Ground deck instructions

DIYdeals - Instructions for 'On the Ground' Deck 5.0mwide x 5.1m

Decking Timber Prices Close up of deck board face

Prices of Ground decks using 45 x 95mm joists Prices of Ground decks using 45 x 145mm joists

E-mail any questions to diydeals@hotmail.co.uk or call 01457 855259

1.For 'On the Ground' Timber Decks 5.0m wide a 5.1m

Before starting erection of Deck

You can use either the 45 x 95mm Planed (Ex 4" x 2") finishing 123mm (5") high or 45 x 145mm Planed (Ex 6" x 2") finishing 173mm high (7")

Please note that the deck boards may be used grooved side upwards, or combed side up - depending on your choice.

Marking out position of deck

i. Choose a site that is flat or only a slight slope. 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 - 9 joists are used for the 5.0m 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 58cm 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 145mm joists 2 corner brackets are used for each join - for 95mm joists 2 corner brackets are used at the 4 outside corners and only 1, positioned in the centre, for each of the other centre supports.

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 (or in the centre for the 95mm middle support joists). 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 N.B. 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 - 34 are used to cover the 5.1m deck

i. Position the first deck board approx 5 - 25mm over and ensure it is 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. Lay out all the deck boards and space them out with a 2 to 6mm gap between the deck boards and ensure flush at the ends with the board in front. Screw in 2 decking screws approx. 25-30mm from the front and back in line with the centre of each joists.

iii. The back board should overlap the back joists by approx. 5-25mm.

6. Finishing & Maintenance

i. All timbers being Preserved further treatment is not necessary and the timber will fade to a natural grey colour. If preferred, the deck may be coated with Decking Stain to the colour of your choice. If there is any build of moss, after winter use an anti-fungicidal and hose down to remove. 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

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.

Decking Timber Prices Close up of deck board face

Prices of Ground decks using 45 x 95mm joists Prices of Ground decks using 45 x 145mm joists