| The first thing about learning how to build a deck | | | | most sustainable timber and is an excellent choice |
| is to understand the components and terminology | | | | for the majority of situations. |
| of what goes into a deck. Obviously the first thing | | | | Decking timbers. |
| is to have some deck ideas of what you wish to | | | | Again treated pine is a good choice as is redwood, |
| do and have drawn up or purchased some deck | | | | western red cedar, Cyprus and gum. In various |
| plans. | | | | parts of the world hardwoods such as kwilla and |
| Deck designs can be as simple or as complicated | | | | balua are available however I wonder about the |
| as you like, however the more complicated the | | | | sustainability of using rain forest timber for decks. |
| more cost to having plans drawn up and in | | | | Also increasing on the market are composite |
| materials required. Most people who are looking to | | | | decking products, these materials are getting |
| learn how to build a deck are likely to want an | | | | better every day, not only looking as good as |
| entertainment area either as a new project or an | | | | timber but are rot and pest free and don't need |
| addition to an existing deck for the family home. | | | | constant maintenance and re sealing as timber |
| Timber decks are a fantastic place to entertain | | | | decks do. |
| friends and for relaxing in an outdoor situation, | | | | Deck Span tables. |
| bbqs, parties, you name it decks are a great | | | | These will differ in many areas and also with the |
| outdoor retreat. | | | | type of timber used. As a general guide; |
| Basic deck structures. | | | | Foundation posts will be 4"x 4" ( 100 x 100mm). |
| The components of a deck comprise of; footings, | | | | Your post hole dimensions will depend upon the |
| posts, bearers, joists, decking boards and | | | | quality of ground you are laying foundations on. |
| balustrades. | | | | Bearers and beams. Depending upon the distances |
| Assuming we are learning how to build a timber | | | | to span the size of the timber will increase. the |
| deck we will cover timber deck span tables | | | | further the span the heavier the timber in size will |
| towards the end. | | | | be. Typically a short span of say 6 feet (1800 |
| Starting from the ground up you will need a sound | | | | mm) would require a beam of 4" x 8", up to say |
| foundation, Your foundation will comprise of posts | | | | 12 feet ( 3600) you would go for a beam of 4" x |
| set into footings of concrete. These posts will | | | | 10". |
| support the main bearers or beams. On top of | | | | Deck joists - When spanning beam spacings of up |
| the bearers we lay the deck joists which in turn | | | | to 8" (2400 mm) you will need 6 or 8" x 2" ( 190 |
| have the decking boards laid on top. | | | | x 50 ) when in doubt go heavier than what you |
| These guidelines are suggestions only, please | | | | think you need, for spans up to 10 or 12 feet ( |
| check your local building regulations before | | | | 3000 - 3600 mm) opt for 10 x 2 joists. |
| beginning any deck structure, and always follow all | | | | Learning how to build a deck is very straight |
| safety precautions. | | | | forward and is within the capabilities of anyone |
| Materials. | | | | who can read a plan and wield a hammer, there is |
| For the posts, beams and joists you can use | | | | not much that can go wrong as long as you |
| hardwoods or soft woods. Treated pine is the | | | | follow well written deck plans. |