Common Mistakes to Avoid When Installing Wooden Decking
When it comes to installing wooden decking for your outdoor space, there are some common mistakes that can ruin the outcome and cost you time and money. Installing wooden decking is a great way to extend living space outdoors, but if done wrong, it could end up being an eyesore or even unsafe. To help you avoid these potential problems with your DIY project, here are some of the most common mistakes to avoid when installing wooden decking in South Africa.
1. Not Checking Your Deck Footings: Before you get started on laying the deck boards, it’s important to make sure that your footings are properly installed. If they’re not strong enough or deep enough into the ground, then they won’t be able to support the weight of the deck. This could result in your deck collapsing or becoming unsafe. To avoid this, make sure you check that your footings are at least twice as wide as the outline of your deck and one meter deep into the ground (or whatever is recommended) depending on size and location of deck and soil conditions.
2. Overlooking Weather Damage: South Africa has hot and humid summers, so when installing wooden decking it’s important to take this into account. You need to use an appropriate wood that can withstand harsh weather conditions, such as teak or cedar, and make sure you apply a quality sealer once it’s installed to protect against water damage. If you don’t do this then your decking may become warped or cracked due to the elements over time, which can detract from your outdoor space.
3. Not Following Building Regulations: Before you get started on installing your wooden decking, it’s important to make sure that you are following all of the relevant building regulations in South Africa. This includes checking the set-back limits of the property, as well as any legal requirements for obtaining a permit before starting construction on your decking project.
4. Skimping On Materials: While it may be tempting to skimp on materials and buy cheaper wood when installing your wooden decking, this is actually one of the worst mistakes you can make. Buying cheap wood will result in a weak structure and poor aesthetic, so it’s important to invest in quality materials. This will ensure your decking is built to last and looks great for years to come.
5. Ignoring Maintenance: Wooden decking requires regular maintenance in order to keep it looking its best, even if you’ve used high-quality wood and sealer when installing it in the first place. You should make sure that you regularly clean off dirt and debris from your decking using a pressure washer or soft brush, as well as reapply sealer every couple of years to protect against weather damage.
By avoiding these common mistakes when installing wooden decking, you’ll be able to make sure that your project turns out perfectly