HOW to build a Timber deck

   Timber decking construction in England has progressed rapidly within the last thirty years and evolved enabling more efficient, cost and labour saving methods. However, it is perceived that decking is a cheaper alternative to other methods of hard landscaping, such as various types of stone paving. This is not always the case as the work involved below the finished boards of deck can amount to more than 80% of time and labour. The square metre in total price of timber decking can equal that of a paved area, this does depend though on the nature of the site - a site survey would determine this.

   Availability of specific materials, ironmongery and fixings mean the aesthetics of the finished deck have also improved considerably over the years, high tensile screws for attaching joists to posts without having to initially drill a pilot hole and decking screws coloured green to attach the deck boards all attribute towards a professionally built deck with minimal fixings visible. 

   Hardwood can be used for the decking boards but softwood is the more popular of the two and widely available, also no pilot holes are required for the screws when using softwood boards. The green decking screws, with the drill set accordingly will sit just below the top surface of the board and will be barely visible. It is advisable, if possible, to have the smoother side of the decking facing upwards and the surface with the most grooves to be on the underside, contrary to belief with regards to a better grip. Over time the grooves accumulate debris and moss and it makes it increasingly more difficult to clean in comparison to the smooth surface.

    It is strongly advisable to power wash timber decking once a year, spring being the best time and in preparation for summer usage. Green Landscapes Cornwall operate a spring clean power wash service.

    The vast amount of work which is not visible to the end product is vital to the safety and durability of the timber deck.
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• The joists which are usually spaced at 400mm centres and are 150mm x 50mm in dimension and no smaller.  

 

• These joists are attached with high tensile screws to 100mm x 100mm (or larger) vertical posts which are either concreted into the ground or sit on an existing hard surface. When attachment to a house wall is required a base plate is fixed to the wall and joist hangers can be used for the joists to rest on 

 

• when the decking is 1.2m above ground, bearers will be required to support the joists. The direction of the bearers (200mm x 50mm is advisable), will run in the same direction as the finished deck boards and perpendicular to the joists. Depending on the size of the decking, usually only two or three bearers are necessary.

 

• If the decking is part of an extension of a house or any unusual circumstance then a structural engineer maybe required.

 

• The top decking boards when attached are utilised so there is minimal wastage but without compromising the finish look and this involves careful planning so the cuts of the boarding align alternatively similar to that of a stretcher course of bricks (See Brickwork section).

 

• It is advisable to treat the decking with a protective layer such as Linseed Oil.

HAPPY DECKING