Action 3: Building the structure

Place a joist at each end of the ledger employing angle

mounting brackets or galvanised joist hangers and verify that they are

rectangular. Fix boosting slabs at the edges of these joists, to

hold them level.

Fit joist hangers (using galvanised nails or screws in every

hole) alongside the ledger at 400mm (16in) intervals. Join to a deeper

joist at the other end to develop a supporting beam parallel with the ledger.

Verify that development is rectangular and

level at all stages.

Nail noggins 400mm (16in) apart between the joists to

fortify and stabilize the platform.

Fit a 2nd joist on to the end joist for further

strength and join with coach mounting bolts.

Idea: It is possible to use posts on concrete foundations or fence post bases if you

want to heighten the patio.

Action 4: Installing the decking

Decking is the most visual part so take good care to line up all fixings and lay straight with

equal spaces among

panels. You can lay the decking panels diagonally or in other

shapes but this exposes more cut ends with problems of

cracking. Constantly use constant

lengths if possible.

Decking boards with an end grain are best. Set this way up for

reduced bending using a pair of galvanised nails,

screws or deck clips at each joist. Use

purpose made stainless steel or galvanised screws so that your decking is not

spoilt by rust discolorations.

Use 6mm (1/4in) spacers or nails on each individual side of decking panel to

guarantee constant spaces. This is

vital for

ventilation and makes it possible for for expansion in

wet weather condition.

Hint: If any panels need joining, put together on

top of joists.

Action 5: Finishing

Extend the boards over the corners of the side

joists and trim directly when all are set. If you need, use a fine-toothed saw to avoid cracking.

Fix on a facia panel to protect the ends - if using nails, tap the ends first so they are blunt to avoid cracking the decking.

Word of advice: Outdoor patio boards

are pressure treated with a long-enduring additive

procedure but the colour will fade after a few months.

You can often leave your outdoor patio to age

by natural means or treat it with an

exterior penetrating oil that soaks straight into the

wood rather than sitting on the outside. These come

in many different hardwood

gradations and can be brushed, dispersed or rollered onto the

planks.

Not sure if decking is definitely the right choice for your

yard? See our garden surface area guide for more solutions.