Building your own decking makes for a great summer DIY project. If there’s a space in your garden that’s crying out for a new feature, then there’s no reason not to give it a go. There are, however, a few things you should think about before you get started:
Do you need planning permission to build decking?
No, not if your decking covers less than 50% of your garden and is no higher than 30cm. This is in reference to houses, rather than flats, maisonettes or commercial properties.
Consider the size and design before DIYing
If you’re building a basic deck, with no special requirements, then get going, but if things are going to get a bit less ‘simple’, you may want to consider hiring a professional. There are loads of different design factors to consider that can result in more cutting and tradesman thinking. It could potentially be a part of your property for a lifetime, so you need to feel confident about the outcome.
Decide whether to use composite or timber decking
Depending on where you’re building your deck you may have a requirement for either real wood or composite decking. There are also other contributing factors such as maintenance, durability and safety that can play a part in your decision-making.
Read our blog post to find out a bit more about each type of decking before choosing.
Make sure joists are treated
The timber joists used to construct your base should always be made from treated timber. Being the support system for your whole deck, they need to withstand dampness and rot. We’d suggest using our kiln-dried treated timber. If you’re building a composite deck you can also get composite joists to further increase your deck’s service life.
Get the best fittings and fixtures
Poor quality screws will corrode and discolour your decking over time; shortening its lifespan. There are ways to cut costs when building your decking but screws aren’t one of those corners to cut. Using stainless steel or coated screws can help extend a deck’s lifespan.
Some composite decking requires specific screws. Look at the related products, or get in touch for more information.
Good luck!