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| How do I measure my garden for decking? |
| When measuring the size of your garden for your decking, you need to think about how much of your garden you want to cover. Mark out the area you want to deck and measure the size of the space in metres. If you have any structures you want your decking to go around, make sure to mark this out when planning the size of your decking area. |
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| Will my decking become slippery? |
Depending on the type of decking you choose, some will become more slippy than others. We have an option of Anti Slip Decking which has resin inserts to provide extra grip, as well as the Marine Decking option which is great for areas around water.
Alternatively, to ensure that your decking doesn't become slippery, there are a selection of maintenance measures you can do. Make sure to clean your decking regularly and apply non-slip deck coating which will help prevent your decking from becoming slippery. |
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| What materials do I need to buy? |
Building your own decking is quite simple and requires basic DIY skills. To start building your deck you need to choose the type of decking boards you want to use and work out the size you need. On top of this you will need decking joists to support the decking and screws to put everything together. You may also need a saw to cut your decking boards to the length to ensure a good fit.
If you want to add more to your decking, we have a selection of optional extras and treatments for your decking. |
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| Do I need planning permission for decking? |
| In most cases you won't need to have planning permission. However, if you are planning to deck more than half your garden or to have decking which is raised more than 30cm off the ground, then you may need to seek planning advice as you may need planning permission or building approval. |
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| Do I need a specialist installer to build my decking? |
A simple flat level deck doesn't require a specialst installer.
Building a simple deck is quite easy and only requires basic DIY skills. All you need to be able to do is drill holes, tighten screws and bolts, use a saw, be able to measure and read a spirit level. You may need assistance if you are building a deck on a tricky surface or if you aren't confident in building it yourself then you can get someone in to help. |
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| Why do I need to leave space between deck boards? |
| When using timber decking boards, it is important to leave an expansion gap between each board, it can move and expand slightly when exposed to various weather conditions. It is recommended to leave anything between 3mm to 10mm. This also applies to composite decking as this can also expand due to weather and temperature changes. |
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| How much will it cost? |
| The cost of it will depend on the size of the decking area and the type of decking material you wish to use. We have different prices for our decking materials per m², to view our prices click here. To work out the cost, measure the size of your garden to work out the area and multiply by the price of the decking you wish to use. |
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| What are my options? |
| At Smart Decking Supplies, we have a range of decking materials and accessories to choose from. You can choose from a selection of softwood, composite and hardwood decking with a variety of accessories including lighting, balustrades, balconies and stairs. Explore our site to find out more information or give us a call to discuss options. |
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| How long will my deck last? |
| The lifetime of your decking will depend on whether you use composite or timber decking, and how well you maintain your decking. With the correct maintenance, we believe that our decking can last upwards of 15 years giving you a lifelong service of durability. |
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| Can I have decking with a sloped garden? |
| Even if you have a sloped garden, you can still have decking. Decking is actually a real advantage for sloping gardens as it helps create a level space to enjoy. To build decking on a sloped garden, all you need are support posts to go underneath your decking to create a stronger structure. |
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| How to fit decking? |
First of all, you need to make sure the decking area is marked out and cleared of any rocks and turf. It is also good to spray the area with weed killer before covering the area with a weed barrier. Make sure the area is level before beginning to build the decking frame.
To layout the area you need to assemble the decking joist frame and position the decking how you want. When doing this make sure to leave expansion gaps between the deck boards, usually a screw is a good spacer to make sure all gaps are uniform. It is also a good measure to do a dry fit before cutting and assembling everything to ensure each part is the right size.
Once the frame is constructed with the inner joists secure, you can start laying the decking boards on top, making sure the boards run in the opposite direction to the inner joists. Make sure the ends of the decking boards sit over the joists to allow them to be screwed in. When laying the boards, make sure to stagger them for greater strength and an attractive finish. Remember to sand down the cut ends and apply a grain preserver to protect the timber. |
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| How should deck boards be fastened? |
| You should always attach your deck boards to the joist structure underneath the decking to ensure it is stable and strong. Make sure to screw all joints and boards to the structure tightly so there are no loose fittings on your decking. |
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