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3.45m

1.For 'On the Ground' Timber Decks 0.75m wide
Before starting erection of Deck
You can use either the 4" x 2" or 6" x 2" planed joists, the deck finishing 5" or 7" high
Please note that the deck boards may be used grooved side upwards, or fine ribbed side up - depending on your choice - the fine ribbed effect offers the better slip resistance.
A. Marking out position of deck
i. Choose a site that is flat.  Mark out the perimeter with the 4 outside joists.  Check for squareness by measuring for equal diagonals.  Clear any obstructions that may interfere with the deck, balustrade or pergola - ground levelling may be required.

2. Fixing Joists
i. Equally space out joists between the front and rear joists - 2 support joists are used for the 0.75m wide ground decks.
For a stand alone deck the side joists are better recessed in approx 5cm to allow for rainwater to drip off without running down side joists.  A 55/56cm approx gap is left between joists. When joining 2  decks together, side by side, the side joists should be flush with the Front & Back joists and adjust the spacing accordingly. When joining decks at the front or the back, only one joining joist is used and the corner brackets fasten on both sides of the same joist.
ii. For 95mm & 145mm joists 2 corner brackets are used for each join
iii. Lay the Support Joists on the ground with the inside face pointing upwards.  Position the longer side of the Corner Brackets on the Side Joists so that they are flush with the end and are 20 mm  in from the top & bottom.  Use 3 of the Screws to fix each Corner Bracket to the Side Joists.  Ensure that the tops of all Joists are flush and fix all the Support Joists, using Small Screws, into each end of the Front & Rear Joists - the Side Support Joists can be flush (especially when joining two decks together) or, if desired, they can be up to 60mm in from each end to provide an overhang for the deck boards.

3. If using pergola - click here  Always fix Pergola Posts, Supports, and Tops before fixing Deck boards

4. If using Balustrade -click here  N.B. Always fix Newel Posts before fixing Deck boards

5. Fixing the Deck Boards -   it is necessary for you to cut the 3m boards into 4 x 0.75m pieces
i. Lay the deck boards over the joists and adjust the spacing - it may be necessary to have a 50mm overhang at the front to achieve the required size. Position the first deck board flush with the front joist (or with an overhang if necessary)  and ensure it is also flush at the ends of the front joist.    Screw in 2 decking screws in line with each joists the front one going into the front joist.
ii. Space out the deck boards so that the front of first deck board is 150mm from the front of the second deck board this maybe 4mm to 8mm depending the moisture content of the deck boards  and ensure flush at the ends with the board in front.  Screw in 2 decking screws approx. 25mm from the front and back in line with each joists.
iii. The back board should be flush with the back joist or have a 50mm overhang, if necessary.

6. Finishing & Maintenance
i. With all timbers being Preserved, further treatment is not necessary and the timber will fade to a natural grey colour - any cuts to the joists or the deck boards must be treated with a clear 'solvent based' preservative.  If preferred, the deck may be coated with Decking Stain to the colour of your choice. If there is any build up of moss, after winter, use an anti-fungicidal and hose down to remove or use a jet-spray.  To restore the colour apply a further coat of Decking Stain.
ii. Dispose of all waste timber in your dustbin - do not burn.  Wash hands after handling timber - especially before eating.  Always wear safety glasses when using power tools.

Help Line - For more information - contact Peter Dale on 01457 855259 or email diydeals@hotmail.co.uk

All rights reserved.  10/08/2010.

You may print this copy for use during erection.  This leaflet may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the prior written approval of Peter Dale.