Is it possible to build your own decking?
It can seem a daunting prospect not to have done professionally – it is a relatively large-scale piece of carpentry, after all. However it IS possible, with enough planning and with the right tools. Here are a few tips before you start:
1. Plan. And then plan some more
The success of the job will rely on your forward-planning, the precision of which will ensure you size everything correctly and don’t run in to mistakes once you have started. Accurate measurements are essential – if your planning isn’t right it could have a disastrous effect. If you get it right, it will significantly reduce the likelihood of errors along the way.
Planning is not just for accuracy but for how you want the overall decking to look. Draw up plans for your garden and then include the new decking area, where you want the decking to sit and how you want it to look. Visualising the finished look will help make decisions easier.
2. Use the right equipment
Every tradesman knows he has to have the right tools for the task , and as you will be assuming this role you need to think with the same mindset. Research what tools are used in the trade and seek advice from a professional if necessary. Using the right kit can make a big difference to the overall result.
The tools and equipment you use in the assembly of your decking will affect the overall look as well as its performance and your budget. The first step is to decide which wood to use – do you want a groove or a flatter surface, for instance? Some of these decisions will come down to practicality as well as aesthetics
Once the surface material is decided you need to decide how you will put it together – this is where your tool section becomes important. You will likely use decking screws or alternative hidden fasteners when it comes to assembly. Hidden fasteners are popular because they ensure that screws head are not visible. They also omit the need for drilling and so construction will be less time consuming.
For hidden decking screws and fasteners, CAMO is the best range to start with. They are tried and tested by industry professionals.
3. Some good old fashioned hard work!
Once you have your plans and your tools in place you are ready to go! It is sensible to work with someone if you have not handled a project of this size before. Sheer logistics come in to this too – it is far easier, for example, to insert planks of wood when you have more than one pair of hands. It will also give you a second pair of eyes to help minimise mistakes on the project.
Make sure that you are comfortable with all of the tools before you use them. That said, if you have adhered to points one and two then you are already mostly there. The assembly should be the fun part!
There is nothing more satisfying than carrying out a job yourself, and decking is a lasting feature that you will use so it will provide you with plenty of use and opportunities to be proud of yourself! Once you are done, pull up a garden chair and pour yourself a chilled beer. Hopefully you will also have the sun to accompany it!