Building A TIMBER DECK

Have you ever had a burning desire to build your own wooden deck? Follow this advice to get it done correctly.

- Anthony Casamento

Timber decking has become a widespread alternative to traditional hard terraces and patios. One of the strongest themes in contemporary landscaping is that of the 'new garden'; whereby the exterior is to be treated as an 'outside room'. In this context, timber decking is an excellent way of extending the living space of a building - outdoors.

Timber decking is highly flexible and provides extra social space that's ideal for children playing, dining, entertaining, or just simply relaxing. Whatever the reasons for creating a deck, it's one of the most attractive additions that can be made to a home.

Timber decking harnesses the potential of sloping, undulating or uneven garden terrain. And additionally, elevated or split level decks can be created on level ground to create new dimensions to your garden, giving it a unique look.

The benefits of timber decking for landscaping structures compared to other traditional hard terraces, or patios are that it:

• Provides a comfortable surface for walking, sitting and even lying on 
• Gives a high aesthetic appeal in harmony with your garden and nature 
• Creates warmth and ambience for late summer evenings 
• Conceals unsightly necessities such as inspection covers and drains 
• Is easily modified or extended 
• Reduces excavation and ground work preparation

To start this project, choose the desired location for your new timber deck. In this case, concrete footings were poured to support the deck.

Step-by-step guide

Step 1: Work out where the finished height of the deck will be. In this case the decking is going to finish underneath the sliding door.

Subtract the thickness of the decking (20mm) then the height of the joist (140mm) and that is the height of the plate on which the deck will be secured.