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The Plans

Building a Frame

Fixing the Boards

Finishing

Basic Decking Rules

The Lower Patio

As mentioned earlier, I decided to lay my boards at 45 degrees so the first board to screw down was logically the one which followed the 45 degree edge. This board was fixed into place using decking screws and then the other boards laid parallel to this in either direction.

The recommended gap between boards is between 5mm & 8mm, I find that using deck screws is the easiest way to space the boards, just put a few along the length between the two boards and screw the planks down.

Use two screws to fix the boards where they cross each joist, these should be about an inch in from either side (25mm). So in my case the longest planks needed 10 or 12 screws, the shortest 4 or 6.

Let the boards overhang at the ends then use the end joist as a guide to trim the boards using a jigsaw.

Where each newel post is to be fitted, mark out and cut the boards, but before screwing them down fit the newel posts. It will be very difficult to fit the posts if you have fixed the boards first.

Paint a good quality wood preserver onto the ends of the cut boards when you've finished screwing them into place.