Step by step: How to build a wooden deck

Building your own wooden deck can be a rewarding project that not only adds value to your home, but also provides a wonderful place for relaxation and social gatherings. In this comprehensive guide, based on Betterwood’s expert knowledge and the professional rules of decking construction, we take you through every step of the process.

1. planning and design

• Determining your needs: Think about how you want to use your patio. Do you need a dining area, a lounge area or space for a barbecue? Are there any access hatches that need to be provided? With the patio calculator from Betterwood you can create an initial material calculation. If you already have the dimensions of the planned area, you can use the decking planner from Betterwood to create a quote with a laying plan.
• Selection of the woodDifferent types of wood such as teak, cumaru or garapa each have their own properties. Consider factors such as weather resistance, maintenance requirements and aesthetics. With the decision aid from Betterwood, the choice is easier.
• Design and layoutPlan the size and shape of your patio. Think about elements such as steps and stairsrailings and possibly integrated seating.

2. Material procurement

• Quality controlWhen buying materials, look for quality seals and certificates of origin.
• Accessories and toolsIn addition to wooden floorboards, you will also need screws, fixing materials, tools and possibly a substructure. In our guide we have compiled a list of requirements in our guide.

3. preparation of the substrate

• Leveling and compactingThe ground must be level and firm. Remove grass and do not loosen the soil. However, make sure there is good drainage. You can find out how to build on which surface in our Guide to substrates.
• SubstructureA stable substructure is crucial for the longevity of your decking. Use substructure woodwhich has the same durability as the decking.

4. Laying the floorboards

• Correct installationA wooden deck should be well ventilated so that it can dry well at all times and is not permanently damp. Decisive for the longevity of the terrace are therefore: The installation height of the deckingthe distance between the boards and the distance to fixed structures, as well as additional ventilation for veneers.
• FasteningUse stainless steel screws and ensure a clean and secure connection with the substructure and maximum screw spacing of 50 cm for hardwood. Otherwise the risk of warping is too high. Visible or concealed screw connections are possible. Our comparison makes the decision easier.
  
• Avoid the typical mistakes when building terraces.

5. surface treatment and care

• Protective treatmentTo prevent cracks and loss of color, oil the planks. The cut edges should be treated with end edge wax to protect against end cracks.
  
• Regular care: Clean Clean your decking regularly after the winter with a decking cleaner to prevent slippage and dirt and refresh the boards with decking oil if you do not want the wood to turn gray.

6. safety aspects and legal provisions

• Building regulationsFind out about local building regulations and permits. The rules vary from state to state
• SafetyEnsure that all structural elements are stable and secure, spans are maintained and bolting is carried out according to the rules.

Terrace guide and personal advice