Here are some introductory tips for laying down your own timber decking
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Please note: Centrecore Timbers (incorporating Timbercore CC based in the western cape) can either quote you on a pre-made timber decking solution, a custom made timber decking solution, or will supply you with the timber and building materials needed to make the decking (including timber cut to size) yourself.
The tips outlined in these articles are preliminary tips regarding timber decking. Do not underestimate how important preparation and the right understanding of timber is when it comes to working on projects such as creating timber decking.
A timber deck, when done correctly, can be very aesthetically pleasing, and it is one of those timber construction jobs that can be relatively easy to do (if you plan ahead properly), and very rewarding. It may be good to consider hiring help later on in the project or in cases where you are stuck. Not everyone has the timber knack, but you may surprise yourself yet…
Timber decking – which wood to use
Although all treated timber can be a viable option, your choice in wood type is dependant on what kind of timber decking you would like to build. Let us recommend hardwood as the material for your timber decking in this case. Hardwood makes for timber decking that will be durable and less susceptible to rot. Hardwood can be somewhat pricey for a large timber deck, so for less expensive projects consider treated pine. Treated pine decking if well cared for, can last for many years.
Remember that treated pine as the term states, has had chemicals forced into it right to the actual wood fibers (not just varnished pine). When making your timber decking out of treated pine, try to remember that the chemicals can be harmful to work with, so protect your hand, eyes, and don’t burn off cuts. For more info in timber treatment and treated timber as building materials and supplies, check out our related articles.
Timber decking – tips on foundations:
Ensure you have dug and planned your foundations properly before you even consider construction of your timber decking. Timber decking must be founded on solid – hard ground. You do not want you timber decking sloping and falling over after bouts of rainfall, or during winter, or even just from your own sprinkler system. Also, consider the cost of the timber and building materials you will be using for your decking – if the foundations slant or slope, your timber could warp. Regardless of how good the quality of the timber is, and regardless of how well it is treated, if your timber decking boards are exposed to the elements, and constantly hold the weight and uneven distribution of pressure caused by incorrectly laid foundations, the timber will bend, warp, or break.
Replacement of these timber decking boards months after the fact is also very problematic, as all timber decking boards will have to be checked for signs of damage, the intricate joinery of them re-done (the timber below the timber decking that is commonly seen) and extra care will need to be taken to ensure the colouration of the new boards matches that of the new timber decking baords
No, your timber decking must be laid upon firm foundations.
Timber decking anchored to house – tips on weight distribution
When you want your timber decking to be attached to the house (e.g. Around French doors or windows) you must ensure than the timber decking weight is not concentrated onto the house at any one point. Timber decking needs to have evenly distributed weight (also see our notes on foundations for timber decking) Consider the weight of the timber building materials you are using – then consider the weight that this timber decking transfers onto the its joining).
Timber decking that is free-standing – more on foundations
Remember that when building a free-standing timber deck, the weight does not lie on the house to the opposite wooden trusses. The place where the timber decking attaches to the house must also have a supporting pole or some form of timber beam holding the weight of the side closest to the house. As mentioned in previous sections, check the foundations of yoru timber decking at this point – ensure it is secure. Further strength for your timber decking can be gained by the use of diagonal bracing.
Tools that are core-vital to timber decking construction
I t may be best to check your wendy house, tool shed or garage for some basic timber decking building tools.
Your spirit level will help ensure your timber decking is strait – the naked eye cannot do this, as any other items in vision (boards, struts, and your timber fencing lines) can detract from a true strait line.
Masons string is similar to the spirit level, but enables you to check for consistency over longer areas of your timber decking. Also, buy some chalk to map out the area where your timber decking will be
Ensure you have a spade – see our articles on good foundations of timber decking. Remember to make holes deep – shallow foundations mean your timber decking will not be as strong.
To insert poles for your timber decking, you may want to get more specific than a shovel, and use an actual pot-hole digger, which is a thinner digging device. Your hardware store should be able to give you more info on this. Also, feel free to talk to them about the timber decking tips you have received in this article.
It may also be advisable to ensure you have trellises to balance large timber boards on. Since timber decking can be quite wide, you may not be able to complete all work in the comfort of your wendy house, garden shed or garage – timber trellises will allow you to set up quick timber work areas of varying lengths within your garden (or even the areas where your timber decking is being built).
Whilst working on your timber decking outside – you might need a nice long power lead to power your drills, saws and other carpentry and timber working machinery.
Some tools that Im sure most of you already have at home are hammers, jackplanes, glue guns crowbars, and Stanley knifes. Check them – your timber decking project needs them.
Because your timber decking project will be mostly outside – do it during warmer or milder and dryer seasons. If you are not so lucky to live in Cape Town as I do, consider your weather. You don’t want to be building your timber decking in the rain, in frost, or if near the equator, who really can enjoy a timber working project in 40 degree Celsius heat.
Timber decking that suits your yard – don’t fight it
If you have a flat yard, make a flat timber deck. These are the easiest to make, and they don’t need additional timber balustrades, timber stairs and the like. Remember while we all love our timber projects, you are going to sacrifice your Saturdays and your time (unless you simply employ a company like Centrecore Timbers (incorporating Timbercore CC) to build this timber decking. Projects like this can be harder than they look on paper. Be efficient about what you build, and consider the long term investment your house is. Will this timber decking increase the calue of your house? Don’t install timber decking that is crazy and that no-one else will like. Timber work is art. Be discreet and tasteful in the design of your timber decking.
If you feel a little more adventurous, and your yard is not flat – or you want to raise your decking for a better view, you can try a lifted or multilevel timber deck.
You can even take it further, and have your upstairs rooms each have their own timber deck area. This is the ‘high’ life. If building or ordering elevated and multi-layered timber decks, be sure to understand the wood work and timber skills needed to build one, or bear in mind such timber decks can be costly.
Right – this covers some key factors to consider before drawing up your timber decking plans, buying your timber supplies and launching the project
For more info on timber decking and other timber articles, feel free to email us for quotes, advice or anything you need.