How To Lay Decking

Contents:

• Tools & materials
• Preparing the ground
• Building a decking frame
• Laying decking boards
• Decking treatment and aftercare
• Key considerations
• FAQs

If you’ve been considering how to lay decking in your garden, now is the perfect time to get started. Decking is a brilliant way to transform your outdoor space, offering both style and functionality. Not only does it enhance the aesthetic appeal of your garden, but it also creates a versatile area for dining, socialising, or simply unwinding in the fresh air. The first step is selecting the best decking material, and there are plenty of options available. Each type of decking comes with its own benefits and considerations, so it's important to choose one that suits your needs and complements your garden's style. Some popular choices include:

• Wooden decking: Known for its classic and natural appeal, wood is a popular choice if you prefer a warm, rustic feel. It’s easier to install than some alternatives and comes in various sizes and finishes, allowing customisation to suit your garden’s style. However, it requires regular maintenance to prevent weathering and wear.
• Composite decking: Made from a blend of wood fibres and recycled plastic, composite decking offers durability and low maintenance.
• Aluminium decking: Aluminium decking is lightweight, weather-resistant, and low-maintenance. Albeit pricier than other options, its sleek and modern finishing make it ideal for contemporary designs.
• PVC decking: Made entirely from plastic, PVC decking is highly-durable and weather-resistant. Although it’s a low-maintenance option, it may not have the same natural look as wood or composite materials.

Worried about how to lay decking? In the comprehensive guide ahead, we’ll walk you through how to lay decking in your garden step by step, covering everything from planning and preparation to the final touches.

Are you aiming for a stylish outdoor dining area or a simple leisure area? Before even considering how to lay decking, you must have determined the purpose of the build. If you need help planning your project, check out our tell-all garden decking guide for practical tips and advice. This will help you make informed choices when considering its design and choosing materials. Once you’ve got a clear vision, the next step is to gather all the necessary materials and tools for the decking project. Here’s a quick look at some of the essentials you’ll need:

Materials

• Decking Boards: Choose between wood and composite boards based on your preference and budget.
• Decking Joists: These support the decking boards and are crucial for a sturdy deck.
• Decking Screws: Decking screws are recommended as they are designed for outdoor use.
• Joist Hangers: These ensure that joists are securely attached to the frame.
• Noggins: These small pieces of timber add extra support between joists.
• Decking Treatment: Protects against weathering and extends the lifespan of your decking.

Tools

• Mitre Saw: Used to make precise cuts of the decking boards and joists.
• Drill: For drilling pilot holes and driving screws. Pair it with the appropriate drill bits to match the material you’re working with for best results.
• Tape Measure: For accurate measurements.
• Spacers: To maintain consistent gaps between decking boards.
• Spirit Level: To ensure the ground is level.
• Decking Stain Applicator: Ensures even application of stains or treatments.

Optional Tools

If you want to make your project easier and save time, consider adding these optional tools to your kit:

• Laser Level: Ensures precise levelling and alignment.
• Circular Saw: Speeds up cutting for larger decking projects.
• Impact Driver: Makes driving screws quicker and more efficient.
• Saw Horse: Provides a stable surface for cutting materials.
• Clamps: Helps secure materials in place while cutting or drilling.

Before laying your garden decking, it’s crucial to prepare the ground, an essential step that ensures your decking remains sturdy and level over time. This step involves clearing the area, levelling the ground and setting a solid foundation to avoid common issues like shifting or uneven surfaces. We will talk you through the methods below:

• Define the decking area using stakes and string or a chalk and line, ensuring the shape and size are correct.
• Remove grass, weeds, rocks, and debris from the area where the decking will be installed.
• Dig down approximately 50mm to create a level surface for your decking base.
• Spread a weed control membrane to prevent plant growth under your deck.
• Next, lay a sub-base of crushed stone or gravel, distributing it evenly across the area.
• Using paving tools such as a tamper or compactor, compress the ground to ensure this sub-base is firm and stable.
• Throughout this process, continue to check the ground with a spirit level to ensure the base is flat and even.

Some common pitfalls to avoid while preparing the ground are:

• Improper spacing: Allow for airflow beneath your decking to prevent moisture build-up and rotting which can reduce its longevity.
• Improper levelling and misalignment: Levelling is crucial to prevent long-term instability.

Wondering how to build a decking frame to make a solid and long-lasting foundation for your decking? The decking frame is the structural foundation of your deck and in this guide, we’ll be focusing on wooden decking first. A well-constructed frame, regardless of its material, will support the decking boards and ensure the deck remains stable and secure.

Here’s our simplified guide on how to build a decking frame:

1. Mark the area: Define where the decking will go using stakes and string. Ensure the shape and dimensions are accurate, and double-check all measurements to avoid errors.
2. Lay the outer frame boards: Position the outer frame boards on the ground. Use a spirit level to check they are even and correctly aligned.
3. Secure the frame: Fix the corners together using heavy-duty screws or metal brackets to create a strong, rigid base.

This sturdy frame will act as the foundation for your decking. Internal joists and noggins will be added in the next steps to provide additional stability and support.

Keep the following tips in mind for additional durability and stability:

• Use weather-resistant materials like treated timber or composite for the frame.
• Make sure all screws and brackets are galvanised to prevent rust.
• Regularly check that the frame is level throughout the construction process to avoid an uneven decking.

A solid, well-constructed frame is key to the overall strength and stability of your decking, so take your time to build it right.

On how to build a decking frame, you may have noticed that we mentioned internal decking joists. Properly spaced internal decking joists are essential for maintaining the structural integrity and evenness of your deck’s surface. These joists support the decking boards, ensuring they don’t sag or warp over time.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you along:

• Measure and mark the joist positions: Begin by measuring the internal space of the frame and marking out where each joist will be placed. For optimal support, joists should be spaced approximately 400mm apart, though this may vary slightly depending on the size of your decking boards.
• Cut and position the joists: Once measured, cut the joists to the appropriate length and place them within the frame. Each joist should run perpendicular to the decking boards for maximum strength. Ensure the ends of the joist sit flush against the frame, providing full support.
• Fix the joists to the frame: Secure each joist to the frame using galvanised screws or metal brackets, ensuring they are firmly fixed in place. Double-check the spacing to make sure the joists are evenly distributed across the frame, as uneven spacing can lead to a bouncy or unstable deck surface.

Check for level and alignment: After securing the joists, use a spirit level to confirm they are level with the frame. Misaligned joists can cause an uneven deck surface, so adjustments should be made as needed during this stage.

Another important step when it comes to building a decking frame is the addition of noggins to the joists. Noggins are short horizontal timbers that are installed between joists to add extra support and prevent them from twisting over time. These reinforcements improve the overall stability and durability of your decking structure.

How to add noggins to your garden decking:

• Measure and cut: Measure the distance between the joists and cut the noggins to fit snugly in place.
• Position the noggins: Space the noggins evenly along the joists, ensuring they are positioned halfway between the ends of the joists.
• Secure the noggins: Use galvanised screws to fix the noggins to the joists tightly.

With the frame and joists in place, it’s time to lay the decking boards. This is where you’ll see your project start to come together. Follow these steps for a professional finish and lasting durability:

• Prepare the boards: Before you begin, sort your decking boards to ensure an even distribution of colour and grain. Acclimatise the boards to your garden’s environment for at least three days to reduce expansion or contraction after installation.
• Align the boards: Start at one end of the deck, laying the first board perpendicular to the joists. Ensure that the board is aligned properly and use spacers to maintain an even gap between the boards, typically around 5-10mm. This gap allows for natural expansion and drainage.
• Secure the boards: Fix each board to the joists using decking screws or clips designed for decking. If using screws, pre-drill holes to prevent splitting and drive the screws flush with the surface. Alternatively, you can use clean systems as they offer a cleaner look with hidden fixings.
• Continue laying boards: Continue laying the boards along the length of the deck, maintaining consistent spacing and alignment. For added stability and aesthetic appeal, stagger the joints where boards meet.
• Consider board orientation and patterns: For a more striking look, you should check out different board orientations or patterns, such as herringbone or diagonal layouts. This can add a unique element to the aesthetics of your deck, complementing the overall design of your garden.

Adding fascia boards to your garden decking is a key step when learning how to build decking that looks polished and professional. They not only add to its visual appeal but also provide protection. They cover the edges of the decking frame, giving your deck a neat, professional look while also safeguarding it from weathering and pests.

Here’s a simple guide to help you do this confidently:

• Select the fascia boards: You can choose any fascia board if it complements the style of your decking. These boards, which are typically wider than standard decking boards, can be made from timber, composite, or PVC.
• Cut to size: Measure the perimeter of your deck and cut the fascia boards to fit. Make sure they are slightly longer than the deck’s edges for a seamless finish.
• Position and secure: Attach the fascia boards to the frame using screws or nails. Start at one end and work your way around, ensuring each board is level and flush with the edge of the decking. Pre-drill before installing if using screws to prevent splitting.
• Finish the installation: Fill any gaps or screw holes with wood filler or caulk. Sand down any rough edges and apply a protective finish if needed.

Proper treatment and aftercare is crucial when building a garden deck. Without these, even the best-built deck can quickly deteriorate, falling victim to moisture damage, UV exposure, and general wear and tear. Here’s how to keep your deck in top condition:

• Apply decking treatment: Start by applying a top-grade decking treatment to protect the wood from moisture and UV damage. This helps prevent the timber from cracking, splitting or fading as time passes by. Treatment can be oil-based, which nourish the wood, or water-based, which provide a quick-drying protective layer.
• Regular cleaning and maintenance: After installation, regular cleaning is essential to remove dirt, leaves, and other debris that can trap moisture and lead to decay. Use a soft brush and decking cleaner or soapy water for routine cleaning and reapply treatments as recommended by the manufacturer. 

For more detailed advice on maintaining your decking, visit our decking care guide to keep your deck looking its best all year round.

A solid grasp of how to lay composite decking will help you achieve a durable, stylish, and easy-to-maintain outdoor space. Composite decking has gained popularity as a hassle-free alternative to traditional timber. Unlike wood, composite materials are made from a blend of wood fibres and plastic, providing increased durability, resistance to rot, and a longer lifespan. How to lay composite decking is similar to laying wooden decking, however, there are a few important differences you have to consider.

Here’s our simplified guide on how to lay composite decking:

• Prepare the surface: Just like with wooden decking, you’ll need to ensure that the ground is level and well-prepared before starting. The foundation for composite decking should be stable and free of debris, ensuring that the frame is properly even.
• Install the frame: An important step in learning how to lay composite decking is understanding the need to choose an appropriately strong and durable frame that will support the composite boards. Metal or treated timber frames are typically used, as these materials can withstand the long lifespan of composite decking.
• Consider spacing: Composite boards expand and contract with temperature changes, so proper spacing between boards is key. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to avoid issues later on. You may also use hidden fasteners or clips to achieve a seamless look.
• Secure the boards: If you’re looking at how to lay composite decking properly, make sure you secure each board using the recommended screws or fasteners. Composite boards often come with specific fixing systems that make the installation process easier and cleaner.
• Add finishing touches: Finally, add fascia boards to the edges of the deck for a polished finish. Although composite decking often comes with a protective coating, you should still clean and maintain it regularly.  

If you value longevity and don’t want to do a lot of maintenance for your decking down the line, then consider a composite deck.

Now that you know how to lay decking, you understand that it involves several key steps to ensure a successful project. You start by preparing the ground properly, then construct a sturdy decking frame, and install internal joists and noggins for added stability. And when it comes to laying the decking boards, proper alignment and securing techniques are vital. Finally, adding fascia boards and applying appropriate treatments will enhance both the appearance and longevity of your deck.

For more advice on choosing the right decking materials, understanding the differences between timber and composite options, or tips on maintaining your deck, visit our garden decking buying guide. This guide offers practical information to help you plan and care for your decking project with confidence.