Professional Tips For Fixing Timber Decking – Our Guide For Beginners

Sometimes, it’s not all about the greener side. Decking is gaining popularity among modern homeowners because it can be used as an extension of your indoor floor space or as a standalone feature. Decks can be a great addition to any home because they offer a place where families can gather.

These tips will help you make your timber decking in sydney.

Deck Board Installation Summary – What You Should Know

• Maximum joist centers should not exceed 400
• The board spacing must be between 5 and 6 millimetres
• The perimeter should have a minimum of ten millimetres between it and the edge.
• Two falls must occur for every 1000 metres
• The minimum fixing size should be 4.5x63mm
• You can use either coated or stainless steel deck screws
• For fixing points, ensure that you keep the edges at least 15mm away from the end.
• For the fixing detail, use two joists through the board’s face.

For more information, please refer to the steps below.

Tip #1 – Spacing between the Joists

You can add spacing between your joist structures by adding a maximum distance of 400mm between the centre and centre of the joists. This spacing is not recommended for residential use. It is best to consult a professional if you want commercial spacing.

Tip #2 – Minimum Gap around Perimeter

Decking should always be installed below the damp course. This means you need to install the deck boards and joist structure by at least 10mm. This allows for expansions to your build.

Tip #3: Avoid Water Pooling

To prevent water pooling during rainy seasons, add a spacer to every meter and a 2mm drop between the joists. This will increase the deck’s resistance to weather fluctuations and reduce the need for frequent maintenance.

Tip #4 – Deck Board Fixings

Deck board fixings can be made with 4.5x63mm stainless steel screws or coated deck screws.

Tip #5 – Pilot Holes

It is a good idea to drill a pilot hole before you start screwing down on your deck.

Tip #6 – Fixing down Timber Deck Boards

To increase the board’s durability, you should use two fixings per joist when securing them down. To avoid splitting the timber, position the screws 15 mm away from the end of your deck board or 20 mm away from it.

Tip #7 – Spacing between Deck Boards

You should maintain a minimum distance of 5 to 6mm between each deck board.

Tip #8 – Joining Two Boards

When joining two boards together, use 15mm screws. To increase the security of the joints, make sure you screw it at an angle.

The Bottom Line

It’s not as easy as it looks to maintain a deck. While there are many factors to take into consideration, DIY builders can do a lot of research. These tips should help you to repair deck boards. However, professional assistance will make sure that your deck is built to last.

Get in touch with us if you are looking for Nottingham made-to-measure timber.