Real Living Australia - February 2018

ALWAYS CHECK BUILDING CODES There are

a number of regulations, such as structural requirements and

size limits, that apply to building a deck or hand rail. Check

local codes and obtain a permit if needed to ensure safety

and prevent problems when it comes to selling your home.

SOLID FOUNDATIONS ARE A MUST The most solid

base you can build your deck on is concrete pad footings.

Their depth depends on your geographic location and what

lies beneath the soil. Pour the concrete slightly higher

than the surrounding ground so water doesn’t pool.

DON’T SKIMP ON SCREWS Low-quality screws will

corrode, discolouring your deck and shortening its life.

Stainless-steel or galvanised screws, specifically for outdoors,

will resist corrosion and help extend your deck’s life. Also

consider hidden fasteners for a clean surface appearance.

CONSIDER CREATING LEVELS Not only

do different levels create visual interest, but they are

super-practical, too. Set up one level for alfresco dining,

and another as a play area for the kids. Levels can also

help to break up long flights of stairs or sloped yards.

KNOW YOUR MATERIALS Timber decking looks natural,

is durable and feels great underfoot – especially around pools.

It can also be stained or painted in any colour. Composite or

synthetic decking is an environmentally friendly, cost-effective

timber alternative that combines plastic and wood fibre.

CHECK WHAT’S UNDERNEATH If you’re building

your deck over earth, you want to be sure weeds don’t grow

up and through your decking. Before you start building, coat

the area with a weed-control spray then top with a weed mat,

both available from hardware stores.

LEAVE ROOM FOR MOVEMENT Timber decking

needs to be spaced to allow for expansion and contraction.

The rule of thumb is 3mm – you can use a spacer specifically

designed for this purpose or a nail. A gap will also aid

water drainage and prevent timber from splitting.

APPLY A PROTECTIVE FINISH Always coat a timber

deck with a penetrating sealer to fend off rot and decay,

or stain it to add colour and extra protection from the

elements. Composite boards will need a material-specific

finish; seek advice from the manufacturer. R

GET ALL HANDS ON DECK AND JOIN YOUR INDOORS AND OUT WITH OUR TOP

TIPS FOR BUILDING A DECK IN YOUR BACKYARD WITH SAFETY AND SUCCESS

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text

karlie verkerk

|^ photography

maree homer

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styling

lisa burden

| styling assistant

kate kiryk

real living

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