What tools do I need for decking?
7 Must-Have Tools to Build A Deck
- Circular Saw. This will probably be the tool you use the most when building a deck.
- Hand Saw.
- Chalk Line.
- Tape Measure.
- Carpenter’s Level.
- Power Drill.
How do I prepare my garden for decking?
Clear away plants, rocks and weeds, and dig down to a depth of roughly 50 mm. Clear away the turf so you’re working with the bare soil. Check the ground is even. Use a flat surface (a decking board or tamper is perfect for this) and place a spirit level on top to check the ground is even.
What tools are needed for composite decking?
Composite Decking Installation Tools An example of tools you can use to install your composite decking is a circular saw, jigsaw, or power mitre saw. Also, you can use a hand drill, jigsaw, impact driver, tape measure, carpentry square, spirit level, safety glass and chalk line.
What do you put under garden decking?
- First, lay paving slabs or lawn that will sit underneath the ground leading up to your deck.
- You can then look to fix both of your stringers to your deck frame.
- Next, fit the riser boards, again using galvanised decking screws.
- Finally, screw the decking treads to the stringer, using two nails at each end.
What saw to cut deck boards?
circular saw
A circular saw is often used for most cuts, making it the best saw for deck building. Get one that cuts reliably, and equip it with a sharp carbide-tipped blade.
Can you lay decking on uneven ground?
You can install decks almost anywhere, as long as there is a suitable foundation. While they are easiest to install on level grounds, you can also build them on sloped or uneven terrain.
How many Trex boards do I need for a 12×12 deck?
(Choose from 8, 12, 16, or 20 ft board lengths. Choose which board best fits the dimensions of the deck….Decking Materials.
| Board length | Boards required |
|---|---|
| 8 FT | 206 |
| 12 FT | 137 |
| 16 FT | 103 |
| 20 FT | 83 |
How far apart should joists be for composite decking?
16 inches
The majority of composite deck board brands including Trex, TimberTech, and more require deck joists spacing to be at 16 inches O.C. (on center) for standard straight composite decking installation.
When should deck boards be replaced?
A typical wood deck can last anywhere from 15 to 40 years. This will depend on the materials used and the quality of routine maintenance performed. However, if your deck is showing signs of age and is over 20 years old, you should begin considering a deck replacement.
What kind of tools do you need to build a deck?
For the construction of your decking frame, you will need tools that help with the cutting & nailing of timber. You’ll also need a pencil, square & tape measure to help ensure you get your dimensions right.
What’s the best way to secure a deck?
Screwing down your decking boards, instead of nailing, will make for a stronger and safer deck down the road. When it comes to securing your deck boards, not all screws are created equal! You can choose to face screw, use hidden fasteners, or use a hybrid system like the CAMO Deck Fastening System.
What kind of Nail Gun do I need for a deck?
For nailing, most simple projects can utilise a handheld hammer – but it is worth making use of a pneumatic nail gun if you have access to one. These are less likely to split the wood during the build, but they do require a certain level of experience as they can be dangerous for beginners.
Do you need a power drill to build a deck?
Pro Tip: If you have a large deck, tie string to stakes and place across the frame at the exact level needed so you won’t have to keep bringing the level back out as you build. We recommend using screws for any decking project, which means you’ll need a good power drill.
