Laying my first decking ( need advise)

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the answer is ... either. But i think your question os probably around what's the best way to protect the timber from damp.

You can simply rest it on the concrete, providing it's flat and horizontal. But in wet periods, you risk water attacking the bottom of your timbers, however well they're treated.

I think it's better to put down concrete blocks on their side, to support the main timbers. This keeps them out of pooled rainwater.
 
If you raise that - looks to me like the back edge along the fencing will need suport at very joist, potenially still being prone toome flex andmovement as there's no beam / ledger strip tying that back edge together.
You might get away with it, though I'd simply tie it all together with a solid single beam there.
 
Thanks guys!
Will put a backing on frame to make it more sturdy. Would it be ok to put broken bits of slab to raise frame slightly, I think the slabs I have are about an inch high. or could I use inch high wooden blocks nailed to the under side of frame.
Thanks again for you help!!!
 
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You havent built the frame right - it needs to be based on rectangles, bolted together. What you have is a collection of members tied with noggins.

What did u lay your paving on? it looks like soil.......
 
Hi WabbitPoo
Oh whoops! is that frame no good for what I have planned? and yes the slabs are on soil! The reason I had built the frame like that was to have it rest on the concrete, but now I know different. Will I have to rebuild frame?
 
Probably be fine for a good few years. Sure it won't last 20 years but f**k me why does everyone have to build decks to support a tank in the Garden Section! :rolleyes:
 
well, for future reference you wasted your time, your back mucles and your money laying that paving. Secondly your frame WILL do a job, but not the ideal way of doing it IMHO. Why waste money using 4" posts cut up to make noggins? And anyway, you've done it now. And thirdly, I would lift it off the slabs a little, which means you dont need all that paving, which is gonna sink over time anyway as its laid on soil.

Apart from that, looking good.

I dont mean to rain on your parade, and you may as well soldier on, but I make these observations not just for your benefit but for future readers who may come seeking info.

There's lods of links on here and the rest of the web about how to build a deck. I don't see the need to invent another one, is all.

Peace
 
Arh ok right!
Bugger! Thankfully the wood didn't cost me much as i got it from work. The 4" posts where only 4 feet long anyways, hence the reason i used them for noggins. I have loads Of slabs so was just laying them down to stop the weeds. Is there anyway I can redo the frame so its more sturdy? I was going to put slabs under each long section of the frame to support it. I do appreciate everybodys help. Ok so Ive mucked up!
 
Don't worry we all been there and it good you're having a go. It's a gamble that you may get away with it but the decking need to be off the paving slabs preventing trapped water. What you could do if you want to, if possible lift the the whole decking up against the fence panel and make sure it can take the weight then remove some of the paving slabs and put in a small footing, run a few joists in opposite direction resting on the footings then put the whole decking over it
 
Thanks everyone for your help and advice, I think ill start again and redo everything.
 
D

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