Want to build a deck in a weekend? With a bit of planned you can do it.
Plan your Deck
- Know what you want before you start.
- Draw up a plan that includes sizes and position.
- Check the local government requirements – you will probably need approval.
- Know what type of timber you want to use.
- Have your materials delivered before you plan to start.
I have built many decks both large and small and most can be completed in two to three days. This can also be achieved by most people who have done a little DIY and can use basic hand and power tools. Planning is the key factor to building a great deck. Make sure you look at decking span tables which will be able to tell you what size timber you need for the size of your deck. Remember these decking span tables show the minimum size timber you need, so it’s OK to use a larger or thicker timber but do not use under sized timber as this will be unsafe.
Deck under construction
If you look at the deck construction photo (labeled: Deck under construction) you can see that building a strong frame under you deck is essential. A deck full of people having a party and dancing to the beat can be a lot of weight, so make sure it is strong.
Timber Selection
- Exposed decks – must use treated or durable hardwood timber.
- In ground timber must be: hardwood – tallowwood, turpentine, ironbark or treated timber: h4 or above.
- Decking Boards can be any hardwood of your choice or treated pine.
- Best practise is not to have timber in ground but it is allowed.
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Timber decks can be very beautiful when made of hardwood or stained treated pine. For best results hardwood lasts the longest and looks the best. I generally use hardwood for the frame (if the deck is covered I may use treated timber) and hardwood decking boards. This type of deck does cost a bit more than treated pine but it looks the best and lasts the longest. Treated pine decking can be left bare however the boards will trend to cup and bow.
Deck Fittings
- All decking fittings must be hot dipped galvanised or stainless steel.
- If your deck is close to salt water all fittings, bolts, and nails/screws must be stainless steel.
- No painted, zinc, or bear steel fittings, bolts, screws or nails are allowed.
- Only use nails that cannot work loose like a twisted or ring shank nails.
In A Weekend
For more imformation on – How to build a deck - check out our page.
Friday afternoon:
Once You have planned your deck (size and shape) and had your plans approved by your local council you are really to order your materials list. Remember to include concrete (quick set)so you can set your posts or galvanised metal fittings/posts in ground. Have all your materials delivered to your home really for the next day.
Saturday:
Get up early have your breaky and lots of coffee and get ready to start at the earliest you can. I first fix the ledger beam to the house at the correct height and then run the bearers in place and nail/them off. Check for square and I always build them on a prop at the correct height and when satisfied they are level, square and correct, I bolt them off and then add the posts and concrete them in place. Now go that have your lunch or if it is a large deck go and have your afternoon tea. Now run your decking joists and nail and screw them off. Make sure they are square to the bearers. Go and have a shower by now you will need it.
Sunday:
Get up early again and have your breaky you may need even more coffee and soon as you can start to fit your decking boards. Decking boards come in random lengths so they will have to be cut to size and nailed or screwed. Nailing is quicker (use a gas or air nail gun), however do not nail the ends of the boards with the nail gun because with will split. Drill and hand nail the ends of the boards and hand nail down any nails that are left proud from using the nail gun. The nails should be flush with the top of the decking boards. Once all the decking boards are fitted add any steps or edges to the deck and coat with an acrylic decking stain. Add a balustrade if your deck is above 600mm high – see our how to build a balustrade page for more information. Pack up, go inside feeling good about yourself and what you have done, – it looks great. If you haven’t finished – don’t worry you will, during the week or the next weekend and you will have a beautiful deck. – My tip is to get a mate to help you and the speed of building your deck will increase much more because moving lengths of timber with two is much easier than by yourself.
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