MegaSack DRAW - This year's winner is user - rgwb
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Difficult? I can prob get hold of the right tools just wondered if it is beyond the realms of a novice DIY'er? I fitted a new kitchen tap at the weekend so am on a DIY high ! 😆
Lots of guides on line, but what do I need to consider? It will be coming from a set of patio doors and think I read something about it needing to be a certain distance from the damp course of the house and needing to comply with building regs? I dont need to get any kind of planning permission/building warrants for a deck do I?
Also the proposed deck will be mainly being built over existing paving slabs, but one section will be over a soggy grassed area, what do i need to do in terms of a base & also weed control?
Also was wondering about using this "fake" decking stuff that doesnt need treating every year, think its plastic, but looks like real decking or maybe decking isnt trendy anymore and I should just have a raised concrete area for a more contemporary look?
Any tips?
It's not that hard but takes a while if you are doing it on your own. Also a circular saw (one with a base, not a handheld one) is essential. I built mine over slabs but it had to be elevated to meet the raised doorway we have in our kitchen, in the end it was easier to lift the slabs and dig pits in the soil in which I buried cut off fence posts set into those metal fenc post holders. This was the hardest bit, getting the posts in line and exactly vertical (not to mention digging 16 pits!). Once that's done it's a case of fixing beams to the posts to make the framework then laying boards on top. You don't want more than 60cm gaps between support for the boards. No part of it should touch the house, mine has about a 1.5 inch gap between deck and wall. There is a regulation about the maximum drop a step can have so if it's high and needs steps down check this, I don't remember what it is exactly. hope that helps!
weed control - you lay that weed fabric under the deck, it works a treat
Nowt wrong with a hand held circular saw if you get a good one with the right blade and make yourself a cutting guide/fence.
Also Kreg make a decking jig and provide special screws, which if it's as good as their pocket hole jig will save you hours and give a great result.
If it's a small, low deck, why not? what's the worst that can happen - you'll waste a bit of time and money that's all.
If we are talking large, elevated, steps, handrails etc get a pro in.
Buy nice new sharp wood saw and take your time and you don't need a circular saw. A bit of muscle power required but less chance of loosing a digit.
I used screws for mine so that I could take up the odd board when I needed to retrieve bike components that fall beween the gaps 😕
You'll need to put some weed control fabric and a base over the soggy grass.