How to create the a professional deck by Prodeckuk
www.prodeckukdirect.co.uk
EMAIL: info@prodeckuk.co.uk
Creating that perfect decking area in your garden to some can be an extremely daunting challenge. The idea of getting professionals in to install can seem an easy option but cost wise can be very expensive. Alternative options are to buy a pre-made decking kit. This is an easy and cheap way for you to add a decked area. If you require a decking of a certain size and area, ProDeck UK will design and pre-make a kit ready for you to just put together.
However, if you still feel as though you can build from scratch, here are some useful guidelines in which to follow.
Ground Gradient:
Laying a decking on a level ground is straight forward. However, if the ground is sloped you need to "Raise" your decking. To do this, you will need 4" x 4" posts and the sub-frame will need to be a minimum of 5" x 2" CLS structural graded timber. Dig posts into the ground to a depth of 300mm and concrete into place using "post crete". Do not cut down posts untill you put the sub-frame into place. Space posts no greater than 1.7m distance. Connect bearers to posts and connect joists. Can be screwed or galvanised joist hangers can be used. ProDeck UK will provide all needed including decking in an easy build kit form, all pre-cut, pre-drilled and treated for outdoor durability.
SUB-FRAME ( For level grounds):
A good solid sub-frame is the most important part of the deck. Use a structural graded CLS timber with a structural grade of at least C16. Your local DIY store will not have suitable enough timber...you will need to go to a local timber yard or builders centre. This is extremely important as this will reduce the "Bounce" on the decking. Some companies will insist that a 3" x 2" timber is sufficient...it is not. ( ProDeckUK are a large UK decking company that supplies to ressidential and install on multi-million pound show homes so we know what we are talking about!)
1) Lay weed membrane on area to be decked.
2) Pre-cut sub-frame to size required. Space joists at no more than 600mm centres. Ideally between 400mm and 500mm. 3) Screw together using 100mm screws (2 each side per joist) 4) Using a spirit level, set the sub-frame to very slightly off level...this is to allow rain water to run off. Where needed, pack the underneath of the sub-frame with slate/slabs if slightly off ground. Put spacers no further than 1m apart.
5) Start laying the decking boards. Either have these pre-cut to the size required or lay and fix all boards then cut using jigsaw or handsaw. 6) Place first board flush with edge of frame, fix using decking screws. (2 screws for each joist the decking board lands on) 7) Place the next board in position, fix and repeat process. It is recommended that you gap the boards 5mm away from each other using spacers.Thats it...enjoy your decking!
For more information or to have a kit built ready for you to install (any size or shape) please visit www.prodeckukdirect.co.uk We can even design a decking for you according to your budget!
