Welcome to Gaia! :: View User's Journal | Gaia Journals

A day in the life of an avid Organic Gardener and Home DIY Enthusiast tackling numerous home garden DIY Projects from Decking through boundary walls and fences to the wildlife pond and raised organic vegetable plot; and on the way encountering the BBQ and patios.

Timber decking is ideal for sloping blocks, to cover old concrete patios or as an alternative to paving. Timber decking can be built at the same level as your existing floors to facilitate a smooth transition from indoors to outdoors. When designing a timber or steel frame deck remember that north facing decks are the best positioned to receive the winter sun and summer shade.

Alternately you can use composite decking. Composite decking is&made from wood fibre and plastic, including in some cases recycled products. This&makes composite decking eco-friendly.&The product is manufactured for strength and enhanced moisture resistance.&It does not require painting or staining&and is manufactured in&a range of colours and finishes.


<img src="http://www.woodhavenlumber.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Trex-Decking-Makeover-After-200x200.jpg" image_too_big="254" />

During installation, a minimal gap of 3/32 is required for width-to-width and end-to-end installation, as it is prone to shrink or expand under different weather conditions. However, it is insect-resistant, and undergoes minimal-shrinkage. The only disadvantage of Merbau decking is that it comes at a high price; but if you are really keen on installing high-end decks to suit your luxurious lifestyle, then nothing can beat its durability and stability.

Composite decking is made of recycled hardwood and polymer resin. Unlike softwood, composite decking is low maintenance as it doesn't require annual cleaning. One major benefit of composite decking is that it can be moulded to meet almost any desired spatial conditions. Available in a variety of colours and finishes composite decking is ideal for any outdoor space regardless of size or shape. One disadvantage is that quality composite decking can be expensive, however it will add to the value of your home and some of the best decking companies will offer a 25 year guarantee so you know your decking is going to last.

Attach the framing to the support posts with bolts run all the way through both the framing lumber, brackets made for the purpose, (called joist hangers), and the support posts. (This construction is referred to as through bolts.”) Holes for the bolts must be pre-drilled all the way through. The easiest way to get the holes lined up in the correct place is to use large C-clamps to hold the wood, joist-hanger bracket and post all together, then drill through the entire thickness using the holes in the joist hanger as your guide.

The major disadvantage of composite or plastic decking is that it is more expensive than timber decking. However the higher price may in the long term actually save you money as your composite deck will last longer and you won't have the maintenance expense that comes with timber decks. Thus compared to timber composite decks will actually save you time and money over the lifetime of your eco deck.

I would go with the small pea gravel. Flagstone is expensive and you would have to do something to level out the concrete underneath it anyway. It's in such bad shape, add concrete might not even stick and then the flagstone would be compromised. If you ever decide to do something with the wall, stain it instead of painting it. Paint chips and peels from the weather. Regular furniture or wood deck stain seeps right in and is permanent.

more info