1. Always pre-drill pilot holes prior to fixing with screws.
2. Use galvanised steel or deck screws and fixings to eliminate rust stains.
3. Keep posts out of contact with the ground or standing water.
4. To maintain the rich colour of your decking treat it with a pigmented stain or oil. Without treatment, exposure to UV light will cause the colour to fade.

• Wear gloves to avoid splinters.
• Avoid prolonged inhalation of sawdust from wood.
• When using power tools wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from the possibility of flying particles.

• Spade
• Straight edge or chalk line
• Spirit level
• Galvanised steel or deck screws
• 25mm angle brackets
• Drill and hammer
• Screwdriver
• Handsaw/Powersaw
• Metal post supports
• Post hole borer

To calculate how much decking you’ll need to complete your project, simply measure the dimensions of the area you want to deck and then use the tables below to work out how many linear metres you will need.

Using TP 143/144mm softwood decking

Using 90mm hardwood decking

Using 120mm hardwood decking

Using Thermowood 115mm decking

Please allow for 5% wastage on all decking calculations

Mark out desired area for deck with timber pegs (47mm x 50mm) and string. This will help you visualise the size of the finished deck and provide a guide for preparing the site. All ground areas need to be firm and suitable for structural support. All earthed areas should be covered with weed control membrane to stop weeds and other growth. If your ground is flat and level you can proceed to Step 3. However if you wish to raise the deck from ground level or the ground is uneven or sloped you should proceed to Step 2.

A raised deck will need to be supported with fixed posts. The posts should be cut to length and fitted into metal supports at maximum 1800mm centres. If the span between posts is in excess of 1.2m an additional beam support will be required. The bottom of the post should be positioned above ground level so as to allow airflow around the base and drainage of water away from the metal support. Using a level find the desired floor height on the posts. This will give you the position of the top of your beam on the post. Secure the beams to the post as illustrated using stainless steel fixings.

Please note that infill noggins at 1200mm centres should be added for rigidity. Cut the side joists (A) that will form the sides of the deck to the size you require and mark the position of the floor joists (B) at 400mm centres. Cut the deck floor joists (C) to length and place the floor joists in position where the deck is required. Assemble the framework using 125mm screws. Use three screws or alternatively joist hangers per joist end.

Cut your deck boards to the required length. Place the first board with the end flush with the face of the front of the deck. Fix this first board to each joist with 2 x 75mm stainless steel screws. Always pre-drill a pilot hole prior to fixing. The gap between your boards should be 6mm (use 6mm plywood as template) for drainage. Place the next board parallel to the first and continue in the same way until the last board is laid. Direction of joists should be at right angles to the decking board.

American System	Colonial System
European System	Round Handrail System
Wavy Rail System	Wavy Spindles System
Timber Panels, Metal Panels & Balusters

To view the PDF version of this guide (formatted for printing), please click here

This information is for guidance only. Professional advice should always be sought before attempting any building project. For more detailed information please refer to the Richard Burbidge Decking System brochure.