1 Answer. Show activity on this post. Ordinarily, I’d get 10% extra for a job like you describe. Given the custom setup, I’d seriously consider 15%, and maybe maybe if it wasn’t outrageously cost-prohibitive, going for 20%.

What do you do with deck offcuts?

Depending on the size of the offcuts you have, you can make anything from a small footstool or side table to planter boxes for displaying flowers. Sometimes you only need to buy one or two longer pieces of similar timber, and use the scraps to build a full-size sunlounger or similar piece.

How do I calculate how much decking I need?





The first step for answering “how to calculate how much decking I need” is to determine your deck’s square footage, or area, by taking the length of your deck times the width (L x W). EXAMPLE: For a deck that is 16 feet long and 12 feet wide, multiply 16 by 12. This gives you 192 square feet, your deck’s total area.

What is the maximum space between deck boards?

Generally, an acceptable gap between deck boards is between 1/8 inch and 1/4 inch.

How much should a deck overhang?

The edge of decking should never overhang more than one-third of the decking material. For your standard 5.5” decking, that is 1 ¾” overhang.

Can you reuse old decking?

You can use them for a variety of DIY projects around your home. The repurposed wood can be used to create a workbench, flower boxes (if you are using treated wood, the plants can’t be edible in nature), picture frames, benches, chairs, tables, or anything else that you can think of when it comes to repurposing.

How do I dispose of old decking UK?





Wooden decking can be disposed of at your local Household Waste Recycling Centre. GARDEN WASTE FACTS: Garden waste, such as grass cuttings, weeds, prunings and leaves, can be recycled at all of Merseyside’s and Halton’s Household Waste Recycling Centres.

How many decking boards do I need for a 12×12 deck?

For example, a 12-foot x 12-foot deck of 5/4 x 6 pressure treated wood decking on 16 inches on center spacing of joists will require: A 12-foot long deck with joists 16 inches on center will require 10 joists. 20 fasteners x 26 (number of rows of decking) = 520 fasteners. Add 10 percent to be safe.

How do you calculate linear metres for decking?

You do this by taking the length and width of your decking and times them by each other. To find out how many lineal meters you need, take your square meters and divide it by the width of the decking boards.

How much is a 12×12 deck?

Cost To Build A Deck By Size

Deck Size Square Feet Average Cost
8×10 80 $1,200 – $2,800
10×10 100 $1,500 – $3,500
10×12 120 $1,800 – $4,200
12×12 144 $2,160 – $5,040

Does decking overlap fascia?



Overhanging deck boards boost the appearance of particular materials as well. Composite fascia and other types of composite material look better with overhanging. Fascia board edges can be unsightly, but the overhang covers this unattractive feature and prevents the material from rotting from rainwater.

What is a deck overhang?

If the deck joists extend past the beam, they create a cantilever — an overhanging section of deck.

Should deck boards have a gap?

The amount of space between deck boards should be anywhere from ¼” to 3/8” inch. You want plenty of space for water to flow between the boards and to allow small debris to fall to the ground. Deck board spacing greater than 3/8” of an inch can become problematic.

Can you put deck boards tight together?



There is no reason to put a gap between the ends (also known as butt ends or butt joints) of wood deck boards. Wood, both softwood and hardwood, is dimensionally stable in length regardless of temperature, humidity or moisture content. Keep the butt ends as tight as possible when installing wood decking.

Should you nail or screw deck boards?

For the decking boards, many agree that screws perform better than nails. They have better tensile strength and will less likely to pop out, which is a common problem in decking. Many also agree that nails are better used for the frame of the decking.

What direction do you lay decking boards?

The correct way to lay decking boards for most decking is smooth-side-up, with the ridges there to prevent rot and mould.

Should you stagger deck boards?

Staggering the deck boards decreases the number of screws or nails going into one joist, which can weaken or rot the joist more quickly. Staggering the joints strengthens the deck by spreading the seams across more joists instead of placing the stress on only one.

Should decking be level?



In a nutshell, the easy answer is this—no, your deck should never be level with your home. That’s because of the threat most feared by even the bravest DIYers and homeowners: water damage. If your deck or patio sits at the same height as your home, you’re making it easy for water to get inside and wreak havoc.

Should decking boards run parallel house?

The default direction decking runs on an attached deck is parallel with the house. A few reasons for this are deck framing construction, water runoff and appearance. Decking running parallel to the house is beneficial structurally, aesthetically and costwise.

Should you put rock under a deck?

Companies that install decks recommend using washed gravel or crushed stone under the deck. The clean stone allows precipitation to drain, prevents plant growth, and moisture away from the wood members. It protects the ground from erosion and the wood from rot.

Why do decking boards have grooves?

Having grooves on the bottom of your decking planks allows for greater airflow from the timber frame beneath and the underside of the board. This is especially important as it prevents the build-up of damp conditions which can lead to wood rot. Additionally, this can also help negate the risk of timber warping.