Adding decking to your home can really help you overhaul your curb appeal and deliver improved functionality and aesthetics to your property. And in some cases, well-thought-out and executed decking can add value to a property too.
But what if you want to go it alone and create and erect your own decking? A few tips are going to help you make sure you avoid some of the more common deck building issues homeowners face so you can ensure a smooth build and perfect results at the end.
Use Coach Screws to Secure the Frame
The frame is what carries the weight of the entire deck, so the fixings holding the joists to the posts and beams need to handle serious load without working loose over time. Coach screws have a hexagonal head that allows them to be driven and tightened with a wrench or a socket, giving a stronger, more secure connection than standard wood screws in the structural joints that carry the most weight.
Space Joists Correctly for the Board Type
Joist spacing should be adjusted to match the type and thickness of the decking board being used. This is because boards spaced too far apart will flex or bounce underfoot over time. Standard timber decking boards typically need joists no more than 400mm apart, while composite boards often require closer spacing; sometimes this can be as little as 300mm to avoid sagging.
It’s a good idea to check manufacturers’ specifications for the exact boards being used so you don’t need to guess at spacing that might not actually hold up. Also, reducing the standard spacing on stairs or areas that will get higher foot traffic can add extra stiffness where needed.
Leave Gaps Between Boards for Drainage
Boards that are laid too tight against each other will just trap water on the surface instead of letting it drain away. The result will be rot in timber appearing faster than expected and mould building up on composite materials.
You should ideally leave a gap of around 5mm between boards to allow rainwater to drain through rather than sitting on top. It will also give boards room to expand slightly in warm weather without buckling against each other.
Treat Cut Ends Before Fixing Boards Down
When you cut a board to length, you’re exposing the untreated timber at the cut end, even if the rest of the board was pre-treated from the supplier. And honestly, leaving that cut end untreated will cause you a heap of issues in the future. The cut end will give moisture a way into the wood, which is often where rot starts first.
To combat this, you should apply an end grain sealant or preservative to every cut before the board goes down. This will seal that entry point before it becomes a problem. This should apply to every single cut made on site, not just the ends of full-length boards, including anything you trim to fit around posts or awkward corners.
