Decking can transform your home and garden – it’s a place to laze in the summer sun, entertain, enjoy a drink, or a great play area for the kids. Building a deck is also a lot simpler and more cost-effective than you may have thought!

In this guide, we’ll tell you everything you need to know to plan, build and enjoy DIY garden decking. Read on to discover how to lay decking boards like a pro!  

Ground Level or Raised Decking – which is better?

People often talk about ground-level decking and elevated or raised decking as two very different projects. While building a ground-level deck is easier because you start with an existing flat area and it’s a simpler structure, the processes are very similar. The complexity of raised decking will depend on the area you’re using (How much levelling out does it need before you can get started?) and any steps, features or extra levels you want to add.

The shape will also make a difference of course – a regular square/rectangle is going to be easier for ground-level and raised decking options.

Anyone with basic woodworking and DIY experience who uses the appropriate tools and materials should be able to build a deck of great quality that looks fantastic and lasts a long time!

Need some advice to help make your project even better? Our team is on hand to help – give us a call on 01604 581444. We’ve even got all the garden decking supplies that you’ll need to make your project a success.

Design and Plan Your Deck

Spend some time designing and planning your decking, so you can get everything you need before you begin.

Detailed deck building plans will ensure that you buy the right quantities of decking boards and other materials, and make sure the final result looks great, functions well and lasts a long time.

A few important points to consider when planning a garden deck:

• What will the decking be used for?
• Does it need reinforcement so it can hold a pool or hot tub? That must be worked out when planning the frame as well as decking boards.
• What type of decking boards will be best for you? Choose from a wide range of traditional timber decking and composite decking 

Composite Decking Boards

 Softwood Decking Boards

Hardwood Decking Boards

•  Do you need to install balustrades, steps, a handrail, or any other extra features

• What size should the final result be?

Remember to include space for the frame and decking boards that will cover the sides of the frame, and take note of any areas you can’t build on or want to cover up.

Measure, and then measure again!  

• Is the ground relatively flat or will you need to level it out? 

• Location, location, location!

Where will you build the decking to take advantage of the best space, light, and other aspects of your home and garden?  

• Raised decking regulations – do you need planning permission?

You’ll need planning permission if the deck combined with other outbuildings covers more than 50% of your garden.

If you’re building a raised deck (more than 300mm off the ground) you may also need to apply for planning permission.

Need someone to take a look at your plans? Give us a call on 01604 581444 and we’ll be happy to help. 

What You Need

Tools

• Spirit level
• Pencil
• Tape measure
• Drill
• Jigsaw
• Hammer
• Nail gun (optional)
• Screwdrivers
• Battery drill/ screwdriver
• Workbench
• Gloves
• Mitre saw

Materials

• Weed control fabric
• Wood for the frame
• Decking screws
• Decking joists
• Frame fixers
• Nails or nail gun clips
• Wood preserver
• Wood for stakes
• Decking boards
• Slabs
• Other materials (gravel, concrete, steps, balustrades, etc.) will depend on extras in your planning – see above

Calculate Materials Required

We have a wide range of decking boards in various sizes, so you can work out the best quantity based on the decking boards you choose.

Use our cutting service so you can take home the right quantity without having to make too many extra cuts and adjustments!

We talk about planning a lot, but it really is the key to everything. Good planning will mean you don’t have to worry about wasted extras, running out of something critical, or having to go back and re-do all your hard work.

Safety First

Your safety is our top priority, every step of the way – whether you’re cutting materials, using a nail gun or laying decking boards, please look after yourself!

• Always wear the appropriate gloves
• Protect your eyes with safety goggles when drilling or using an electric saw
• Wear a dust mask when sanding, sawing, and pouring postcrete.
• Use earplugs when working with power tools e.g. a jigsaw
• Take care when lifting and carrying.
• Follow all manufacturer safety instructions supplied with any tools and materials that you use

How to Install a Deck

1. Prepare the area

• Mark out the exact area you will be using with pegs and a string line.
• Measure everything carefully – and then measure again!
• Remove all plants, turf, grass and any other items (rocks, etc.) from the area.
• If the area is already flat, move on to checking and treating the ground.

• In other cases, excavation may be needed to make the base level. The equipment required for this will depend on your garden and plans.

Next steps:

• Check that the area is level – use a decking board and spirit level.
• Look out for any cables in the ground.
• Use weed killer spray.

2. Concrete pads

Will your decking sit directly on the ground, or on concrete slabs?

3. Cover the full area with weed control fabric, so nothing can grow through. 

4. Cover that with 40-50mm of gravel or pea shingle. 

5. Measure the deck frame and cut all the parts to size.

Yes, we’re saying it again: measure twice! 

6. Begin laying the deck: assemble the frame

• Start by fixing joists together on the outside perimeter.
• For the best fixing, use one screw on the top edge of each joist, and two on the sides.
• Use wood preservative on all those joins.
• Install additional support joists using joist hangers wherever you need them. 

7. Install noggins (struts) between the joists.

These should be staggered to avoid screws crossing or getting stuck.

NB: These should not be spaced more than 1.2 metres apart.

Top Tip:

When the frame is complete, check again that everything is level and securely in place, and that nothing has been left underneath the frame that shouldn’t be there… it can happen to the best of us!

8. Cut the decking boards to size, if they are not already the sizes you need. 

9. How to install decking boards

• Place all the decking boards on the frame first, to make sure it all fits, before you fix anything in place.
• Leave around 5-8mm between boards for expansion gaps – the best size for expansion gaps will depend on the boards you have chosen, and we can help with advice on this too.
• It’s a good idea to pre-drill holes in the decking boards with a 2mm drill bit, to avoid splitting. 

10. Smooth out any rough-cut ends of the decking boards with sandpaper, and use a sealant. 

11. Add edges, balustrades, and other features.

Make the most of your decking and follow all after-care and maintenance requirements for the decking boards you have chosen, to make sure you get many years of enjoyment from your hard work.

Installing decking in your garden does need patience and attention to detail, but it’s a worthwhile project that you can really take pride in.

Get in touch on 01604 581444 and let’s talk about the garden decking that will work for you, or take a look at some of the great options available on our website.