The Complete Guide to Installing a Beautiful Deck Around Your VanHome

One of the best ways to take your VanHome to the next level is by installing a beautiful deck to the front. Our manufacturing process means it isn't feasible for us to craft custom decks for our clients. However, this leaves you with the freedom to create your ideal deck and the ability to use a local tradesperson to save on costs.

The Australian climate is perfect for outdoor living. As Aussies, we like to have an attractive outdoor living space for BBQs with the family and cold drinks in the sun. According to Trex Company, an outdoor living product manufacturer, 77% of surveyed Australians responded that they use their outdoor space nearly every day.

In this article, we'll guide you through everything you need to know to make your deck a space you can be proud of.

Materials 

Like the 77% from Trex Companies survey, if you're invested in using your outdoor space every day, you'll want your deck to match your VanHome. To help, we've outlined the different materials that may work best with your VanHome below.

Timber  

As a classic building material used for millennia, timber can give you a lot of freedom of choice. With hundreds of available colours, styles, and harnesses, it means that you can completely control your deck looks and feels. Additionally, timber is one of the most cost-effective ways to build a lush deck around your VanHome. 

Composite 

In comparison, composite decking is relatively new to the market. It's designed to be low maintenance and hard-wearing - and it is made from recycled materials, making it more environmentally friendly. The cost is somewhat higher than timber; however, the minimal maintenance required to keep it looking great may make it worth it. 

Aluminium

Finally, prefabricated aluminium decks are an attractive option to those wanting a long-lasting deck that can withstand high traffic or wear and tear. This means they can offer an advantage in bushfire-prone areas. Additionally, they generally contain a seamless fixing system, meaning no screws or nails are required. The upfront cost of this option is the highest of the ones we've listed. However, it is also the lowest maintenance option, is slip-resistant, and typically cooler to the touch than other decking materials.

Legislative Requirements

There are several approval methods available when building a deck. Even when built alongside your VanHome, decks over a specific size may require council approval. In most cases, the size limit before approval is up to 20sqm, but this will vary from Council to Council, so it might be worth checking first. 

It is also essential to keep in mind that the deck must be built independently of the VanHome. If the deck is built as an extension of the VanHome, the council may view that the VanHome and deck are part of the same construction. If this happens, the VanHome portion of the structure will lose its legal status as a registered caravan and require building approval.

It is more than likely that your deck will fall under three possible development options.

Exempt Development

Exempt Development refers to when specific criteria are considered exempt from requiring approval. For example, specific projects that are low impact in certain zones can be built without council approval. These are often things like garden sheds, carports or decks. Legislation such as the ones below set out the standard for exempt developments:

State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) 2008 Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2000.

As long as you tick all of the boxes outlined, you can often build a deck without any approval required. 

Complying Development 

A Complying Development Certificate (CDC for short) is a way to fast track the approval process while still complying with the Local Government's regulations and laws. These are usually for straightforward and common developments undertaken in certain areas. 

Complying Developments can be issued by a private certifier or by your local council. 

Did you know that from 2015 to 2016, the State Policy for exempt and complying development enabled 33% of all development approvals in NSW to be fast-tracked? This saved substantial time and money for families and business owners.

Council Approval

Finally, if your deck doesn't fall under the first two categories, you can apply to have it approved by your local council. This is typically seen in areas with specific zoning types, environmental requirements or stricter control plans in place.