Attaching your deck – options

Deck fastened with Tiger Claws from Deck Fastener

There are numerous different ways to attach your deck to the supports that you have created.  Today we want to explore some of the different ways that you may do this.  There are advantages and disadvantages to each, so it is best to fully consider how you want to look after your deck ongoing as to which option you choose.

Before we get into the different types of ways to fix your deck, there are a few important things to remember.  The first is to ensure that you leave space between each piece of decking timber.  This will ensure any rain water can drain and will not sit in puddles.  You can do this by using a nail between each plank or alternatively a small piece of wood, your ruler, anything that you can use consistently throughout the project and is approximately 5mm in thickness.  The second is to ensure that when starting or finishing a beam it must finish over a joint.  If it doesn’t trim it to the correct size.

Nail

The most common way to fix decking boards to the deck is by using nails.  Ensure that your nails are galvanised and that you use two for each joint. If you are nailing the end of a piece, you will need two nails for the end of the beam and two for the start of the next beam.  Make sure you use a nail punch to ensure that the heads of the nails go below the surface of the timber.

Nailing your deck is quite quick, but you will need to check your deck from time to time to ensure that they haven’t worked themselves free and are now protruding from the surface.  These can cause nasty cuts and punctures to small children, so you will need to ensure they are quickly nailed back into place.  This said they have better sheer strength to the screw.

Screws

While nails may be stronger, it is the screw that will hold tighter, which means you are much less likely to have the screw protrude above the deck surface, however, it is not a full good news story and many builders continue to use nails because of their strength.  Using screws will also mean you are more likely to find and have to replace broken ones.  In addition it is said that the swelling of the timber when it is wet can cause the screws to break, which then leaves a gap where moisture can gather.

More information can be gathered from this blog article.  It is set in Australia and while we are unlikely to have earthquakes it still makes interesting reading.

Clips

Overseas there are a number of different deck clips that can be used to seal your deck in place.  In Australia the range is starting to grow so it is worth checking out the alternatives before you commit to any one option.  Each of these items are very different in the way that they work, so it is best to talk to the manufacturer or hardware store to see if they are suitable for your needs and environment.  The advantage of these clips which include plastic items that attach to your joists, right through to Tiger Claws is that they give you an end result which is much cleaner with no nails or screws.

Clips have their own downfalls depending on which one you choose, but you will not have to worry about nails in feet!

Whatever you choose to make your deck, check out DIY Bargain Bin’s Hardware, Nails, Screws, Bolts and Nuts section for everything that you need.

Want a free DIY guide to building a shed?

Garden Shed from Popular Mechanics website

So you are considering building your own garden shed, but need a design.  Well here we have scoured the internet to bring you a range of different garden shed options and what we like about them!  Most come with a stack of advertising, but it is a small amount for you to endure in exchange for your free plan.

1. Mitre 10 – Have a great little no window garden shed instruction brochure on their website.  The brochure contains all you need to know and what you’ll need to buy to make this 3.6×2.1 metre shed.

2. My Backyard Plans – this website displays a range of different size and variety shed plans along with step by step images to take you through your construction.  They include a gable shed and a gambrel shed.

3. Popular Mechanics – Provides simple step by step instructions for a 9x13foot garden shed.  Along with a photo for each of the 16 steps and instructions with each, this is one of the better internet plans available.

4. Black and Decker – Have a small 8×12 foot shed plan available on their website.  Lots of images and directions.

5. Build Eazy – Show how to make a simple storage shed for your back yard.  The online version is free of charge, but you can download the plans free of advertising for $5USD.

6. Extreme How To – Have a very small no back tool shed that you can build.

7. Just Sheds – Offer one free detailed design for a 10’x8′ storage shed.  You can download this plan, though it is loaded with self promotion.  Paid shed plans range from $15USD to $35USD on their website.

8. ArchChemicals – Provides a one page shed design, with simplified instructions. Probably best to only attempt this one if you are familiar with building such structures!

9. Bioengr – Have a small 6×8 foot garden tool shed plan on their website which includes shelves and counter!

10. Better Homes & Gardens – Potentially if none of those other sheds suit your requirements, maybe a four door shed is what you are after?  Really this is like a storage closet, but can be built cheaply using second hand doors.

Remember you can source your wood and hardware for this project from the DIY Bargain Bin Hardware section and the DIY Bargain Bin Timber Structural / Construction section.

Or if you decide to get a kit garden shed, the DIY Bargain Bin Garden Sheds, Barns and Carport section will have just what you need.