decking?

lady123_2

me to, i have crazy paving outside our dining area and want to know if i can just screw down decking over the top of it, also have a couple of nasty old concrete paths, want to deck on top of one of them as well, will just rip the other one up and turf it, hope someone can advise please.

Browntoa

borgman wrote:

Anyone know if its possible to lay decking on top of an existing patio. Its 15ft x 15ft.
Wife says its a bit ugly! I just dont fancy ripping up the existing slabs unless I have to.
Thanks

yes, just fix some 4 x 2 to the patio (as long as it's sound and can take the weight) and then lay your deck boards over the top.

You may find it easier to remove some slabs to sink 4 x 2 posts into the ground and then fix the members to the posts as this will probably make it more stable

jellybabies_2

:T :T :T :T :T :T :T :T :T :T

FLIPPIN ECK BROWNTOA IS THERE ANYTHING YOU DONT KNOW ABOUT????
I KEEP SEEIN YOU ON THE TECHIE SITE ANSWERIN ALL KINDS AND NOW YOU ARE A GARDENER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ARE YOU MARRIED????????????
:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:
ONLY KIDDING....TOP MARKS TO YOU!!

Browntoa

I'm single......

Brother owns a decking company

jellybabies_2

So He Likes Boats Then?

rizla01

Do bear one thing in mind if fitting decking over existing patio. If you wanted to have a handrail around any part of it then the supports should ideally be concreted into the ground. This will also prevent any movement of the decking but hopefully you would be able to rawlplug and screw to the house.

Personally I would also avoid 4x2 sitting on the patio. Even though it may be pressure treated it would be better to allow a gap twixt the timber & patio or dirt and leaf particles will collect and you will encourage insects to make their homes there. Also it would retain moisture. Not very good for wood.

I fitted my decking about 4 years ago and it is perfect for the Grandchildren. Not slippery as it is grooved and the moisture doesn't sit on the surface. (Make sure it has a run-off) It is softer than concrete to fall on and more pleasing to the eye.

Avoid laying it in dark areas that dont see the sun though, as this will encourage slimy green growths which are definitely slippery.

One last thing. You will save a lot of money if you do it yourself so invest in an electric Drop saw or better still a Slide saw (About £60 from Screwfix) from the savings. It will make the job a wheeze rather than a chore.

scheming_gypsy

you don't really need to fix it to the patio. Mine just sits on top of the old patio slabs and i struggled to get it in place so i can't see it slipping or sliding away.

lady123_2

thx for all the advice on decking, could anyone recommend somewhere to buy decking from i need about 3x4 mtrs worth.

scheming_gypsy

depends where you live..

herbal

The best deals will normally be your local timber yard (not B&Q or building yard) all these people sell all day is wood so they have really good prices. And most offer free delivery too.

Dont forget decking screws these are normally green and have a square bit on top. these are cheaper on ebay and i used 1000 for a 3.6x3.6.