Decking Project calculator
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3d Decking picture
General View of Decking

General info about decking and description of decking from the image above.

It could be seen how the measurements of decking are called and taken-length, width and height from the image above. As a rule, the longest measurement taken is the Decking Length, the width and height are smaller. When using Local Reliable Tradesmen Decking Project Calculator, please, follow this rule.

Location, location, location! Think thoroughly about the location of Your future decking. Once it is built, it would be there to stay, so it has to be positioned carefully. Think of the reason you wish to install that deck. If it's for basking on the sun, then look for the place open to the sun the most part of the day. If Your decking will be used mainly for meals at the evening on summer, sunlight and shade, moisture, winds or a snow or seasonal changes should be considered. .

The supporting structural elements of the decking-vertical posts, joists, noggins, decking boards have to be sturdy enough to support the heaviest anticipated load of the decking. These elements have to support not only the substantial weight of the timber, but also the possible weight of the people, furnishing etc. in normal use. Therefore, the size of the decking should also be carefully considered.

If You think about it, the future decking is not only drawings with the measurements. Into account should be taken the functional purpose of the decking as well as the location, dimensions as well as how the decking would fit into surroundings. Size, location and shape of the decking would require consideration of the following: Would You cook on it? Will Your new decking be used for entertainment? At the same time make sure you took into account your neighbours and your privacy.

Mark a square on the ground for the future decking position, dig about 50 mm within the square and cover the whole area with a weed control fabric. Then spread 50 mm of gravel or sand on top of the fabric. When your installing decking just next to the concrete or brick wall (i.e. shed or house/garden office), there is good practice to fix the decking frame to that wall with special kind of bolts.
Special Note: At least 2 persons should work on Decking Project. The reasons are:
1 is not enough as the wood could be too long to carry and fix it alone.
It is inconvenient for 1 person and makes the work going on longer than by 2 persons.
Our final word: only some very good professional could do this alone using their skills and lots of additional tools apart from usual woodworking tools. And it definitely will NOT be cheaper.

Step 1-Dimensions

Error-LENGTH input cannot be empty.
Error- WIDTH input cannot be empty.
Error- HEIGHT input cannot be empty.

Optional. If the planned height is less than 300mm, usually no additional measures as steps and handrails are required by local regulations, but if the decking might be used by older people, kids or people with mobility issues, then installation of steps and guardrails should be considered.
IMPORTANT! If the decking height planned is bigger than 300mm, then the provision for the steps must be made, as this is a usual requirement by local laws. The planning should take into account installation of steps, handrails and other additional safeguards.

Step 2-Materials


Step-3-Surface/foundation

Select surface/foundation type from dropdown menu to gain useful info and tips on particulars of installation of decking on a top of different surfaces. Please, also refer to the Information accordion in "Surface/Foundation options" section to dive deeper into the terminology and decking installation insides.

There are 4 options available to choose from-Concrete, Tarmac, Paving Slabs and Grass/Soil. It is considered that Paving Slabs option means that the Slabs are already installed before and wooden decking is getting installed on a surface without considering number of paving slabs required.

The Grass/Soil option includes the calculation of number of paving slabs required to be installed under the Vertical Posts as required by relevant specifications.

Step 4-Labour

Hiring a reputable and experienced contractor is the key to successful, stress-free installation of decking project of Your dreams. It can save time, money and give You a piece of mind. Be prepared to invest in Your project. We are planning to add a section about a smart budgeting for the decking project in nearest future. Good job done comes with a price. But think about the safety of Your family and Yourself. Also, bear in mind that installed decking requires a maintenance at least twice a year-cleaning, applying a special decking oil so the surface is clean and not slippery and would not rot as time goes by.

If You are a keen DIYer and are eager to complete the job Yourself-our decking project calculator provides a wealth of info and tips on many subjects including decking installation. We are planning to add full decking planning, storing the materials and installation section in the future, so You would be prepared. Visit our website www.localreliabletradesmen.co.uk often and read a new sections which are updated regularly. Register with us and do not hesitate to contact use using the Contact form section from the main menu. Good luck in Your decking project!
3d Decking picture
Decking Info and Terminology

Whilst filling the form for decking project calculation, please, refer to the image above and accordion below on useful info about decking terminology and installation methods.

Length to width ratio for the decking is correct. It is important to consider everything for accurate calculation. And the positioning of the joists(across the length of decking) and noggins(across the width of decking) is the same as planned.
EQUAL!
Length entered is equal to Width. This is absolutely fine for square decking area calculation. The relative positioning of joists and noggins to the length and width of Your decking is interchangeable-they could be positioned as desired. Enjoy!
IMPORTANT!
The Width entered is bigger than Length, which is incorrect. Therefore, our Intelligent Decking Project Calculator corrected the mistake by exchanging the values entered. Installation directions of decking joists and noggins will change accordingly and Local Reliable Tradesmen Decking Calculator would take care of this automatically.Continue calculating Your Dream Decking Project!

Surface/Foundation options

3d Decking picture
Decking on concrete/tarmac surface

Installation of decking on concrete/tarmac surface is the easiest type of installation-obviously, the horizontal level should be checked, rectified if very uneven, but, generally the vertical poles height for different parts could be adjusted accordingly.

The easiest way to install the decking is on hard surface relatively levelled: concrete, tarmac, slabs etc.

3d Decking picture
Decking on Paving slabs

Decking installation on paving slabs could be conducted in two variations-if the paving slabs are already installed or the surface is ready

After that install concrete paving slabs on the top surface of the gravel or sand directly in the places, where future decking posts will be positioned. Make sure the common surface made up by slabs is level, it will be useful in further work, but not necessary.

3d Decking picture
Decking on Grass/Soil Surface

Installation of decking on grass/soil surface should be carefully considered and planned through. Surface has to be levelled and covered by weed control fabric.

Then 50 mm of gravel or sand should be deposited on top of the fabric. Then the paving slabs have to be installed and levelled in a places where the vertical posts for a future decking would be positioned. This method is more difficult and time-consuming.

Calculation result printed on

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