Even Entry | The EvenEntry Bracket System for Decks

Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Flow

Achieve a perfectly flush connection between your interior floor and your outdoor deck for a cohesive, architectural finish.

Wheelchair and Mobility Friendly

The smooth, level surface created by EvenEntry is ideal for wheelchair users and anyone who needs step-free access.

Cost-Effective Alternative to NZS 3604 Builds

Avoid expensive consent-required structures. EvenEntry provides a practical, compliant, and affordable solution for deck entry points.

Strong Bolt-Down Concrete Connection

M12 cup head bolts cast into your concrete slab create a rock-solid anchoring point that holds your subframe firmly in place.

Precise Height Control for a Flush Finish

The bracket system allows fine-tuned height adjustment so your deck boards sit exactly level with your door threshold every time.

Built for NZ Outdoor Conditions

Designed to handle the full range of New Zealand weather, from harsh UV and heavy rain to coastal salt air.

Before You Start: A Few Important Rules

Ensure all concrete slopes away from the building.
This bracket/channel system must not be used as the primary drainage outlet.
The channel must be installed at least 280mm away from the building's foundation.
Drainage stone beneath the channel is recommended for best performance.

Ground Prep: Battering, Boxing and Height Setup

Start by battering (sloping) the ground back and boxing out your area.

When compacting the ground, ensure that all M12 bolts cast into the concrete have at least 50mm of concrete surrounding them. This usually means you will need to slope your compacted base to allow for that clearance.

Set up your boxing to match the finished floor level. We recommend positioning your boxing approximately 300mm from the cladding. This allows for:

A 12mm gap between the decking and cladding,
Two 140mm decking boards,
Plus any spacing you desire between boards and the concrete.

Bracket Materials and Marking Out

What you'll need:

EvenEntry Bracket
H3/H4 outdoor timber (we recommend 75x50mm H4)
Your chosen decking boards

Spacing Requirements (NZS 3604 Building Code):

For 20mm decking, space brackets at 450mm centres max
For 32mm decking, space brackets at 600mm centres max

These spacing choices will affect your screw pattern, so plan it nicely for a tidy finish.

Marking Out:

Lay out all components (bracket, timber, decking) on a flat surface.
Stack them together to measure your total height.
Use a set square to mark the centre point for your M12 bolts on the boxing.
Once laid out evenly, drill your marks using a 16mm spade bit.

Installing the Bolts (Before Concrete Pour)

You'll need:

M12 cup head bolts
Square washers
Circular washers
Nuts

Install your bolts through the boxing:

The cup head bolt anchors into the concrete.
Inside the boxing: place a square washer hard up against the timber and lock it in with a nut.
On the outer side: use a circular washer and another nut.

This sandwiches the bolt securely into place, ready for the concrete pour.

Bracket Installation (Post-Concrete)

Once the concrete is cured and the boxing is removed:

Screw your H3/H4 timber into the underside of the bracket using 35mm galvanised TEK screws.
Slot the bracket over the M12 bolts protruding from the concrete.
Secure with circular washers and nuts.

Tip: Place two offcuts of your decking board on top of each end to make sure the bracket sits at the right height, flush with the concrete and door threshold.

For fine adjustments:

Use plastic H-packers or bituminous DPC to pack behind the bracket before tightening.
An impact driver makes the job quicker, but a standard socket set works just fine too.