Decking

cash99

MORPH3US

A pilot hole would typically be slightly smaller than the screw size, through the deck board, and partially into the joist. It is possible that boards can split without these, but unlikley in softwood deckboards, and very rare if you use self cutting screws. You can probably even use standard woodscrews on softwood decking without pilot holes, unless you are right on the very end of a board.

Have a look on screwfix.com for screws, there are many suitable types. I used turbogold version, but there are cheaper alternatives, the only thing you need to make sure is that they are suitable to be used outdoors.

With regards to treating your joists, you must buy pre-treated wood, otherwise it will not last long, all you need to do then is retreat any cut ends with a suitable preserver, ( easiest way I have found to do this is to stand them in a bucket of the stuff for a few minutes.) You only need to put stain on any parts that are going to be left visible.

MORPH3US

I got my screws from Wickes today, cheap too. 200 screws with 25% extra free - so 250 really, for £4.99.

They are these ones http://www.wickes.co.uk/invt/156659

Will they be ok in softwood decking without pre-drilling then do you think?

We have already brought the decking and joists and i'm sure they are pre-treated. So I will get some preserver for the joist cut ends (any suggestions what preserver I need?) and then just stain the boards.

Ok?

Thanks for the help!

M

Ted_Hutchinson

Wood Preservatives & The Organic Standards Covering their Use
this leaflet gives some important information about the chromium/arsenic in tanalised timber that I wasn't previously aware of.
For decking purposes there shouldn't be a problem but you should be aware that burning the offcuts on your barbie could result in arsenic enhanced burgers. Similarly it isn't a good idea to use tanalised timber for edging a vegetable garden or making a picnic table. Arsenic is not a problem to humans until it is ingested, so contact with tanalised timber is not a problem if a child washes it’s hands before eating — and doesn’t bite it’s nails.
But the importance of washing hands before eating it particularly important while constructing and using the decking.