The first step when building decking is to create the frame upon which the decking boards will be laid.
The main joists of the frame need to run in the opposite direction to the way the deck boards are laid, at approximately 40cm apart.
The decking level needs to be worked out prior to construction; the decking will need to be slightly sloped one way (a slope of about 1cm) for drainage purposes.
Decking can either be built straight onto a patio or placed on top of brick pillars in order to increase the height. Bricks will need to be placed at frequent intervals of around 1.25 metres along every second joist so that the decking is not too springy once placed on top. If you are planning ion raising your decking by 3m or more, then planning permission will need to be obtained.
It is important to get the frame exactly right to succeed when building decking to ensure that you will have a firm and easy to maintain deck structure.
Here are a few simple steps to take to make sure that your deck is structurally sound and will last for years .....
If you are building a frame on top of a patio the timber to be used for the base frame should be around 5cm by 10cm.
It is a good idea to put some weed control fabric in the decking base to stop unsightly weeds growing up between the deck boards. For added weed suppressant we would reccomend also laying pea-gravel on top of the weed control fabric.
The best way to hold all the timber together is with galvanized screws to minimise the yearly level of up keep of the decking.( You will need to drill pilot holes for galvanized screws, however if you use decking screws this will not be neccesary).
Once the frame is completed it should be strengthened using cross members.