Raised Deck Build

Simon Catchpole
by Simon Catchpole
3 Materials
$1400
1 Week
Medium

A decking build Project to turn an unused, overgrown part of the garden into an area to entertain and unwind on a summers evening. Raising the decking helped to take advantage of the stunning views across the fields but also to make it a focal point of the garden

The Before


This was the top of the garden when we moved in and we knew we wanted to make something of what was behind this untidy hedgerow

Hedge Removal


First task was to remove the hedgerow which had some pretty deep roots. Due to lack of access we couldn’t use a mini digger for this, so had to do it all by hand

A lot of Soil


By hand, we removed this pile of soil which alone was a full days work. In total there was 22 tons of soil to be moved out of this area...we still don’t know where it came from

We have a View


Once the soil had gone you can get an idea of the view we wanted to be able to see and enjoy

A New Fence


Now the site was cleared we put up a new fence and could get an idea of the area that we were working with for the decking

No Going Back


One the timber arrived there was know going back on this project! We used a local timber mill as the supplier as we found due to the quantity we had ordered, we were able to drive the price down more than a hardware store chain.

Starting Point


This first set of posts and joists where key as this would deem the height and of course ensure a level starting point. As a result we took our time to ensure we would benefit from it later in the build.

A lot of Post


The most time consuming part we found was putting the posts in. In total nearly 50 posts were needed for the substructure to be able to support the joists and of course the decking its self

Keeping Level


We used 2x6 joists as it was raised to ensure it was strong enough. Good strong clamps were used to keep the joists in place while we screwed them to the posts

Joist after Joist


Bit by bit the joists went up and we could get an idea of the size that the decking was going to be

Membrane


We used a good quality membrane below the decking to stop the weeds coming up. Putting this around the posts wasn’t the easiest of thing to do

Electrics


We want to have power and wifi on the decking do we dig a trench to lay some under ground armour cable. This was 20m from the shed where the power was but just using a spade it Didn’t take to long to do.

Cabling


I found that CEF electrical had the best price for cut to measure 3core armoured cable. It also came on this spool which made laying it out super easy.

Steps


This was quite the challenge to get the steps right. Looking back at it now i wish i paid more attention to this part as the steps are further in the decking than I would of liked, but again its about learning for the future

Getting there


This is also where I put the waterproof housing for the electrics, that way I can just remove a stair tread to easily get to them should I want to replace or add anything

Completed Steps


I’m still pleased how the turned out especially with the lights on them

Project Done


We are so pleased how this turned out in the end and has given us a really good space to entertain in the summer while being able to seat there and see across the view we are so lucky to have


Suggested materials:
  • Wood   (Local lumber mill)
  • Screws and fixings   (Screwfix)
  • Membrane   (Donated)
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