How to build your own deck

Preparation for building your deck is crucial. Start by determining the dimensions of your deck and note where any features such as stairs, drains and gas pipes are – you will need to mark their position before you dig the footings.
Now rake the ground clear and undertake any weed control.
It’s essential to undertake land preparation by laying some Agi Pipe or other drainage to avoid any water loitering underneath.
Select your timber based entirely on the fi nish you want and your budget.

It is import to be accurate here, so take your time with this. Mark out the length and width of the deck where it will connect to the house – use string line to show this.

Lay out the locations for the footings in lines every 1800mm out from the house at 1500mm centres.
Dig footing holes allowing at least a 300mm x 300mm x 300mm concrete pad to be poured for the post stirrup bracket.
Follow the guidelines on the concrete bag, allowing a generous amount for each hole. Pour the concrete into the hole and set a stirrup bracket in the centre of the pad allowing approximately 75mm clearance between the ground and the bottom of the post.
Use a spirit level to check if the posts are vertical.
Temporarily brace the post and allow concrete to set.
Cut posts to length and take into account the desired handrail height around your deck.

Measure the decking, joist and bearer thickness.
Against the house wall measure this thickness down from the intended floor height of the deck.
Fasten a 140 x 45mm piece of timber against the wall using dyna bolts for masonry walls and coach screws for timber walls – use a bolt or screw every 450mm along the bearer. When attaching to a timber wall, screw into the internal structural timbers when possible.
Fix the remaining bearers to the posts using either a housing joint or framing anchors.

Affix the joists across the bearers at 450mm using framing anchors.
Ensure any nails, strings or pegs are removed safely.

Beginning next to the house wall, lay decking across the joists, nailing to each joint with two galvanised nails. Alternatively this can be done with galvanised screws. Ensure this is done carefully as this is the most visible part of the deck.
Use pieces of wood approximately 5mm thick as a spacer to ensure a neat finish.
Make sure that all joins in the decking timber are over a joist.
To get the nails below the timber surface use a nail punch.
Use a circular saw to trim excess wood from the bearers – mark this out with chalk if you need to.

In this fi nal stage, you may want to consult with Bunnings for advice on what paints or oils would be the most appropriate for your deck.

For further expert advice consult the qualifi ed Team Members at your local Bunnings Warehouse.