Our easy D.I.Y guide to installing great looking decking.
You don't need to employ professionals to install great looking decking. With our easy guide you'll have it done in no time.
Why not treat your garden to a makeover this summer? Create a space to relax and have fun in. Decking is easy with the top tips in our guide.
On Your Marks
You may not be a decking professional, but that doesn't mean you should act like a cowboy: make a plan. As planning is key in any successful DIY project, don't brush over this crucial initial stage.
Ask yourself these questions:
Where will the access points to the deck be?
Are there any trees or other large objects that will have to be removed or incorporated into the design?
Will the deck will be free-standing or supported by your home?
How many footings and posts will you need to support the deck and where will they go? (footings and posts support the beams, which in turn support the joists and timber).
Is the deck going to be in a sunny position and will it be protected from prevailing winds?
What type of wood will you use? Durable hardwood will be long-lasting; softwood absorbs colour treatments well; alternatives - old railway sleepers, for eample - are environmentally friendly.
Get Set
Now you know where it will be, work out what your deck will look like. Your timber can be laid in a number of different ways (diagonal, vertical, horizontal and chevron being the most common), so now's the time to get creative, but bear in mind that some designs will entail more work than others.
Lay the groundwork for your decking:
Get some string and pegs and mark out the area where your delightful deck will be.
Level out the ground for best results.
Check for any drainage problems.
Unless you want weeds growing through your decking next spring, you should cover the ground underneath the deck with plastic sheeting and cover this with gravel or stones.
Go
Contain your excitement, it's time to get going.
First of all, make your frame:
Measure and cut the joist that will make the sides of the frame. Treat all cut ends with a sealant.
Mark where the floor joists will be (400mm apart).
Assemble the framework. Use 75mm screws in pre-drilled holes, three screws per joist end. Screws should be stainless steel or galvanised to prevent rust.
That's half the job done. Now all that's left is to lay the decking floor:
Measure and cut the deck boards to size. Treat all cut ends with a sealant.
Fit your first board square with the edge of the frame. Fix the board in place with two 50mm screws in pre-drilled holes.
Fix the rest of your boards into place in the same way, leaving a 3mm gap between each board.
To finish the look of your decking, you need to fix boards to the side joists (between the top of the deck and the ground.
Finally, you'll need to treat your decking with a specialist decking finish. Ronseal does a range of decking treatments.
Enjoy
With the correct care, your decking will last a lifetime. So all you have to do is sit back and enjoy the fruits of your labour.
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