Everything you need to know about garden decking

 

Introduction

Are you thinking of installing garden decking this year? If so, you’ll need to read this post first! We’ve got everything you need to know about decking, from the types of materials available to the cost of installation. So, whether you’re just starting to research your options, or are ready to take the plunge, keep reading for all the info you need.

 

Is decking a good idea?

Garden decking is a great way to add some extra living space to your home. It’s perfect for barbecues in the summer, and can even be used as a garden office or studio. Decking is also relatively easy to install, and can be done yourself if you’re handy with tools. However, there are a few things to consider before adding garden decking to your home. First, make sure you have enough space in your garden. Decking can take up quite a bit of space, so you’ll need to leave enough room for furniture and plants. Second, consider the maintenance required. Garden decking needs to be cleaned and treated regularly to stay looking good. Finally, think about the cost. Garden decking can be expensive, so make sure you factor this into your budget before starting work. Overall, garden decking is a great way to add some extra living space to your home. With a little planning and effort, you can create a beautiful garden retreat that you’ll enjoy for years to come.

 

Is garden decking expensive?

Garden decking can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. There are a few things you can do to keep the costs down. First, consider the materials you want to use. Pressure-treated lumber is typically the most affordable option, but it may not be the most durable. Composite decking is more expensive, but it’s less likely to rot or warp over time. Second, think about the size and shape of your deck. A simple square or rectangle will be cheaper than a complex design with multiple levels. Finally, don’t forget to factor in the cost of installation. If you’re handy with tools, you may be able to save money by doing it yourself. Otherwise, you’ll need to budget for professional installation. With a little planning, you can create a beautiful garden deck without breaking the bank.

 

How long does decking last?

Most outdoor decking is made from either wood or composite materials. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, but in general, wood decking is more susceptible to wear and tear than composite decking. With proper care and maintenance, a wood deck can last for 15-20 years, while a composite deck has a lifespan of 25-30 years. Of course, the actual lifespan of your deck will depend on a number of factors, including the type of wood or composite material used, the climate in your area, and how often the deck is used. With proper care and maintenance, however, you can enjoy your outdoor decking for many years to come.

 

How do you maintain decking?

Outdoor decking is a great addition to any home, providing extra space for entertaining, relaxing, or simply enjoying the outdoors. However, outdoor decking can also be a lot of work to maintain. Here are a few tips to help you keep your outdoor decking looking its best:

 

• Sweep regularly to remove dirt and debris. A broom with stiff bristles works best for this.
• Clean with a hose or pressure washer on a monthly basis. Be sure to use a cleaner designed specifically for outdoor decking.
• Stain or seal your outdoor decking every one to two years. This will help to protect it from the elements and prevent fading.
• Repair any cracked or chipped boards as soon as possible. Small cracks can quickly turn into big problems if they’re not taken care of.

 

How to install garden decking

Tools you will need:

• Pressure-treated wooden decking boards, or composite decking
• Treated timber for your frame
• Garden membrane 
• Screws
• Level
• Tape measure
• Hammer
• Jigsaw/Saw
• Set square
• Drill
• String line
• Spade (if you need to level your area first)
• Garden roller, tamper or compactor

 

Garden decking is a great way to add some extra living space to your home. It can be used for entertaining, dining or simply as a place to relax and enjoy the outdoors. Best of all, garden decking is relatively easy to install, even for the beginner DIYer. Here are the basic steps:

 

1. First, you need to choose the location for your garden decking. It’s important to choose a level spot that will get plenty of sun. If you have an existing patio or concrete slab, this is a great option. Otherwise, you’ll need to prepare the ground by removing any grass or weeds, leveling & compacting the ground for where the decking will be positioned.

 

2. Once you’ve chosen the location, it’s time to start laying the foundation for your garden decking. If you’re using an existing patio or concrete slab, you can skip this step. Otherwise, you’ll need to level the ground and compact it before continuing.

– Ground Levelling: Start by leveling the ground where you want your decking to go. For this, you will need to mark out the perimeter of your decking with wooden stakes & string line. Next, use a spade to excavate the area to a depth of around 15cm. Once you’ve done that, use a rake to level off the ground, make sure it’s as even as possible. Finally, use a garden roller or plate compactor to compact the soil, and your garden decking area will be ready for the next step!

 

3. Next, you’ll need to lay down a layer of weed matting/membrane. This will help prevent weeds from growing up through your garden decking.

 

4. Once you have your decking area level, marked out & protected from the weeds, you will need to use your timber to make a wooden frame. This will act as the outline of your decking area, & provide a foundation for your decking to sit on. 

 

5. To make your wooden frame, you will need to cut your beams & joists to size. This can be a slow process, but it is always worth measuring properly to avoid wasting timber (measure twice, cut once!). Start by adding the beams horizontal to your frame, and make sure they are evenly spaced (a good spacing is usually around 60cm between each beam). Next, add your joists. The joists should be laid perpendicular to the beams, and also spaced evenly apart. Once all of your beams & joists are in place, you will need to level the frame.

 

6. Leveling your frame may sound like hard work, but the team at Property Spoon have found an easy alternative! Make sure to check out these adjustable feet by Mulberry decking. Simply add the feet sporadically underneath your wooden frame ensuring that the frame is solid & stable, then use your level to adjust the feet to make sure your wooden frame is level.

 

7. To fit your decking boards, you will need to make sure each board is cut to length. Then it is a simple process of starting at one end and working your way along, screwing each board into your wooden frame. If you have opted for composite decking, follow the instructions & installation guide that will be provided by the manufacturer. Be sure to leave a gap between each board to allow for expansion in warm weather.

 

Conclusion

Decking is a great way to add an extra level of living space to your garden and can be a very cost-effective way of doing so. There are a few things you need to bear in mind when installing decking, such as the correct preparation of the ground and choosing the right type of decking for your needs, but with a little guidance, it’s easy enough for anyone to do. So if you’re adding some decking to your garden this summer, let us know how you get on in the comments below!

 

Once you’ve tackled your decking, why not add some outdoor furniture to really finish off your garden setup? Check out our blog on everything you need to know about outdoor furniture, including our top 5 outdoor furniture sets!