The 7 most common problems when building a deck
Avoid 7 common mistakes when building a deck
New recommendations, twisted wood and a pile of calculations – yes, building a deck can really test you. We have put together a list of common problems and the best ways to deal with them.
1. Poor deck structure
It is essential to build a deck that can carry the expected load. Choosing the right type of wood and fasteners can, however, be demanding.
Solution: We will advise you on designing the supporting structure and choosing the materials – contact us at Zrubko.sk.
2. Avoid time-consuming installation
Building a deck is a big challenge – demanding and time-consuming. If you choose solutions that save both time and effort, you are making the right decision.
Solution: with WAF or ET-T construction screws you reduce the number of parts you need to install the supporting structure of the deck. There is no need to pre-drill or to use timber engineering connectors, which saves both time and building costs.
Save valuable time
With the WAF construction screw you avoid pre-drilling.
3. Correct spacing between boards
If the boards are laid without the correct spacing, they start to lift off the deck substructure. It is an expensive mistake that is easy to avoid.
Solution: Always follow Svenskt Trä's recommendations – lay the boards with the correct expansion gaps, which depend on the width of the board and the type of wood.
If you stick to the recommendations, the spacing between the boards will be right no matter how dry or damp the wood is.
4. Avoid the wrong choice
Quality screws have a decisive influence on the service life of the deck and on how comfortable it is to use.
Solution: Screws made of A4 stainless steel are always a good choice when building a timber deck. You can use them regardless of the climate, the environment, the type of wood and the size of the deck. They are the best guarantee that the deck will last for many years.
Tip!
Remember that you can also install decking boards without visible screws. Hidden fixing gives you the look you want and a splinter-free surface.
5. Watch out for bent and twisted boards
Bent and twisted boards are not unusual. They cause a lot of problems during installation and require screws with a high clamping force and pull-out resistance.
Solution: If you want to install your timber deck the traditional way, choose the stainless steel ESSDECK Max decking screw. The screw has a high clamping force and a small-diameter head that leaves a neat surface.
The contractors' favourite screw
If you want to install your deck the traditional way, choose the ESSDECK Max decking screw. The screw has a high clamping force and a small head that leaves a neat surface.
ESSVE Decking screw ESSDECK MAX 4.8 x 55 mm CorrSeal, pack of 250
ESSVE Decking screw ESSDECK MAX 4.8 x 55 mm A2, pack of 250
ESSVE Decking screw ESSDECK MAX 4.8 x 55 mm A4, pack of 250
ESSVE Bit set XTR impact, 16 pcs 50 mm 16 pieces
ESSVE Bit set XTR, 32 pcs 25 mm 32 pieces
ESSBOX+ Organiser case for screws and tools
6. Watch out for different dimensions
On long decks, pay attention to the width of the boards. If you install boards of different dimensions in one row, the result will look untidy.
Solution: When installing, pick boards of the same width and use a chalk line – the deck will then look good and the result will be exactly what you want.
7. Make sure the boards face the right way
To help water run off the deck, it is important to lay the boards the right side up.
Solution: If possible, lay the board heart side up. A correctly installed board will become slightly convex over time, so water runs off the deck surface more easily.
Tip!
The growth rings on the end of a correctly laid board look like a smile with the corners of the mouth turned up.
Recommended articles
Guide to the supporting structure of a deck
In the first part of our deck building guide you will learn more about how to build a good supporting structure for a timber deck.
Correct installation of decking boards
The last step of our decking board guide sums up all of Svenskt Trä's recommendations for the correct installation of decking boards.
A deck by the pool!
If you are building a deck with a swimming pool, it affects the design, the choice of wood and the choice of screws. Find out all the details before you start building.
Visible or hidden screws?
In recent years, hidden fixing, where the screws on the deck cannot be seen, has become widespread.