How To Lay Decking On Grass

Imagine transforming your ordinary backyard into a captivating outdoor sanctuary where you can unwind, entertain, and savour the beauty of nature. It’s all possible when you discover how to lay decking on grass. Decking not only elevates the visual charm of your garden but also provides a versatile, flat surface for a multitude of activities and gatherings.

Whether you’re inclined towards the classic allure of timber decking or the modern marvel of composite decking, we’ve got all the insider tips and techniques you need.

Don’t forget to check out our comprehensive guide on how to build decking in general, for even more tips and insights!

Preparing Your Decking Area

Before you start laying decking on grass, it’s crucial to prepare the area properly. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Clear the Area: Remove any vegetation, rocks, or debris from the intended decking area. This will ensure a clean and flat surface to work with.
2. Weed Control Fabric: Lay down weed control fabric to prevent any unwanted growth from coming through your deck boards. This step is essential for long-term maintenance.
3. Create Concrete Pads: To provide a stable foundation for your decking, create concrete pads at key points. These will support the outer joists of your deck frame and help prevent sinking or uneven settling.

Building the Deck Frame

The next step in laying decking on grass is to construct the deck frame. This frame will serve as the foundation for your deck boards. Here’s how to do it:

1. Outer Joist Frame: Begin by creating the outer frame of your deck. Use timber boards and secure them at right angles to create a square frame. Ensure the corners are perfectly square by measuring diagonally from corner to corner. If the measurements are equal, your frame is square.
2. Inner Joists: Once the outer frame is in place, install the inner joists at regular intervals across the frame. These inner joists provide additional support for your decking boards, ensuring a sturdy and flat surface.
3. Concrete Pads: Position the concrete pads under the outer joists to distribute the weight evenly. This will help prevent your decking from sinking into the ground over time.

Installing the Deck Boards

With the deck frame in place, it’s time to lay decking boards. Whether you’re using traditional deck boards or modern composite decking, the process is similar:

1. Pilot Holes: For each decking board, drill pilot holes at each end, making sure they are at right angles to the board. This will prevent splitting when you screw the boards into place.
2. Expansion Gaps: Leave small gaps (typically around 5mm) between each board to allow for natural expansion and contraction due to weather conditions. These expansion gaps are essential to prevent buckling. When it comes to horizontal deck boards, it’s essential to maintain proper spacing between joists. For standard horizontal deck boards, ensure there is no more than a 450 mm gap between the centre of one supporting joist and the centre of the next one. However, if you plan to lay your boards diagonally or in a chevron pattern, you should space the joists 300 mm apart for optimal support.
3. Securing the Boards: Place the first deck board at one corner of the decking frame and screw it into place using decking screws. Make sure the screw heads sit flush with the board’s surface. Use a spirit level or straight edge to ensure the board is level.
4. Continue Laying: Lay the rest of the boards in the opposite direction to your first board, staggering the joints for stability and aesthetics. Use a builder’s line to keep your deck straight.
5. Fascia Boards: Finish your decking by installing fascia boards around the edges to give it a polished look.

How To Lay Decking on Grass: Final Touches

Once all the boards are securely in place, you can apply an end grain preserver to protect the exposed ends of the timber.

Additionally, if you plan to lay decking tiles or create a raised deck, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for those specific products.

Conclusion

In conclusion, mastering the art of how to lay decking on grass can be a rewarding and transformative experience for your outdoor space.

Throughout this guide, we’ve provided you with a comprehensive roadmap to create a stunning deck that not only enhances the beauty of your garden but also offers a practical and inviting area for various activities and gatherings.

Whether you choose traditional timber decking or opt for modern composite alternatives, careful planning and execution will ensure a long-lasting and attractive garden decking area.