How to build decking

How to build decking A brief guide compiled by http://www.4everdeck.co.za/ Planning Make a rough sketch of the design. Make sure that the proportions of the deck are proportional to your house. It's worth noting that deck boards placed at right angles can draw the eye to your garden. Once you have you determined the size of the decking, draw a scale plan. Don't forget access hatches to allow for drain covers. Remember to check if you need planning permission if you are building a deck over a certain size. Also think about walkways. Preparing the ground You will need to mark out the position of the decking in square metres. Put a wooden peg in the ground at each corner, or timber profiles to give you a good idea of the decking dimensions. You also need to clear all turf & vegetation and firm down the decking area. Don't forget a weed membrane/deck fabric to prevent weeds growing through the decking The framework for the deck should be laid on concrete foundations, as opposed to the soil. Building the framework Mark the positions for the joist supports and dig holes 600mm deep and 400mm wide. Put a concrete block in the bottom of each hole to add support. Set the first post in the hole, and use a spirit level to ensure that it is vertical. Then do the same for the other posts. Cut the outer joists and the inner joists to the correct length. Joist Outer If you are attaching the decking to the building, then you need to attach a sub frame to the wall. Do not build across Don't cut down trees or spoil the landscape to any air bricks in the wall. frame get your decking right, it's possible to adapt the deck to build around it. Fixing the deckboards Once all the joists are in place and the framework is rigid, you can begin to lay the deckboards. A useful guide is to lay about six boards at a time, leaving 5mm between each one. This means that the boards can expand in wet weather. Fix all the deckboards to the sub-frame with 50mm deck screws. You don't have to lay the decking in straight lines. The boards can also be cut diagonally. Use a wood plane to trim down the boards if you find they are too wide. Remember that raising decking may need steps if you want to access into a garden, or yard. Finishing Maintenance You can pressure treat your decking with preservative, or you can allow it to age naturally Remember to check for any loose boards over time, and repair them if necessary. Wash the deck to prevent the build up of moss and algae. Sources : http://www.homebase.co.uk/en/static/how-to-build-a-deck http://www.diy.com/diy/jsp/bq/templates/content_lookup.jsp?content=/content/knowledge/how _to/raised_garden_decking/raised_garden_decking.jsp