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Laying Decking
Tools required
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drill
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saw
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screwdriver
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set
square |
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spade
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spirit
level |
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tape
measure |
Materials
required
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wooden
joists |
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wooden
posts |
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ballast
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cement
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cement
pads for the posts to rest on
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bolts
to support the outer frame
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decking
boards |
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joist
hangers |
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stainless steel screws, countersunk
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First choose the location for the deck. Taking
into consideration the position and if there are
any drainage problems. The deck must have
adequate airflow through and around the
construction to ensure good ventilation.
Mark out the area, clear vegetation and level
the surface area.
Decks can be free standing or
attached to the side of a house. If it is
attached to a house the finished deck level must
be at least two brick courses below the damp
proof course. Otherwise a gap must be left
between the house and the deck to aid drainage.
Do not lay ground level decks
directly onto grass. Concrete pads can be used
to support the deck or old paving slabs. Cover
the ground with a permeable membrane or
polythene and laying gravel over will help
weight it down and drainage. This will prevent
weeds growing through the deck.
There are different
constructions for decking depending on the area
you wish to lay it. Ask one of our friendly
staff for the best construction for the area you
wish to build it on.
The frame for the decking now
needs to be constructed using posts and joists
making sure that they are all level with each
other. Joists should be fixed at 400mm centres
for maximum support.
Lay the decking boards at right
angles to the joints
with no less than a 6mm gap between boards.
This allows for shrinkage or swelling and
ventilation. Paint
the cut ends with a sealant to prevent water
penetrating the deck.
Paint all the decking with either a seal or oil
after installation this will prolong the life of it.
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