Decking

LJW_2

Hi all, I want to put some decking in my garden but only want it flat on the floor due to low hedges and not wanting to tower over them. Can anybody tell me what needed for this and where is the best place to get the stuff?

Hope you can help

Volcano

Simply, instead of using wide (i.e. high) timber for the decking framework (as is recommended), use narrower stuff. I used timber measuring approx 2"x3" to give me a 3" height though I had to treat it with wood preserver. Normally you finish off by putting decking on edge, around the edges. This meant I had to cut the planks longways and is a bit of a pain.

Got everything from B&Q (don't buy 'special' decking screws as they can be a rip-off, any 2-3" ones will do).

Avoriaz

I would advise against putting it directly on the floor (ground) as it will be prone to rot. It will also be very difficult to get it level.

You need a timber base made from pressure treated rot resistant timbers.

I would advise you to use standard timber sizes as a few inches in height will hardly make much real difference.

I also suggest that you avoid B&Q (no offence intended Volcano ) and the other DIY sheds as you will pay a lot more for the same or inferior product.

Check out your local timber merchants and shop around for the best prices in your area. Most of them will stock everything you need for decking and will probably also give you decent advice.

Remember delivery will cost unless you can collect yourself.

mrs_baggins

did my decking last year and can pass these pointers on. The ground you are decking has to be completely flat to start with. If not this will have to be built up. I had to sink in concrete posts as one end was about 6 inches shorter than the other. The idea is to lay a framework down , attach this to wall then attach decking to frameowrk. For the framework we used 4"x 4" (tanalised?) to prevent rot. then laid the actual decking on top. we ordered the lot from a timber merchant whose prices were a bit cheaper than the diy superstores and the quality was very good. Bought a v cheap but good cordless drill and borrowed an electric wood saw which saved a lot of time as well. it looks fantastic now!

weekendwarrior

This is quite good for advice about Decking