You can install beautiful new decking anywhere in your backyard or landscaping as long as the deck is resting on a stable foundation and is installed using the right methods and materials.
A deck creates a nice, functional outdoor space that’s great for relaxing and entertaining during the spring and summer months while providing you with a beautiful area to spend time outside.
Many homeowners wonder if they can put decking on uneven ground or on backyards that have any form of angled or sloped terrain.
Yes, you can put decking on uneven ground, including sloped yards and other uneven surfaces, but careful planning and the proper tools and materials are required. A fully level and solid, supportive structure is required before the decking can be installed.
There are a few different ways that you can put decking on uneven ground, but the method that you use and your individual success will depend on a few important factors. First, a successful deck installation on uneven ground depends on the degree of elevation of the ground beneath it. It also depends on what materials you use, the installation method and prep work that is used beforehand, and the deck style, size, and shape that you plan to build.
Should You Put Decking on Uneven Ground?
Some people install decking on uneven ground to fill in awkward spaces in their backyards and to get more use out of their outdoor space. A deck creates a stable, even surface to walk on when you go outdoors. While there may be some more work involved in doing so, putting decking on uneven ground isn’t a problem, as long as it’s done correctly.
You should put decking on uneven ground if you need a stable, even outdoor area to spend time in. As long as the foundation is built correctly, you can enjoy your new deck for years to come.
Some common issues when putting decking on uneven ground include if the soil is unstable or sandy, or if you live in a climate where erosion is common due to heavy rain. If the ground is not excavated or the proper supports aren’t added, then the deck won’t be sturdy and will eventually buckle or become unsteady over time. It’s best to hire a professional who understands how to build decking on this type of terrain to ensure that it’s sturdy and stable.
What Tools do You Need to Put Decking on Uneven Ground
There are several important tools required to put decking on uneven ground. While you can do this project yourself, it’s always best to consult with local contractors and other deck installation professionals. They have the skills, know-how, experience, and proper tools to make sure that your new deck is installed right, no matter what type of terrain it’s resting on.
Tools you need to put decking on uneven ground include pressure-treated boards and posts, nails, screws, bolts, a drill, hammer, jigsaw, wheelbarrow, skill saw, and post-hole diggers. You’ll also need a small and large level, a T-square, bar clamps, and a chainsaw or Sawzall.
When putting a deck on uneven ground, choosing the right size of wood, nails, screws, and bolts is crucial. Using the appropriate sizes ensures that each component of the deck is attached to the other securely. Remember to use personal protective equipment, including a quality pair of safety glasses, a face mask, and durable work gloves, too.
What Preparations Do You Need to Install Decking on Uneven Ground
Before you install decking on uneven ground, it’s crucial to prepare the surface so that it’s installed correctly. Begin by deciding where you want the deck to go both in terms of height and location. After you’ve determined the layout and location, you’ll need to prepare the ground for installation.
Prepare to install decking on uneven ground by digging into the soil and removing the top layer of the lawn, removing rocks, and digging everything evenly. Fill the new soil bed with about 5 cm deep of Type 1 MOT hardcore which helps create a base layer designed to support heavy, load-bearing structures.
After the ground has been dug and prepped, add paving slabs to the bed to help compact the material underneath. Place the slabs along the sides and in the center of the bed to support the deck’s framing to keep each section of the decking stable as you work. Build your deck frame first on top of the soil bed using solid planks to create the shape you want, and screw planks in the center for added support before you install the new deck boards on top.
How to Install Decking on Uneven Ground
To install decking on uneven ground, you’ll need to use a cement post system for additional stability and support for the decking. Make sure that you have all the materials, equipment, and tools required ahead of time, and ensure that the ground is level and fully prepped before you begin.
Preparing the soil and using the right support methods will keep the decking stable and level regardless of the slope underneath it.
Attach the decking joists to posts at the decking level with 100mm wood screws and add the base frame before laying the deck boards on top of it. This ensures you’ll have a level frame when installing decking on uneven ground so that it meets at the posts and joints.
As a general rule, always make sure that you use Type 1 MOT hardcore and paving slabs when installing decking on uneven ground. This is the best way to keep everything supported since decks are heavy structures that require a proper base.
Attach the decking frame to the slabs underneath and check to ensure everything is level before laying the decking on top.
Copyright protected content owner: ReadyToDIY.com and was initially posted on September 14, 2022.
What Are Common Decking Problems That Cause Them to Become Uneven?
If you already have a deck at home, it could be vulnerable to sloping or sinking over time due to a number of different factors.
There are several reasons why your deck could start to look uneven, and it’s not always due to improper installation.
If you notice that your existing deck is starting to look or feel uneven, or if it seems as though it’s sinking, then it’s highly recommended that you get it repaired to correct the issue as soon as possible.
Some common reasons why decks become uneven include heavy erosion of the soil underneath, sinking deck posts, uneven deck joists, or a deck frame that isn’t square. Fortunately, most decking problems can be repaired with help from a professional.
Re-squaring a deck is quite a difficult, costly, and time-consuming process and it might not always be possible to do. However, you can remove and reinstall sinking posts to go deeper into the ground and you can also place shims under uneven deck joists or add a sister joist next to the ones that aren’t even for additional support.
Copyright article owner is ReadyToDiy.com for this article. This post was first published on September 14, 2022.
Wooden deck boards can warp or buckle over time, and you can simply replace damaged or wonky boards by removing the damaged ones and replacing them with new, sturdier boards.
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ReadyToDIY is the owner of this article. This post was published on September 14, 2022.