Lay decking boards
Save £500–1,500 in a full day — no tradesperson needed
Most people call a tradesperson for this. You probably don't need to.
Last updated: March 2025
Only basic tools needed — most homes already have them.
Before you start
Ground-level decking (under 600mm high, not attached to the house structure) does not require planning permission in England and Wales in most cases. Raised decks or those attached to the house may need Building Regulations approval — check with your local council if unsure.
This guide covers ground-level or low-level deck construction with a timber joist frame. Allow one full day for a deck up to 20m². Larger or raised decks need more time and possibly professional structural help.
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Tools & materials
- ✓Circular saw or mitre saw— to cut boards and joists to length
- ✓Cordless drill— with screwdriver and drill bits
- ✓Tape measure, pencil, string line— for marking out and keeping straight
- ✓Spirit level and square— for checking frame level and square
- !Pressure-treated timber joists— buy — 50x100mm UC4 treated — priced per length at timber merchants or large DIY stores
- !Decking boards— buy — 8 per board — choose pressure-treated softwood or hardwood such as Bangkirai or Ipe
- !Stainless steel decking screws (65mm)— buy — 15 per box of 200 — must be stainless or coated for outdoor use
Want everything in one go?
Prices shown on retailer sites. Always check current pricing before purchasing.
Plan the area and calculate materials
Measure the area and decide on the deck layout and height. For ground-level decks, you need joists (50x100mm treated timber) at 400mm centres, deck boards (typically 28mm thick, 120mm wide), fixing screws, and weed membrane. Add 10% to board quantities for waste and cuts.
Most people get this done in under 5 minutes.
Where beginners go wrong
Using untreated timber for the frame — it will rot within 2–3 years. Always use UC4 pressure-treated timber for any ground-contact applications.
Not pre-drilling near board ends — screwing close to the end without a pilot hole splits the board.
Skipping the board treatment on completion — bare or cut decking absorbs water immediately. Apply decking oil or stain within a week of installation.
Stop and call a landscaper if...
The deck needs to be over 600mm high — this requires structural calculations and likely Building Regulations approval
The ground is significantly uneven or sloped — a level frame on uneven ground requires experience to get right
You need to cut through or near drains, cables, or tree roots underground — always check for underground services first
Cost breakdown
Recommended starter kit
Five tools that cover most home repairs.
- →Adjustable spannerAmazon·Screwfix
- →Screwdriver setAmazon·Screwfix
- →PTFE tapeAmazon·Screwfix
- →Spirit levelAmazon·Screwfix
- →Tape measureAmazon·Screwfix
Want everything in one go? Get it on Amazon
What you just learned
You now know how to build a timber deck frame, lay and fix boards correctly, and finish to a professional standard. The framing and fastening skills transfer directly to raised garden beds, outbuildings, and timber storage structures.
Most people would pay a tradesperson for this.
⚠️ Watch out if you rent
Never lay decking in a rented property without written permission from your landlord. It is a permanent change and may require planning permission.