| It only takes a weekend to add a small area of | | | | length as the frame and position them parallel to one |
| decking and it will make such a huge difference to | | | | another at 400mm intervals inside the frame. Secure |
| you garden. Imagine the meals you can have outside | | | | the beams using three 75mm screws per beam end. |
| or the drinks party on your new deck. | | | | 3) Lay the decking boards on the frame, at right |
| You will need:o String and wooden pegso Black plastic | | | | angles to the beams, so you can work out the best |
| sheetingo Gravelo Screws, hammer, saw and nailso | | | | way to use the boards with minimal cutting. Cut |
| Four joists of exterior-grade timbero Exterior-grade | | | | boards to the lengths required. Place the first board |
| floor beamso Pre-treated decking boards | | | | flush with the edge of the joist at the front of the |
| Step-by-step guide | | | | deck and fix using two 50mm screws. Fix the |
| 1) Level the ground and outline the area to be | | | | remaining boards in the same way, leaving a 3mm |
| decked with string and wooden pegs. Lay black | | | | gap between each one. |
| plastic sheeting covered in gravel to prevent weeds | | | | 4) Finish off by concealing the joists with a deck |
| growing under the decking. | | | | board used as a fascia. |
| 2) Nail together the four joists to create a frame the | | | | 5) Treat your decking with a product such as Sadolin |
| same size as the outlined area. Strengthen the joins | | | | Decking Stain and Preserver to protect it from |
| with screws. Next, cut your floor beams to the same | | | | sunlight, water damage and mold. |