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How to Install Timber Decking - DIY Building Supplies

by Lucifer Pablo Marketing Manager

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How to Install Timber Decking

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If you’re wondering how to install timber decking, our step-by-step guide will get you ready. Let’s create that delightful decking!

Timber decking adds a touch of style and natural beauty to outdoor spaces. Whether you're looking to create a place for relaxation in the winter, a setting for barbecues in the summer, or you just want to improve the look of your garden, we are going to walk you through the process of installing timber decking.

Decking can either be freestanding or attached to your home, so it gives you the opportunity to be creative. While a complex decking project could include a variety of features such as steps, railings, and balustrades, a single-level deck is relatively straightforward to create. Let's show you how to do this with a timber subframe.

Considerations When Building Your Decking

The size and the location will completely depend on the function. Think about how big the decking needs to be first and consider some of the following factors:

● Privacy.

● The dryness of the ground, as wet ground is not particularly suitable for decking (although there are options such as treated wood posts, proper drainage, and grading solutions).

● Is it on a slope or level ground?

● Will you need to work around any existing features such as trees?

When planning your decking layout, try to limit wastage as much as possible. When taking this into account, consider the following:

● The material of the boards, for example, are you going to opt for treated timber?

● The size of the decking area, as this will determine the amount of decking required. When you calculate the space, you can determine the number of boards needed and the total coverage area. However, you don't normally need planning permission to install decking if the area does not exceed 50% of the entire garden, is not forward of the principal elevation of the house, and is no more than 30cm off the ground.

● The required expansion gap, which is something commonly overlooked, but a general expansion gap of 5mm to 8mm is recommended between boards to accommodate the natural expansion and contraction of the wood due to changes in temperature and moisture.

The Step-by-Step Process of Laying Decking

Gathering Materials

Now you plan the project and gather the necessary materials. It is essential to acquire high-quality timber decking boards that are treated for enhanced durability and decking joists to provide a solid foundation. Our 4x2 decking joists ensure stability and longevity.

Prepare the Site

Prepare the installation site first by clearing away any debris, vegetation, or obstacles. At this point, use a spirit level to ensure the ground is level, offering a stable base for the timber decking and timber subframe.

Compress any loose soil with a heavy roller or a thumper and lay weed control fabric over the site. This will stop unwanted greenery from making an appearance. However, if you are looking to build on a concrete or patio base, you can do this as well, but start by measuring and marking out the required area.

Provide a Load-Bearing Foundation

At this point, you can lay concrete slabs at the corner and the centre points of the space that you want to deck. The slabs are an invaluable addition as they will clear the wooden frame if you are laying the materials on damp ground.

You can then put a straight piece of wood on the slabs and check it is level, working at getting the level as close as possible by adding more slabs if you need to.

You can also incorporate pressure-treated wooden posts in the ground at regular intervals which support the frame at this point, and you can also use dedicated slotted deck blocks that take the weight of the joists.

Installing the Decking Joists

When installing the decking joists, make sure they are at regular intervals, are level, and are securely anchored. You can make a simple box frame that allows the decking to overhang by the thickness of a board at each stage, but you need to check the thickness of the boards you are using.

Our 4x2 treated timber decking joists are kiln-dried, which improves stability and straightness. If the decking is going to be longer than the joists, you will need to join two sections together, which you will do by:

● Start by measuring and cutting the section you need to get the required length.

● Measure and cut a separate section of approximately 600mm in length and mark the centre point at 300mm. Secure the three sections, ensuring the 300mm mark lines up with the join on the joists.

● Measure and mark four guidelines on the joists by using a set square to draw a straight vertical line through the four marks. You get the four guidelines by measuring and marking a spot of 75mm from each side of the join and then marking a spot 150mm from each side of the joint.

● Mark two pilot holes into each of the lines you have drawn, drill them through, and secure the joists together with 100mm screws.

● At this point, ensure the decking frame is at the right level and check the corners are square with a set square.

● Join the frame together by marking and drilling pilot holes.

Placing the Internal Decking Joists

● To work out how many you need, find the centre spot of one of the external joists, and then measure 400mm inwards from the spot and make a mark, repeating this process so the internal joists are spaced evenly at 400mm intervals. Don't worry if the last joist doesn't have a 400mm gap, because it is better to have a narrow one to the external joist rather than a big gap at the very end.

● If you need to extend the internal joists, follow the same method but use a 600mm block to keep the joist in place, ensuring you offset pilot holes slightly so screws do not come into contact with each other.

● Secure the joists in the workbench and attach a joist hanger to each end with 30mm exterior screws.

● To secure the joists to the frame, put it in position so the centre of the joist lines up with the 400mm spacer. Ensure the joist end is flush with the exterior frame.

● Use a set square to extend the 400mm marker onto the external face and make two marks on this line 40mm from the top and 40mm from the bottom to mark the position of each pilot hole.

● Drill the pilot holes with a wood drill bit (6mm in size) and drill countersink holes, securing the joists using 100mm timber drive screws and repeat for all of the internal joists, ensuring the ends are flush with the frame. When the joists are in place, you can secure them further with 30mm screws and joist hangers.

Add the Noggins

● To determine how many noggins you need, ensure the distance is never more than 1200mm.

● Put the noggin in position so the top is level with the joist. Mark the centre of each noggin’s position on every joist, and draw a vertical line down the joist with a set square, measuring and marking two pilot holes on each line again 40mm from both the top and the bottom.

● Drill pilot holes and once all the noggins are in place ensure the frame is level and fixings are secure, adding extra noggins if necessary if the decking is going around an obstacle.

Laying the Decking Boards

● Pre-drill all holes with a 2mm bit when laying deck boards to prevent timber damage or splitting. Countersink the holes and screws if you want a smoother finish.

● If adding a fascia board, let the first deck board overhang the edge and adjust the hole positions for a secure attachment to the decking frame.

● When securing the rest of the decking boards, use 64mm decking screws and screw into the second groove from the edge. Repeat at the other end to ensure a straight and secure fit, then progress down the board.

● Maintain a 5mm to 8mm expansion gap between each decking board using a suitable spacer. Ensure even spacing along the length of each board.

● When cutting a deck board for obstacles, create a template, mark the saw guideline onto the wood, and use a jigsaw for precision.

Add Fascia Boards to the Decking

● Mark each fascia board with a line at 50mm from each end, and from the first 50mm line, measure out and mark lines of 600mm intervals down the length of the board.

● Put the fascia into position either using timber offcuts or packers underneath to ensure it is level. Pre-drill guide holes into the second groove from each side and secure the boards with decking screws.

Conclusion

Installing timber decking is something that we can do ourselves, and it's about making sure that we have not just an understanding of how to do it but the right tools and support. Timber decking can make your garden look fantastic, which is why we have a variety of treated timber decking joists to ensure that your space will benefit.