When the spring sun shines, you want to turn your gaze outside to the home yard. A deck is a great addition to the home yard and offers a comfortable outdoor space for relaxation and enjoyment.
Building a deck is not very difficult after all, and a high-quality deck can be achieved with careful planning and quality materials. After a carefully prepared plan, the actual deck construction can be completed in a couple of weekends!
A well-planned deck is half done
A neat and well-executed deck not only serves the resident's needs for a long time but also increases the property's value. Therefore, it's worth investing time and effort in planning the deck. With a good and thoroughly thought-out plan, it's easy to start building a deck that suits your needs perfectly!
Start planning by considering the deck's purpose – what do you want to do on the deck and what are its usage needs? Will the deck serve as a passageway, or what kind of furniture do you want to place on the deck? Do you need empty space on the deck for hobbies? Is the deck intended to have a barbecue area or perhaps a hot tub?
Once the purpose is mapped out, think about where the deck should be placed and where it will best serve the residents. Do you want to enjoy your morning coffee on the deck in the sunshine, or perhaps spend the evening relaxing in the sunset?
What size deck do you need? It's best to make the deck sufficiently large from the start. A deck that is too small soon feels impractical and does not serve its users well. When considering the size of the deck, make sure to leave enough space around the furniture and ensure that moving around on the deck is effortless.
Once the purpose, location, and size are clear, check the local building regulations and verify if you need a separate permit to build the deck. Also check if you need stairs or deck railings. Railings are usually required when the fall height exceeds 500 mm, or when there is a risk of falling or misstepping.
Plan the deck's usage needs, location, and size carefully.
Groundwork is done according to the soil
The deck's groundwork depends on the soil underneath. The yard's soil may be frost-free sand or gravel, or perhaps frost-susceptible clay. Sandy soil usually drains water well, whereas clay does not absorb water and therefore the soil freezes. If you are unsure about the need for groundwork and the appropriate foundation method, ask a professional for help. Groundwork should be done carefully, as repairs later are always more challenging.
A frost-free gravel or sandy base usually offers the easiest foundation for a deck, and the foundations require minimal work. Groundwork is rarely needed in such soil; usually stripping the topsoil and leveling is enough. In this case, the deck's foundations can often be made directly on concrete slabs placed on well-leveled ground.
On frost-free sandy soil, groundwork is easier.
Frost-susceptible clay soil requires a bit more attention and work. Such soil needs frost insulation so that the foundations do not move. In frost insulation, frost-susceptible soil, such as clay, is excavated and replaced with gravel or crushed stone. A screw pile foundation may also be suitable for frost-susceptible soil, in which case separate frost insulation is not needed, as the screw pile itself is screwed below the frost line.
If the plot is on a slope, cast pillars may be needed to make the deck straight and safe. In such cases, also consider the possible need for a railing.
Whatever the soil type, to ensure a neat result, it's good to strip the topsoil across the entire deck area. The soil under the deck should be leveled so that rainwater can drain away from any building. Place a filter fabric on the stripped soil area and a proper layer of water-permeable soil material such as crushed stone or gravel on top of the fabric. The fabric prevents weeds from growing under the deck, and the crushed stone prevents rainwater from pooling.
When building on rock, you don't need to worry about frost heave or stripping the topsoil, but constructing a level deck requires a bit more expertise from the builder. The deck's foundations can be attached directly to the rock using, for example, drilled brackets. Remember to choose stainless steel fasteners, as replacing fasteners later is a laborious task. If the rock is flat, the frame can also be made on adjustable deck legs.
Don't skimp on the foundations
The deck's groundwork and foundations should be done carefully. A proper and well-executed foundation guarantees a long-lasting and safe deck.
There are several ways to implement deck foundations, and as we discussed earlier, the soil quality significantly affects the foundations. In this blog post, we present three foundation methods suitable for decks:
1. Lightweight foundation on top of slabs
A simple lightweight foundation suits well for non-frost gravel or sandy ground. Start by peeling off any topsoil and leveling the ground base. Place filter fabric in position and spread a good layer of crushed stone on top.
Then measure the spots for the concrete slabs and place them in position. Measure the slabs to the same height using a laser or spirit level. The bigger the slabs you choose, the better.
Once the slabs are in place, you can start on the deck frame. It is good to place a piece of roofing felt between the frame board and the slab to prevent possible moisture from rising into the frame boards.
For non-frost soil, a lightweight foundation using concrete slabs is sufficient. Measure the slabs to the same height using, for example, a spirit level and a piece of board.
2. Block Foundation
The block foundation is made from pillar blocks. If the ground is frost-prone, make frost insulation by digging a hole about 60-80 cm deep and about 50 cm in diameter. The hole should reach below the frost line. Fill the hole with gravel and level the surface carefully. If desired, you can place a piece of filter fabric at the bottom so that the soil does not mix with the gravel.
Even if you do not do frost insulation, it is advisable to peel off the topsoil and place a filter fabric at the bottom, as well as crushed stone or gravel. Place a concrete slab on the gravel surface, and the required number of pillar blocks on top of the slab. Fill the center of the blocks with ready-mixed concrete and embed pieces cut from rebar into the fresh concrete.
3. Screw Pile Foundation
Screw piles are a convenient way to implement the foundation and work for both sandy and frost-prone soil when the soil is not very rocky.
Screw piles are installed into the ground below the frost line by turning clockwise. It is advisable to use a lever such as a crowbar. Attach the chosen bracket for the frame beams to the end of the screw pile.
Remember to ensure the bearing capacity of the pile before installation. It is also important to check that there are no sewer or electrical lines at the installation site before screwing the pile into the ground.
There are many different deck foundation options . Study the different options carefully and consult a professional if needed when choosing the right foundation method.
A sturdy deck frame withstands even bigger Midsummer dances
A sturdy deck lasts and is comfortable to use. It's not pleasant to walk or hang out on a sagging deck, and repairing one later is laborious. On a sturdy, stable deck, it's enjoyable to organize even bigger Midsummer dances.
The recommended batten spacing for composite decking is 400 mm.
The deck frame is built from main beams and battens. Frame boards are available in different sizes, and the size is determined by the deck's size, desired height, and chosen decking. A larger frame board is naturally sturdier. The strongest material can be chosen for the main beams of the frame, and slightly smaller frame wood for the battens, but the frame can also be made with frame wood of the same size.
The spacing of the frame battens usually varies between 400-700 mm. The correct batten spacing is determined by the decking material and its dimensions. For example, a traditional 28 mm thick durable wood deck board generally requires a batten spacing of 600 mm. Correspondingly, composite decking needs a denser batten spacing, and the recommended spacing for composite decks is 400 mm.
The frame construction starts with the outer perimeter wood, i.e., the main beams. Place the outer perimeter beams in position and screw them together. We recommend using only stainless or acid-resistant steel screws and fasteners in the frame. Remember to check the deck's diagonal measurement. Measure the positions of the battens and screw the joist hangers in place on the main beams of the outer perimeter. Place the battens into the joist hangers and screw them in. The deck frame is ready! Next, we get to the decking.
High-quality decking lasts and looks good
There are many quality material options for deck decking. When choosing decking material, consider your own needs and requirements, as well as your budget. Also think about how much time and effort you are willing to spend on deck maintenance or finishing.
More traditional durable wood boards are more affordable options and, when properly maintained, withstand weather conditions well. An AB-class deck board is a stylish and durable pressure-treated deck board suitable for all deck projects. A good alternative to pressure-treated wood is the Pauha deck board made from domestic spruce. The domestic product is completely non-toxic and a safe choice. If you want a completely maintenance-free and very durable, as well as long-lasting deck, then wood composite is the best choice.
Kompostiittilauta Ulkokalla is a stylish, timeless, and completely maintenance-free deck board.
It is important to know the size of the deck before purchasing the deck boards. The neatest result is achieved when the board is the full length of the deck. This makes the work progress smoothly and easily, as no joints are needed in the deck. Deck boards are fortunately available in many different sizes, so you can choose the option that best suits your deck.
Before you start installing the deck boards, double-check the frame's diagonal measurement. If the diagonal measurement is correct, decking can begin. It is best to start installing the deck boards from the front edge of the deck. Leave about a 5 mm gap between the boards; a good measuring tool for this is, for example, a carpenter's pencil. If the board is moist, use a smaller gap, as wood shrinks when drying. Screw the boards in with stainless deck screws, which withstand weather changes well. To ensure a neat finish, make sure the screws are aligned.
Composite boards installation uses hidden fasteners that go between each board. Multiple fasteners are placed between the boards to keep the spacing even. Make sure to install the board all the way down to the bottom of the fastener. It is also advisable to regularly use a measuring tool to check that the board line does not shift.
Composite boards are fastened with hidden fasteners placed between the boards.
A finished deck is a joy to the eye
Finish the deck with a suitable treatment. Pressure-treated timber loses its color over time due to sunlight and moisture. With proper maintenance, the product stays good and beautiful for a long time. Pressure-treated deck boards can be treated, for example, with tinted or untinted wood oil, wood preservative, or paint intended for outdoor use. Pauha deck boards are pre-treated with grayish, water-based Teknoshield 4015-00 wood oil. For the best durability, the treatment should be renewed annually. Even during installation, the cut ends of the deck boards should be treated with protective wood oil. Wood composite deck boards are maintenance-free and require no treatment. Cleaning with water or brushing is sufficient.
Building your dream deck can begin
Now that you know everything you need to build a successful deck, it's time to get started! Remember, building a deck is fun and rewarding. A quality deck significantly improves the comfort of living at home and increases the property's value. So don't hesitate to get started and build your dream summer oasis. Good luck and success with your deck construction!
A quality deck significantly improves the comfort of living at home.
Deck construction in a nutshell:
- Plan the deck and its location carefully
- Do the necessary groundwork for the deck area
- Make the foundations for the deck
- Build the deck frame
- Install the deck boards
- Finish the deck
- Dispose of waste pieces according to the material
Check out the composite deck installation instructions in the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJ1JD0D3uQI
