DIY Timber Decking
A Step-by-Step Guide to Enhancing Your Outdoor Living Space
Adding a timber deck to your home is like adding an extra room—except this one comes with fresh air, sunshine, and the perfect spot for a legendary braai. But before you start hammering away, let’s make sure your deck doesn’t end up looking like a wobbly pirate ship.
1. Planning and Preparation
Before you begin, grab a coffee (or something stronger) because proper planning is key to a successful deck installation.
Choosing the Right Timber
Picking timber is like choosing a life partner—it needs to look good, be strong, and last a long time. Here are some top choices:
- CCA Treated Pine – Tough, rot- and insect-resistant, and budget-friendly. The downside? It needs regular maintenance, can splinter, and contains treatment chemicals. We stock two thicknesses:
- 20mm x 95mm & 30mm x 95mm ➡️ Check it out here
- Saligna – Strong, stable, and beautiful with a premium finish. More expensive and tougher to work with, but totally worth it for that high-end look.
- 20mm x 120mm ➡️ Shop Saligna here
Designing Your Deck
- Size & Shape – Think about your space, foot traffic flow, and—most importantly—where your braai will go. 🔥
- Need a braai? We’ve got you covered ➡️ Browse our braai selection
- Height – Ground-level decks are easier to build, but raised decks need extra support (and compliance with building codes).
- Substructure – A strong base is like a good foundation for a house. Choose from timber framing, steel framing, or concrete piers.
- Decking Patterns – Want to keep it simple? Go horizontal. Feeling fancy? Try diagonal or herringbone patterns for a high-end look.
Gathering Tools & Materials
Tools You’ll Need: Tape measure, level, square, circular saw, drill, hammer, safety glasses, clamps, and a jigsaw (for the perfectionists).
➡️ Get your tools here
Materials: Decking boards, beams, joists, fasteners (galvanized or stainless steel), and finishing materials.
➡️ Stock up on timber & supplies
2. Preparing the Ground
A solid foundation means fewer problems down the road. Here’s what you need to do:
- Measure & Mark – Use a tape measure, string, and stakes to outline your deck.
- Clear the Site – Remove grass, rocks, and that one stubborn root that refuses to budge.
- Level the Ground – Your spirit level is your best friend. Adjust soil levels as needed.
- Ensure Proper Drainage – Slope the ground away from the house (minimum 1:80 incline) to prevent puddles.
- Compact the Soil – Use a tamper or plate compactor so your deck doesn’t sink over time.
- Install Weed Control Fabric & Gravel – Stop weeds from photobombing your beautiful new deck.
3. Building the Substructure
This is the backbone of your deck—don’t rush it!
- Install Footings – Dig holes below the frost line, pour concrete, and plant CCA treated poles. Please take time and make sure you plant the CCA treated poles correctly https://sawpa.co.za/how-to-plant-a-pole/
- Attach Posts & Beams – Keep everything plumb, level, and well-secured.
- Install Joists – Space them correctly and use joist hangers for extra stability.
- Add Noggins – (No, not your head.) These are extra supports to prevent joists from twisting.
- Install the Ledger Board – If attaching to the house, use “Z” flashing to keep water out.
- Apply Joist Tape – This small step can significantly extend the life of your deck.
4. Installing the Decking Boards
Now comes the satisfying part—laying down the boards that will soon hold many a cold drink.
- Start at the Most Visible Edge – First impressions matter, so begin where people will see it most.
- Secure with Decking Screws – Pre-drill to avoid splitting the wood (because cracks are never a good look).
- Use Spacers – Maintain a ±3mm gap for expansion and drainage.
- Stagger Joints – Avoid all joints lining up—it’ll look odd and weaken the structure.
- Trim the Edges – Use a circular saw for a polished finish.
5. Finishing & Maintenance
This is the backbone of your deck—don’t rush it!
- Seal & Protect – A good-quality stain or sealer keeps your deck looking fresh. We will discuss the various sealant options in a next blog post.
- Regular Cleaning – Sweep off leaves, dirt, and any mysterious sticky spots (you know who you are).
- Check for Damage – Look out for loose boards, rot, or pest damage.
- Reapply Finish as Needed – Sun and rain can wear it down over time, so keep up with maintenance.