The great thing about your wood deck is that it is so versatile and flexible.If you know what you are doing,you could built it just about anywhere in just about any climate.On almost any surface.Once you have the surface location,you measure the surface areas and you are good to go.
Frame-work
The building of your frame-work could be considered the most important and specific aspect of the project.If the entire frame-work is strong and level then it is safe to say that the deck too will be strong and level.The frame-work is usually made from CCA treated pine and we use the size of 38x114mm.
The joists should be spaced between 400-600mm apart.(We don't like spacing more than 450mm apart for superior strength.)When building the frame it is vital to use a square and a level to maintain straight edges and even levels throughout.It is also very important to use very long,thick strong screws to hold the pine together or else the elements will cause them to split apart.We use plated wood screws of 14x100mm.
Adding support legs
When you add your support legs use your level to maintain the correct level across the entire frame.When you build on sand,grass or other soft surfaces you easily secure the deck using support legs in cast cement.When you build onto concrete,hard floors,stone,rock tiles etc.you can use 'fischer' plugs,bolts,cement cast blocks or a combination of the lot to secure the support legs into place.To attach the legs to the frame-work we then use screws.(Again long,thick and strong 14x100mm)
Lay down deck planks
Once you have the frame-work or sub structure in place,level and the cement is dry,your frame is ready to support weight.At this point you can measure,cut and lay down your decking planks.It is important to leave a small spacing between planks of 5-8mm for water drainage and wood expansion.To secure the planks in place one can either drill holes through the top of the plank or the 'clipping' deck system which we use and definitely prefer.See here for more info on clips.
The screws you use for the deck planks should be extremely strong and durable and we strongly suggest stainless steel.(which we ourselves use)
Sand,seal or leave to be
Once you have built the frame,secured it into place and screwed in the deck planks you can now decide if you want to seal your deck.You can use a varnish,oil or leave it natural.If sealing,we strongly suggest you use an oil,our favourite being monocoat.If sealing you should sand the planks first.(Our planks are all pre-sanded at the factory saving you time)
Below is our 3D video which we made for YOUTUBE showing a deck being built
