One of the best things about building a deck is that you can easily place it on any type of surface you want. Building a deck on a sloped garden will allow you to even out the uneven space and make the sloped parts easier to access. In this article, we will discuss the steps on how to build decking on a sloped garden.

Building a deck in the UK is an easy and great way of enhancing the space of your house. It is also a great way of increasing the value of your property at the same time. Although deck building might seem like an easy task, it is better to let the professionals do it. Consult and hire a professional construction team to help on how to build a deck on a slope.

6 Steps On Building Decking On A Sloped Garden

1. Make a Proper Plan:

Before starting the deck-building project, making a proper plan is necessary. Adequate planning will ensure your deck is exactly what you want. The construction team will then have a detailed discussion about the cost, required time, and design. 

The first step of decking plans in the UK is to decide where you want your deck built. Calculate the length of the decking boards and string the entire working area to gain a fair idea. Make sure that there is a 5-8mm gap between the decking boards as boards can expand due to weather conditions.

Measure the height of the garden slope to make sure that the steps or stairs to the deck are accurately planned and built. Proper planning of the deck will make it easier for the construction team to build a deck.  

2. Prepare the Deck Area:

Clean the decking area before the construction begins by removing all the soil, grass, and foliage within the marked area. The whole decking area will be dug 50mm deep. Mark the positions of the posts and dig deeper. While building a deck UK, make sure that the deck posts are vertical and secured in place with concrete.

 3. Build the Frame of the Deck:

Once the initial posts are set properly, add the centre point posts. Make sure that the centre point posts are put on the dead centre between the existing deck posts. Expert deck builders recommend that deck building must always be started from the highest point of the deck.

After all the calculations and deck posts are set, the team will start building and screwing a temporary deck frame. Do not forget to include a slight rainwater slope of 2mm for every metre of decking. 

You must work with professionals who know how to build decking on a sloped garden. 

4. Add the Joists:

The next step is to start adding in the joists once the exterior frame is built, joist adding step requires a lot of measurements. The joists are put in the centre of the deck for the maximum amount of deck support. Measure the length inside the joist once the centre joist settles, and then cut all the other joists to match.

Mark the centre point of the decking area that requires longer joists. Measure out in 400mm all along the side of the centre joist. Screw the metal joist hanger into the wood after fixing it on the side of the first joist. Hang the metal joist hanger to the frame once it is secure.

5. Build the Steps to the Deck:

After all the above steps of how to build a decking area are completed, it is now time to take the steps to the deck. It is essential to create the steps before the decking boards are installed.

Because the steps have to be secured to the exterior frame. Ensure that the step stringers are not apart for more than 450mm. You will have to use three to four-step stringers for wider steps to ensure that the stairs are secure.

6. Lay the Decking Boards:

The last step of building a deck is to install the decking boards in place. Screw one side of the first decking board and then the other to ensure that it lays straight. Pre-drill the screw holes into the decking board to prevent damage or splitting of the deck boards. The first decking board is the guide for laying the remaining decking boards, and thus, it needs to be straight.

Leave a space of 5mm to 8mm between each decking board as an expansion gap. Use a spacer or a piece of wood to make sure that the expansion gap is even. 

After laying the decking boards, you can hang a fascia board or secure a railing to the deck. If you build a deck over 30cm above the ground or covers more than half of the garden, you will have to get planning permission from the local authorities. 

Final Words: 

A sloped garden is usually of no use as the area is often not accessible. Thus, building a deck on a sloped garden will increase its accessibility and boost your home’s value. 

Now that you know the steps of how to build decking on a sloped garden, it is easy for you to plan a decking project. Building a deck is an easy and cost-effective way of improving the look and value of your home. 

If you are looking for a good team to build a deck to get access to your sloped garden, then check out the services of JGCCSs.