Before starting it is always good to check with your local council to see if you need permission to build your deck as there is nothing worse than building something then being told to take it down again.
Step 1: Plan of attack
You will need to figure out what shape and size deck works best in your space, if you want it to stretch the full length of your garden or maybe just in one section.
You will need to clear the area where you want to build your deck and spray with weed killer to keep things from growing underneath. After this, place down weedmat as a secondary precaution to keep any unwanted growth under your deck.
Step 2: Setout
This is a very important part of the process to having a well build deck. You will need to measure out your deck from a point of reference (eg. the back of your house) ensuring it it’s square. The best way to set out is to run a string line with stakes in the ground to map out your desired shape. To ensure your setout is square look up 3,4,5 method as a way of checking.
When setting your deck hight, remember you need to allow for the thickness of your decking boards, your joists and your bearers, work out this combined thickness and it will give you your base height to work from.
Step 3: Get digging
Before you dig, make sure you have no pipes running where you are about to dig by referring to previous house plans or call Dial before you dig.
Once you have your base hight and perimeter setout, it’s time to dig holes for your galvanised stirrups. Your hole spacings will be determined by the size of bearer you choose to use, just refer to a guide to suss out what’s best for you. You will need to dig your holes around a standard shovels width square and around 400mm-600mm deep and with straight walls. Once your holes are dug out, you can concrete in your stirrups and set them at your desired height. Ensure all stirrups are level, plumb and in straight lines. They also need to be set to have the bearers run in the same direction you will finally want your decking boards to run.
Step 4: Timber time
Once your stirrups are completely set into the dry concrete, you are ready to screw on your bearers.
Once bearers are screwed in, check once again for level and height as you can make slight adjustments with packers under your bearers before continuing.
Lay a cover protection over your bearer timber to protect the bones of your deck and to prolong its life.
Next you can screw in your joists. Your joists will run in the other direction to create a grid. They will also need to be spread out at 450mm centre to centre.
Once your joists are screwed in place you will need to again roll out your timber covering to protect for a long life.
Step 5: Decking boards
There are many types of decking boards you can use for your deck, merbau is a very common timber to use but there are so many options out there for you to research and find what works best for you.
It is best to calculate your total measurement of deck and divide it by your board width and spacings to give you the overall number of boards needed. You can also use this number to slightly adjust the gaps in between boards to insure you don’t have to use a half board at any point. Your gaps will be between 3-5mm depending on the material chosen (always best to ask at the store).
Board tips:
- Use stainless steel screws, they last longer and if your screws rust your board will pop.
- Don’t join boards twice in a row on the same joist.
- Keep your screws in a straight line.
- Use packers to keep your gaps consistent.
- Use a chisel in between already fixed boards then a clamp between the chisel and the unfixed board to pull out bows in the timber.
That’s about it!
Get your hands dirty and build yourself a deck in your back garden. It’s a sure way to love your outdoor space again!
Always insure you meet Australian building standards and regulations when building anything.
If you are unsure, consult a professional.
Sylky will be soon ready to show you the best deck builders in the land, ready to take on your project.
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