During the coronavirus pandemic that enforced a lockdown across the entirety of the country, thousands upon thousands of people have become passionately enthused and excited about do-it-yourself projects.
Contrary to popular belief, building and installing a decking by yourself in your own backyard is by no means as complicated or as expensive as people think. With that being said, continue reading for comprehensive guidance on how to successfully install your own decking at home.
Initial Planning & Research
Before you eagerly rush out to buy your equipment, there are a few important elements to consider in terms of planning your decking project.
Crucially, ascertain exactly why you want decking in your backyard; could it be for social and entertaining purposes, for yourself to enjoy some private, relaxing time in your own backyard, or maybe you want to add texture and height to your garden. Your motivation for building decking should influence the type of materials and overall style of the finished product.
Decking Design & Placement
In terms of design, where you place your decking should depend on the size and shape of your garden, as well as the overall finished aesthetic you desire.
Do you want your new decking to be the focal point of the garden, or, moreover, would you prefer a smaller and more intimate decking design? If you are unsure of exactly how you want your decking to look, consult with a professional, knowledgable, and experienced fence and deck company who can help set things clear in your mind.
A Step-By-Step Guide To Installing Your Own Decking
Once you have completed the planning process, you are ready to get practical.
The first step is to thoroughly prepare the site by marking out the corners of your decking with pegs and attaching builder’s string to complete the marked-out area. Next, remove all weeds, pebbles, and any other debris within the area, spray thoroughly with a quality weed killer and cover the entire space with a weed barrier sheet.
Secondly, spread the pea shingle so that it entirely covers the weed barrier sheet and build the outer frame, affixing the joists with galvanised screws for ultimate security. Ensure you use wood preservatives on all pieces of wood, however small.
It is now time to fit and lay the decking boards themselves. It is crucial to note that if you have selected wooden boards, they should be left outside to acclimatise and dry before fitting.
Position the initial decking board to the frame side that is nearest to the adjacent building. Lay each subsequent board one by one, leaving a gap to allow for natural weathering and expansion of around seven to ten millimeters, again to allow space for the wood to expand in wet weather.
Finally, edge your new decking by affixing the boards to the frame wherever you see a gap, ensuring that the facing of the deck is entirely secured flat to the top of the decking boards.
If you find that completing this project yourself is a lot more work than first anticipated, do not be afraid to reach out to experts. It could save you more money in the long term.
