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How to Build Your Decking with the Appropriate Fittings: A Step by Step guide

How to Build Your Decking with the Appropriate Fittings

One exciting thing about owning a home is the many things that you can do with it. You have the flexibility to add and subtract things at your will, and make any alteration you deem fit. Seeing as it’s summertime, you may be thinking about improving your home’s decking, or even building a deck from scratch. This may seem like a daunting project if you’ve never done it before, but it is possible. For those who need some assistance, read on.  We’ll explain how you can build your decking with the appropriate fittings. 

Decide on the Style of the Deck

As you likely already know, there are various types of decks that you can build. There is no one-size-fits-all option so it’s entirely dependent on your personal style and needs. If you’ll be putting the decking in your garden, it’s a good idea to look online for decking inspiration. You’ll also want to consider your budget as some decks will be more expensive to create than others.

Purchase Your Tools

After you’ve chosen the style of your decking, you need to go on to buy the materials and tools you’ll need. Some of the tools you may need include a tape measure, club hammer, edger, spade, and gravel. In addition to this, having a handsaw, screwdrivers, sawhorse and nail gun should help when you’re assembling some of the materials.

Additionally, you can get a joist hanger for timber to masonry fittings; these tend to be relatively affordable. If you plan on building a small deck, three joists should be more than enough. These are basic tools and there may be several others that you need, so do extensive research to check.

Plan Your Stages

There are typically three stages of decking. These are laying the foundation, framing, and then the finishing. Below, you’ll find out a little about each:

Foundation

First and foremost, you have to lay the foundation of your deck posts. This requires you to create a weed-free area for the deck. Don’t forget to use a measuring tape to make sure the frame is square.

Framing

After laying the foundation, you then need to move onto the framing. Some of the tools you’ll need in this phase include a tape measure, a circular saw, joists, a handheld hammer and a nail gun. To create a framework, cut the timber to the required length and then join it using exterior wood screws.

In order to raise the frame, you’ll need to cut four blocks of timber to the height you desire. You can then screw these to the inside of the frame at each corner. Make sure you use at least three screws per block as they’ll be taking all the weight.

For those whose decks will be sitting on grass or soil, you’re going to need to put blocks or slabs under the edge of each leg so that the load is evenly spread.

You’ll need to use joists to hold the timber in place. Make sure you cut these to the right sizes to avoid any issues.

Finish

Once you’ve completed the frame, you’re going to need a drill for the finishing of the deck. This is where you will place your chosen boards on top of the frame; most require pre drilling to keep them from splitting. When cutting the boards, try using a jigsaw to cut them to the length you desire.

Take Safety Measures

When you’re building a deck, safety is important. If possible, get someone to build the deck with you so you’ve got an extra pair of hands and eyes. Always wear protective safety gear such as gloves and goggles, and have a first aid kit nearby just in case any accidents occur.

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