Is laying decking a particularly challenging task?

Nathaniel_Essex

Managed to find a really low-cost handyman that recently done a garden tidy for me. Rated People reviews are good and where he does have low scores, it seems he has always gone back to correct the situation. Anyway, I am looking to put some decking down where we have recently removed a shed. Thinking of getting him to do it but slightly concerned about the quality of his work if doing the decking is something that can be easily screwed up

Aylesbury_Duck

Like most projects, the preparation is important. The posts need to be properly secured and vertical, the frame needs to be square, the ground underneath needs dealing with and so on. I did it DIY and found it tricky to get every part of the frame aligned, square, vertical and level. I couldn't have done it alone because the amount of measuring, levelling and adjusting demanded an assistant.

The last bit, the cutting and laying of the actual deck planks, was relatively easy.

daveyjp

If decking up to a house it is important whoever does it understands basic house contsruction and why they have air bricks and dpcs.

Idiot fitters will not have a clue and forget the finer construction details and techniques and get it wrong in this important area.

Idiot fitters will nail decking lying over drainage inspection covers, rather than use screws so the decks above can be removed if required.

My sister has just used idiot fitters!

Nathaniel_Essex

Thanks guys. The decking will be on the opposite side of the garden away from the house. The concrete base where the shed used to be is surprisingly in good condition. Still debating actually whether to having decking or lay artificial grass.

Pdbaggett

If its just going onto a concrete base its really easy, intact very easy. A semi competent diyer will be able to do it without much trouble.

I just did mine in the garden by my self with no help, took a couple of days. Two levels and had to put the posts in but was easy enough. Like most things the question isn't whether the person is good enough to do it but does he care about doing a good job or just after a quick fast buck.