How NOT to build a deck
When building a deck it is important to follow certain rules and the recommendations of people who know what they’re doing. Cutting corners and having a deck built cheaply is practically guaranteed to result in a bad quality deck that will need replacing within a few years. Not only is a badly built deck a waste of money but it can also be extremely dangerous. Of course, not all clients are aware of the corners cut by their builders. That’s why we wanted to share some of the common issues we come across when we are called out to fix or replace decks, so that you can avoid being caught out! Here are some basic tips to avoid costly mistakes: 1. Spans. To support the deck you need to select the right sized timber for the span (unsupported distance) you intend to use. In the photo below, the span is 3.6m and a 228mm beam was used. This is OK, but all the subsequent beams towards the back wall were 114mm – NOT FINE. And the client asks “why is my deck bouncy?” 2. "Waterproofing&