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YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR
Watch 6:32

YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR

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  1. Home
  2. DIY

How to build a wooden deck

An easy way to rejuvenate your courtyard. - by Better Homes and Gardens
  • 08 Feb 2021
How to build a wooden deck
Phil Aynsley

Looking to spruce up your outdoor area? Why not build this wooden deck and screen to cover up an outdated fence or wall in your backyard.

Here's how

Gather your supplies

For each 1116mm² deck:
- 1 base frame kit (we used the 140mm-high frame)
- 1113 x 555mm ready-made decking panels (2) or decking timber (see notes below)
- 75mm galvanised batten screws
- Cold galvanising primer
- 65mm treated pine screws
- 40mm-thick concrete pavers

Notes

  • To create a larger connected deck, you may also need: 75mm Type 17 hex head screws; decking for side cladding.
  • For higher decks, you may also need: timber for droppers; leg support heads; legs.
  • Instead of ready-made decking panels, you can cut your own to suit and use it as long lengths, as long as you lay it across base frame joists.
  • Feet must be supported on concrete surface or use 40mm-thick pavers as pads to spread the load if installing over grass or earth.
...
Phil Aynsley

Step 1

Measure size and height of desired deck, then buy or order required number of module kits, decking, legs, leg supports and hardware. Working upside down, make first base frame by screwing long joists with predrilled holes to shorter joists. You will need sixteen 75mm batten screws to join and to predrill into end grain of short joists first.

...
Phil Aynsley

Step 2

The use of legs depends on height of deck. For lowest level, use threaded support feet with knock-in tubes that fit in predrilled holes in long joists. As threads are steel, pre-treat them against corrosion using cold galvanising primer. Knock in tubes and screw feet in place. The spare nut is used to lock feet at a certain height.

...
Phil Aynsley

Step 3

Make up all other base frames as needed. For decks 170-300mm from the ground, you only need support feet, but for decks up to 820mm you will need a combination of legs (available in various lengths up to 460mm) and leg support heads. Put a frame on its side and attach a leg support head to corners of frame and add legs to get height you need. Whatever your design, make sure step height between various levels is always the same as it has to be safe. Where you will be joining frames together, only use 1 leg to support all frames meeting at that corner.

...
Phil Aynsley

Step 4

Using a spirit level and threaded support feet, adjust height at each corner so deck will be level. When correct, tighten nut to lock foot in place. For lowest position, remove locking nut before screwing thread into tube.

...
Phil Aynsley

Step 5

Attach ready-made decking panels to frame, using eight 65mm treated pine screws for each panel.

...
Phil Aynsley

Step 6

Keep adding decking panels and joining frames, gradually adding to deck as you go. Join frames by screwing joists together using six 75mm Type 17 hex screws. Where you step up to a higher level, rest new level on lower level and join with a pair of 90 x 45 x 270mm timber step connectors screwed to inside of frame so they will be 30mm below decking level.

Step 7

Finish with vertical face cladding fixed to droppers (see pics on page 84). The droppers are made of 2 pieces, one 90mm by thickness of joists (here, 35mm) plus 90 x 45mm. Screw together to form a 140 x 35mm housing at top and screw to inside of frames. Screw cladding to droppers.

Click here for vertical screen instructions.

...
Phil Aynsley
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YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR
Watch 6:32

YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR

{headline}

{headline}

How to make a divine deck and planter box seat

How to make a divine deck and planter box seat

5 deck railing ideas

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How to build a deck screen

How to build a deck screen

How to put up a plasterboard wall

How to put up a plasterboard wall

{headline}

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Before and after: Adam and Melissa's courtyard makeover

Before and after: Adam and Melissa's courtyard makeover

How to espalier

How to espalier

This simple DIY technique will transform dark brick walls

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{headline}

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Before and after: A red brick fireplace gets a $250 modern makeover

Before and after: A red brick fireplace gets a $250 modern makeover

How to choose an outdoor screen

How to choose an outdoor screen

Reader project: A sparkling hanging garden

Reader project: A sparkling hanging garden

Open wide, head outside

Open wide, head outside

How to rejuvenate your deck

How to rejuvenate your deck

10 inspiring deck ideas to design the perfect outdoor area

10 inspiring deck ideas to design the perfect outdoor area

How to paint a brick fireplace

How to paint a brick fireplace

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