawings. When they approve the relevant documentation, you have to pay the building permit Levy, and then you can start building your deck according to Victoria decking building codes. 

Best Installation Practices and Other Considerations

There are a few installation practices and considerations that you should keep in mind when installing your deck. For instance, for the best deck spacing requirements, you want to make sure that you have 600mm centers for 22mm hardwood and 450mm centers for 18mm.

Don’t Sink the Screws Too Far In

You don’t want to sink your screws too far into your deck boards since that can create small pockets for water and debris to build up.

Use Diamond Lath to Keep Out Unwanted Visitors

Screwing in diamond lath at the back of deck joists should dissuade most raccoons and skunks that try to make your deck their home. 

Use Double Joists at the Joints 

Double joists are recommended at the joints and ends of the deck where additional load is expected.

Victoria deck design guidelines dictate that gaps are necessary when installing your wooden deck since it allows better drainage and reduces debris buildup. 

Keep Your Deck Away from the Boundary Line

According to the BCA, decks should be at least 900mm away from the rest of the boundary, as it reduces the risk of fire spreading. This requirement is regardless of the BAL rating of your city or area. 

Load Support and Structural Support Considerations

To make sure that your deck effectively manages its weight, you need to consider factors such as the foundation and material of your deck. Furthermore, the deck’s weight needs to be evenly distributed across the support beams and its connection to the house. Decks with a concrete foundation, no bathtub or kitchen, reinforced railing, and hardwood materials do better at distributing their weight. It is recommended that you obtain structural engineering for the structure of the deck.

Accessibility Considerations

Besides meeting the necessary decking regulations in Victoria when building your deck, you also want to make it accessible. You can increase accessibility by adding a ramp and a handrail near the stairs. 

Maintenance Tips to Improve the Longevity of a Deck 

Installing a deck is only part of the challenge; it requires maintenance to last a long time. Some tips include:

Avoid Painting Your Deck

You should avoid painting your deck since the added layer of paint could peel away, making you spend more on touchups and maintenance. Furthermore, you could trap water into your deck by painting over it, leading to mildew.

Use Specific Cleaning Solutions

You’ll want to check which cleaners you buy for the deck to see if they have the ingredients necessary to clean it without damaging it. 

Sweep the Deck Regularly

While you might not find this in the Victoria decking building codes, you should sweep the deck regularly to keep it looking nice and to remove any moisture. 

Regulations to Follow For Outdoor Construction 

Verandahs

Since they are attached to your house, Verandahs require a building permit and permission from your local council. You should speak with your local council and not start building without a permit. 

Pergolas

Homeowners don’t need a building permit to construct a pergola as long as it has a floor area of 20m² and a maximum height of 3.6m. According to clause 3 of the 2018 Building Regulations, a pergola on a class 1 building should be set up no further than 2.5m forward from the front wall of the building. In all other cases, it shouldn’t be placed any further on the property than the front wall of the building. It is essential to check the local planning scheme for specific setback and coverage requirements.

Patios

If your outdoor patio covers a greater area than 10m², you have to apply for a building permit first. And if the total cost of the addition (patio + deck) is over $10,000, you will need to hire a builder registered with the Victorian Building Authority and ensure the appropriate insurance is in placed for the proposed works prior to commencement on site

Alfresco areas 

The alfresco area that you create alongside your deck should not have more than two walls for outdoor ventilation requirements. If it has three walls, then it is an indoor alfresco area, in which case you will need a certified indoor burner to meet residential deck construction rules in Victoria. 

What’s Next 

Constructing a deck in Victoria not only enhances your home’s appearance but also provides valuable additional space. To ensure your deck complies with all relevant regulations, consider reaching out to SQM Architects. Our team of experts will not only guide you through the process but also manage the required building and planning permits on your behalf. Don’t hesitate to contact SQM Architects for any questions or assistance regarding decking regulations in Victoria.