So, you have just acquired a brand-new property and you want to add a timber deck at the back, which isn’t such a difficult project, providing you know what you are doing. In this short article, we show you the different stages to creating a timber deck at the back of your property.
- Outline the deck area – If you have drawn up a floor plan, you will know the precise dimensions of the deck and you need to put some posts in the ground and attach string to give you a base outline. You might need to excavate and remove some topsoil; you need at least 6 inches below the intended deck level to be cleared. This is the time to calculate what materials (and tools) you will need and this enables you to cost the project.
- Insert support posts – We recommend using 4×4 timbers, which should be set in concrete, making sure that all the tops are level. You will need to fix supports every 6ft and after leaving these overnight to set, your foundations are now complete. It will be a heavy-duty job to dig out the support holes, depending on the type of ground.
- Build the framework – Start by nailing 2×2 struts to the support posts, making sure they are level, you can either use nails or screws when you add the timber sections and you should have a solid framework on which to fix your timer decking.
- Fix the decking planks – We recommend using Trex decking, which is tongue & grooved; composite decking does not require any maintenance and it comes in a range of attractive woodgrain finishes. Countersink the screws and you can fill the holes with filler, while making sure to keep things level.
- Design & build the railings – The handrail should be at least 80cm high and should surround the deck with a gate that leads to the lawn. Choose a nice timber or use composite materials to provide essential support for the deck and after a clean-up, your new deck is ready for use. If you don’t want a gate, just leave an opening at the right location.
There are other ways to build a deck; you could put down a concrete base and affix timber onto this, which would involve digging out at least 12 inches. Put steel wire meshing and order ready-mixed concrete which should be poured it a timber formwork, giving you a very solid base on which to install your decking.
