subject: How To Create A Fantastic Deck Part 1 [print this page] A terrace is a great component to any A terrace is a great component to any
home. Not only does it give you the added living space but it
can also be a great focal point with
your guests and friends. A real ice breaker or
conversation starter. If its built the right
way it can also add considerable value to your home. Decking
isn't ideal for all areas though, particularly
shaded areas. Whenever making a outdoor patio you should
always use pre treated softwood or hardwood.
Time to complete job: 2-3 days
Rough budget: Is dependent on the
sizing of your deck. Decking planks and
joist ledgers and noggins cost about 10 per 3.6m (12ft), each.
What you need:Pegs and string
Weed-suppressant membrane
Graph paper and pencil
Spade
Joists ledger & noggins 47mm x 150mm (2in x 6in)
Decking planks 28mm x 145mm (1 1/8in x 5 1/2in)
Fine-toothed saw
Hammer & screwdriver
Screws & nails
6mm (1/4in) spacers
Arranging:
Draw out the planned location and set out your
fixtures to see if it's large enough. Choose a location to pick up the sun at the
occasions of day when you will need to use the outdoor patio
- south-westerly facing is typically a good
selection but also consider the outlook, whether you
will be overlooked, and the relevant winds. Steer clear of any drains, underground pipework and cables.
Check to see whether planning permission is necessary.
Sketch a scale plan and calculate the
items you will need.
Word of advice: This instruction
represents the build of a
simple rectangular deck
connected to the house, but you might
contemplate wrapping a deck around the corner of your house,
close to a tree, or siting it away from the house completely.
Once you've got got a
amazing new deck, you'll have to
enjoy with an open-air
gathering.
Action 1: Organizing the site. Clear away plants to plan the
site, then draw out the area with pegs and line, making sure it's
block. Lie a deck garment over the
earth to avoid weeds growing up through the deck in
the future. The textile can be pegged or weighed down with
concrete, paving slabs or grit.
The structure for a deck
should be installed onto concrete footings
rather than right onto the dirt. You can
either lay down concrete for this or more easily using concrete paving
slabs. If using slabs, position them in a grid layout with
each slab situated around
1400mm (4ft 7in) from the next - these will support the solid timber joists that hold the
panels.
Next, lay squares of bitumen DPC membrane over the concrete floor or paving slabs prior to laying the patio timbers.
Word of advice: Use a spirit level to make certain
that the deck carefully slopes away from the
dwelling. For every metre of deck there ought to be a 10mm drop.
Action 2: Affixing a ledger to the property.
Add a ledger joist to the wall using spacers for venting and drainage. This establishes the level for your deck which must be at minimum 150mm (6in) below the damp proof course (DPC).
Fix firmly as the ledger is load-bearing - the best method will vary according to your property's structure so look for
advice.
Builders in Gloucestershire
Suite B 21 The Plantation, Hardwicke, Gloucester GL2 4SP 0845 094 8278 http://www.builders-in-gloucestershire.co.uk/
