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Decking DIY 101 - Help!

DrewMcGDrewMcG Posts: 21
in Problem solving
Hi folks, 

I am planning on laying some decking for my Gran in her back garden in the next couple of months so that she can enjoy the outdoors in the summer, particularly with lockdown. 

I have never attempted this task myself before and have a couple of questions for the more seasoned DIYers on the forum:
  • Can someone of an amateur (or less) level lay decking well?

  • From a cursory read of the internet, my plan was to concrete posts into the ground. Would you recommend that?

  • Part of the area is grass. I've read conflicting things about this, so can you build  decking over grass?

  • Any other advice you can give me before I embark on this?

Thanks again, 

Drew

Posts

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Hi @DrewMcG - it isn't difficult to do if you're not needing to excavate and level ground in any major way. The easiest way to tackle the grass is to cover it with some heavy duty landscape fabric, and then a good layer of gravel. That will prevent grass coming back through. It would be worth removing another section round the edge of the deck area too, to make it easier to maintain, depending on what the general plans would be, and whether you want a small step area etc. 

    You need a basic frame of joists which would be attached to concreted posts. A grid basically, for attaching the decking too. Similar to the frame you'd have for partition walls. It's important to have plenty of places to attach the deck boards. 
    Decide which way you want the boards to run first, and allow a little fall for excess water to run off. A decent spirit level is needed  ;)
    Buy really good quality decking. It will last for years.
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • DrewMcGDrewMcG Posts: 21
    Thanks, @Fairygirl! The ground is a bit uneven, with one part slightly higher than the other, but I don't think I'll need to excavate. Instead, I intend on building two levels. Removing grass around the edge of the decking is something I had not thought of - I'll definitely do that! Don't worry, I'll be getting a decent spirit level and buying good decking - I don't want to have to do it twice!
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Good stuff will last for many years, so it's always worth spending a little more.  :)
    Just make sure you have it in the sunniest part of the garden. They get slippy if they don't have enough light. If you build to the dimensions of the boards as much as possible it makes it easier - less cutting. 
    We built a deck in a previous garden, and it's still there 20 odd years later. Lots of people hate it, but I loved my deck  :)

    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • K67K67 Posts: 2,506
    Can't add to Fairygirls advice except I would reconsider the 2 levels as steps and age don't go togther well! But if you do a step make it generous width and depth with a handrail if possible. Your gran might not need it now but it's easier to design  it in now than add one later.
    The advantage with decking is it's easy to build uneven ground. I think Wickes and B& Q have 'How to' online information but no doubt there are loads on YouTube.

    The other consideration is that decking can get quite slippery when wet and if not in the sun goes green, so will need an annual scrub and re-oiling.
     Come back with photos when done or more help needed.
  • DrewMcGDrewMcG Posts: 21
    Thanks for the advice, @K67. Unfortunately, no other way to do it without a lot of work to level the garden. But will take the rest of your advice and will come back with pictures once complete in a couple of months!  

  • Johnny CrosbyJohnny Crosby Posts: 54
    Keep in mind that decking looks great, so much so that local mice or even rats, will thank you for providing them with a desirable residence. Just speaking from experience. You may be luckier.
  • DrewMcGDrewMcG Posts: 21
    Cheers @Johnny Crosby. My Gran's neighbours have had decking for a few years, I'll ask them if they've had any problems. Put definitely something to keep an eye out for. 
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