Decking can be an amazing addition to anyone’s garden, and it’s the perfect place to relax when you want to get outside and enjoy those 5 minutes of sun in the garden in peace before the world wakes up. And for many people, choosing the DIY route and building their own decking is the most affordable way of getting the space they want without the added cost.
So before you drag out the tape measure and start digging. Let’s take a look at some common DIY decking mistakes you need to avoid.
Rushing the Prep
Everyone wants to skip right from the planning to the actual building. And it can be tempting to get things going. But if you’re skipping things like ensuring the ground is level or there’s adequate drainage, you’re more likely to run into huge problems sooner rather than later.
And like any good project, exceptional results come from meticulous planning, so spend extra time on the measurements, the practicalities, the materials, clearing weeds, levelling the ground, etc. It doesn’t need to be perfect, but it does need to be done, and it does need to be given more than a quick look over before you start.
Digging When You Should Have Screwed
One of the biggest mistakes people make is assuming that every foundation needs concrete; it doesn’t.
If your soil is uneven, rocky, or prone to waterlogging, digging holes can be more harmful than it’s worth.
This is where using ground screws over digging can be preferable. It’s a modern alternative that twists right into the ground and delivers an instant solid base. There’s no concrete, no waiting for the foundation to set, and no mess, and they’re perfect for sloped gardens or spots where digging isn’t ideal.
Using the Wrong Screws
While we’re on the subject of using screws, using the wrong screws for your decking can end in disaster. You need specific decking screws. Why? Decking screws are designed to resist corrosion and hold tight through seasonal ground changes. They stay flush when movement happens, meaning you’re not stubbing your toe on the raised screws when this occurs.
Using the wrong screws – indoor ones, for example, will result in premature rusting, snapping, or they’ll work their way loose in a few short months, meaning all the time and effort you’ve invested in the frame will all be undone due to a simple oversight.
Neglecting Air Flow and Drainage
But why is this important if it’s outside, where there is airflow anyway?
The thing is, you can build a beautiful deck with the perfect edges and levels, but kill it as you built it on damp ground. Timber needs to breathe, and you need to make sure you leave space underneath for airflow and water to drain. Even a few centimetres make all the difference.
DIY decking doesn’t need to be complicated, but you need to take the time to ensure you are avoiding some of the more common mistakes. Putting actual thought into the planning stage and doing your research, so that hard work isn’t undone sooner rather than later, is paramount. And avoiding these common mistakes is a great place to start.
