Garden Decking, Composite Decking, Trex Decking Guide

Wood Composite Decking today is fast becoming the most popular patio surface for many people. It is an attractive feature to any garden that can be used to either break the garden up or to create an elevated seating area. The aim of this guide is to show you the basic design and construction techniques and provide you with some information, and an overview of knowledge on trex decking and composite decking.

Planning your composite decking

As with any other garden project planning is essential as it can save a great deal of time and money. Decking can be pricey, but it’ll be even worse if you have to try it more than once due to a problem that could have been avoided. The best way to plan your decking is with pen and paper. Firstly you will need to create a site plan, which will include measuring the area and estimating any falls on an existing base. The most important element within the planning is to decide which type of wood you are going to use for the composite decking boards and the lengths it is available. In most cases it's a good idea to plan your deck so that you avoid too many joints in the composite decking boards. The next area to consider is the finished level. With composite decking unlike a normal solid patio you can build it on a frame above the existing house damp course on the same level as the floors in your house. This improves longevity as water can drain away quickly. The above ground level can be achieved by constructing a frame on an existing patio or higher on brick or wood pillars. Finally you should consider access to manhole covers, which can be catered for by trap doors or by creating shorter lengths of decking boards over the area, which will have to be unscrewed for access.

Handrails and steps

After planning your composite decking area it is worth considering the construction of a handrail and steps. In the case of handrails and the posts they are attached to, they can normally be purchased ready made so all you have to do is to install them in the composite decking construction. To gain the maximum amount of stability you should build the posts directly into the frame and preferably secured into the ground under the composite decking by the use of a steel spike or by concreting in. With steps the key consideration is to get the treads large enough so the steps are comfortable to use. After working so hard on your composite decking you don’t want a house guest or yourself to take a tumble. To do this try out a few other steps in your house at work etc. and note the size of the treads and how quickly they rise. If the steps are going to be small and steep it is worth planning for a handrail.

Frame construction

The frame is constructed in a similar way to a wooden floor frame like the one you may have in your attic, but remember to use treated timber. Firstly using a length of timber running the length of the deck normally 150X50mm. secure this to the house wall using expansion bolts. This will form the level of the frame. (Remember to secure this first part of the frame 25mm below your decking surfaces finished level) Once this first part is complete you can then work out the positions of the main frame beams. These should be spaced roughly every 0.75 metre, however the distance will depend on the length of the decking boards you are using. Obviously you won’t need massive measurements of wood for a small garden. Ideally the spacing of the beams should be arranged so that the composite decking boards you are using sit so that the ends meet the beams. It is worth working out the main beam spacing so that you do not have to cut the decking boards to meet the beams as this can add additional expense. With the main beam spacing worked out you next need to decide how you are going to support the composite decking frame. If you are laying your composite decking onto an existing patio you can use treated timber. However if the composite decking is to be raised you can do this by building brick pillars or with the use of wooden posts concreted into the ground. The more support the composite decking frame is given the less 'bounce' the finished decking will have. Also it’ll help remove the possibility of a larger family member falling through the floor. To butt the frame together it’s best to nail it together first to archive the levels required, then once you are happy with the frame you should then screw it to add additional strength with decking screws. Finally treat the frame by painting with a wood treatment especially on the joint and the end of beams.

Laying the composite decking

With the frame constructed you should cover the ground under the frame with ground sheeting to stop any weeds from becoming a problem later. Next lay all the decking boards on the frame so that you can work out all the joints and the most economic way to use the decking with minimal cutting and joints.

Securing the composite decking boards and finishing touches

The final stage is to secure the composite decking boards to the frame. This is best carried out by screwing the boards down so that they can easily be removed at a later stage for replacement or repair. To screw the boards down it is best to pre-drill the holes and counter sink the tops to prevent the boards splitting. The screws you use should be one that will not rust. We have found that brass screws are not suitable because they tend to 'shear off ' once the decking swells with the winter rains. A good tip at this stage is to mark out the holes first with a small chalk mark to make sure the screws are in straight lines. The final stage is to consider treating the decking boards. We normally do not do this as most softwood composite decking boards are normally supplied treated and the hardwood is best left untreated, but if a wood treatment is needed use a sealer or stain designed for composite decking. DO NOT USE CREOSOTE or a creosote substitute as one person has told me they used and wondered why after a week it was fading and looking horrible.

Remember Remember Trex Composite Decking...

Consider Trex decking - and also railing products are made from a completely unique combination of recycle or reclaimed wood / recycled plastic. This is what gives you the best qualities of these materials. The plastic shields the wood from rain and damage from insects, meaning there’s no rotting and / or splintering. UV damage is prevented by the wood and gives your composite decking a solid and natural feel to it - and looks great year after year. Because there is no need to spend hours staining or repairing, the enjoyment of a Trex deck is truly timeless. Just something for you to consider when your doing your decking.