How to build a deck part 1

How I Build my Deck, screw piles, tools that I will use and the products and fixings needed
I have been waiting to build this Deck for a while so while I have some time and the weather is good it's a good time to get stuck in
if you want to build a deck then you may find some useful tips here
In Part one I set up the perimeter of the deck frame ready for the joists

[@Kyle-rf5mb]

Them bird sounds are so relaxing in the background to work with.

[@ukconstruction]

Yes they do, I never take them for granted, and in the evening we enjoy an owl chorus and nightingales singing in harmony...thanks for mindfully noticing them all the best Robin

[@lewispewsey6843]

Brilliant robin I've been subscribed to yourself and skill builder for a while now I'm glad your starting to film yourself thankyou for the great content stay safe.

[@sora120592]

Great vid, Robin. As a joiner I greatly appreciate getting an insight into the quality carpentry you do 👍cheers mate

[@marcopetrillo6867]

Don't think you've ever made a video where I haven't thought "oh yea, that's a good idea" at least once. Same again here, great work as always, your build is looking super.

[@ukconstruction]

Thanks Marco

[@T.E.P.]

you do a great job explaining your thought process and choices and superb execution of those methods

[@YipeeKiYayJB]

It's a great location for a summer house, the matures tree that surround it will really help with passive cooling in the summer. I think as we go forward more and more thought will be put into how to keep houses cool in a warming climate. Trees are one of the best at that, lucky you haven't had to wait a few decades for them to grow.

[@ukconstruction]

It's a great point you make and trees such as Oak and other deciduous varieties that loose their leaves are just great, they let the winter sun through to gain heat through glazing and in the summer prevent the very same, thanks for taking the time to watch and comment

[@lesterdewey9317]

Lovely piece of work as usual Robin. I like the tips on allowing the wood to breathe. Look forward as always to the next one

[@brendanr123]

Really appreciate you posting videos like this. From starting as an apprentice Pipefitter/Welder with NG Baileys at the start of the financial crash in 08 to get an NVQ, I have always wanted to do my own builds like this for people where I live in the midlands. The tips and tricks you provide are excellent and I couldn't learn about them without these videos. cheers.

[@jamesgallagher4655]

Excellent work Robin your forethought and preplanning is exceptional.

[@kirahagan270]

Really immaculate job. I am about to start a small extension and garden redesign and although I will not be doing it myself it is good to know what a good job looks like. Thank you.

[@tonyalways7174]

Nice start. I’m doing one for myself next month so perfect timing on this series and I’ll be following your tips for sure. If you can get the materials this lockdown malarkey is a great time for doing a bit of house maintenance and smaller jobs so cheers Robin and keep ‘em coming.

[@MrSpennyboy100]

Learn so much from every video !👍

[@marktann5354]

very useful planning a deck myself, picked up great tips already and looking forward to the next vids. great channel by the way along with skill builder of course.

[@d.beaumont9157]

Looks like a little bit of heaven on earth to me Robin. The bird song in the background, nice pleasant job to keep you busy. Reminds me of when I was a lad, making a tree camp in the balling green wood behind my parents house. I used to get so syked I couldn't sleep. Soon as my dad went to work about 0700 I was straight into is tool box. All I need was his panel saw, hammer and I was sorted.

[@ukconstruction]

It is really nice here, your memories are what a lot of kids never get to experience nowadays such a shame, thanks for the comment David and for watching my video

[@DonGerico]

Really look forward to your videos. Good stuff.

[@fullcircle8973]

Hi Robin that garden room looks epic. You and roger have a great style when presenting the info it really draws your interest. I've been in the trade for 20yrs but always find I come away knowing that little bit more. Cant wait to see the whole project come together. Ben

[@giovanniamabile6417]

Beautiful work and beautiful house!

[@Kosmonooit]

Generally one uses threaded rod with those chem anchors, and use a straw on that air gun to blow from the bottom out. Also the timber choice for decks is paramount, so many look great for a while but last just a few seasons. And yeah, NO standing water.

[@rogeraustin8909]

Great vid Robin, looking fwd to part two! Keep safe.

[@andymarcpayne6913]

Another great video from you robin. And as a chippy myself I find myself learning new things from your little tips and tricks in your video’s 👍

[@markdyballuk]

great tips as ever, thank you

[@ukconstruction]

Glad it was helpful!

[@paulcarney5668]

Robin the glass in roof above the bifolding doors is a class feature and a great idea .brilliant job 👍🏻

[@ukconstruction]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@cskeise]

As always Ronin, quality craftsmanship...💙👊😎

[@shaunglendinning]

Great job Robin! Looking forward for part two. Cheers ShaunG.

[@ukconstruction]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@kirby2kirby]

Legendary as per usual !! 🙋🏻‍♂️

[@jzburns1990]

Fantastic Robin. I hadn't seen the chemfix product before. Very interesting

[@vespagd67]

Love your videos always learn something useful from them house looks really good 👍

[@brianomeara5302]

Great video again Robin, great to see someone really passionate about their trade, as am i. Cabinet maker/carpenter from Ireland 👍

[@DerekTJ]

Any advice for a fellow Irishman late in life(48) wishing to get into the game? Coronavirus forcing re-evaluation.

[@insaneseinn]

Beautiful summer house! In the US and Canada especially in areas were they are surrounded by trees they use some form of tape on top of the joist (its like DPM, but 50mm wide) I didn't find it in UK, so I have used a thick gaffa tape when I have built mine. This prevent any debris caught between the joist and the deckboard to be in direct contact with the joist.

[@michaelchapman4269]

Wow mate fantastic job, that place is looking stunning. Love the glazed overhang (whatever that’s called) really nice and the glazed gable end 😮 beautiful.

[@ukconstruction]

Thanks Michael, it's as you describe a glazed overhang thanks for your kind words

[@nailgunnercolbeck]

Beautiful job robin, I have just finished my hot tub enclosure during this lockdown, time is not on my side usually. Good to see you well at this time. All the best Chris c (Correctcut joinery)👍👍👌

[@pacmac8136]

Yes Robin. Thank you your the best 👊🏻

[@artijl]

Brilliant video Robin. I’m really enjoying the videos you are putting out and your craftsmanship really shows.

[@ukconstruction]

Glad you like them! many thanks

[@markmills7640]

Absulute pleasure to watch Robin also skil builder its how us Carpenters roll

[@ukconstruction]

Yes Mark it sure is

[@bengoymer5702]

Great video looking forward to part 2 really enjoying all content

[@ukconstruction]

Awesome, thank you!

[@ianhill4807]

great video Robin, I'm trying to embark on a career into carpentry at the grand age of 53, previous employment no longer an option, your video's and the skill builder series are such a godsend, I'm picking up some incredible old school hints and tips, keep em coming Cheers

[@ukconstruction]

Best of luck!

[@samposton9101]

Amazing work, thanks for sharing the video, Robin. Recently replaced a decking with no air gaps so know exactly what you mean about rotting. What a beautiful setting the end image is. Stay safe.

[@ukconstruction]

Cool, thanks Sam for your kind comment

[@galvanizedgnome]

Wow Robin! That is a huge deck. But I'm sure you're used to hearing that.

[@chekymonkey4452]

looking good robin

[@stevehall5280]

Hi Robin . Really enjoy watching your projects. Looking forward to part 2 of the decking. Can't wait for this lockdown to be over so i can get on with some of my own work. Always like your top tips and views on the tools you use.Its also nice to see someone so local to me on youtube . Keep up the great work. Steve from Redhill

[@ukconstruction]

Thanks for watching! we are neighbours!!!

[@rickythescotlinton350]

nice video robin. looking forward to the next part mate. all the best from the Scottish Highlands lad,

[@ukconstruction]

Glad you enjoyed it, I bet it's beautiful up in the Highlands, do you see any eagles flying around?

[@michaelplays2449]

Great video Robin

[@alexbarber1468]

Always good content Robin 👐

[@systemsky7921]

Just in the middle of sorting my decking in the back, the weather's turned so it's delayed me slightly. Your tool/power tool arsenal is enviable.... We do share the same Stanley air compressor though! 👍🏻. Great video as always

[@deanknighton-mansell3758]

Been following you a while on skillbuilder.must say you have helped me so so much .I like your onscreen approach too.nice balanced advice.👍.best on here imho .ps I'm looking for Bluetooth headphones now.😉.

[@starflash08]

Obscure New Zealand haha, love the comment, no lockdown here Robin, excellent work as usual

[@ukconstruction]

Thanks for the comment!! one day I will visit NZ it sounds and looks beautiful, have a great weekend bro

[@harrisongraham1518]

We love Robin!!!

[@derekt7606]

Fantastic. Someone else waiting for a haircut. Will be a long queue 😉

[@ukconstruction]

Had a covid cut last night, wife did a great job!!! Well that's what I have to tell her!!!

[@nialloconnell5895]

@@ukconstruction Had mine last week.... still to scared to say I'm not sure I like it !!

[@fafunwaayomide5607]

Nice work fella👍

[@seanjoys7360]

Hey robin. Im from the states and do construction in Manhattan. I had to take a 2 day epoxy course and they taught use that we should blow out, scrub with a special brush that fits in the whole and then blow out. Thats the main cause of epoxy failures. Its like thousands of small ball bearings in there.

[@848flex]

Love it. Part 2?

[@GreenHawkConstructionltd]

Another quality video mate. Those ground screws look good but I bet they were fun putting them in with all those tree roots 🤪

[@ukconstruction]

Hi, The ground screws are great and we use a device that works out the position of the roots prior to us getting them in the ground, this is a pretty accurate way for us to make sure that we can get them in the ground without any issues, I will try to do a video at some point

[@zesh11]

Hey Rob, thanks for you videos. I am learning a lot from you. I am building a garden room at home and was planning to use tricoya for the external cladding. Watching this video its gave me the idea of using some tricoya under my timber base that would of been bolted to the concrete base. Would this make sense or just a crazy idea?!

[@TheHairyKarl]

Thanks Robin!

[@garethyrp]

Great advice in the video, I am just starting a deck at the moment and like yourself, I would like finished deck to be as level as possible with the existing floor level, although there is a concrete sill and the door sill, any suggestions on how I can attach from the structure and then step my next beam at a higher level to achieve this finish ?

[@firsteerr]

at last !! someone else thinking of airing the timber , i have gone on to many people the importance of spacers behind the wall plate i use a UPVC

[@ukconstruction]

It is really important as you say, thanks for watching my video

[@markcharles5213]

Hi Robin . When will part 3 of the deck build be out ? Love watching your videos !! Keep up the good work 💪👌

[@wacky0pker]

Nice work, as usual! Was pleasantly surprised when you popped up in an add on Facebook earlier.

[@ukconstruction]

What advert?

[@wacky0pker]

Robin Clevett I think it was one of you removing some wallpaper using a flexi tool on a multi tool? Or have I watched too many of your videos and I’m going mad? Haha

[@jackiechan8840]

Your summer house is bigger than my flat :( Looks great.

[@MsElijah16]

Nice! Thanks for the NZ shout out haha

[@ukconstruction]

Your welcome!!!

[@johnryan1029]

I second that!🇳🇿

[@letsgocamping88]

Will be interesting to see what deck boards you go for. Most I’ve come across turn in to a death trap once a little algae has built up on them over the wetter months

[@jimcraiggeezer]

Definitely mate.. Decking in the UK is a waste of money. imho

[@thatsnotmynaim]

Hi Robin, great video as ever, I love your attention to detail in everything you do. Picking up on a point someone said, did you ever consider anything other than tanalised C24 for the subframe, aluminium for example? I know you say wood should last well enough with the proper maintenance, but looking round now for example I see some companies pushing aluminium joists and I just wondered if you had a view on it? Is it just as easy to work with or are there complications? Is the extra expense worth it, i.e. a more precise / straight material that will require less maintenance long term? Cheers as always

[@DerekTJ]

I like the cantilever effect you seem to get here.

[@kevinmcdonald2735]

Robin u take care mate first class tradesman great video i would start u tomorrow 😁👌

[@ukconstruction]

Thanks 👍

[@BuildWithAE]

Awesome video Robin, it all those details that make the difference to being a awesome job, hope you are all well, all the best Tony 👍 by the already following you on Instagram 👍

[@ukconstruction]

Hi Tony, how are you? Thanks for watching again, I really enjoy your channel too mate, have a good week

[@BuildWithAE]

Hi Robin, we are all well thanks, and thanks for watching, sharing knowledge is a beautiful thing to be able to do, it gives the youth of today a great insight, check out mattbangswood awesome guy, how’s the Square coming along, I bet it’s really exciting, how many things will it be able to do, I purchased Dan’s square just recently, unboxing video to follow 😂 I still get tongue tied. Glad that you are all well, all the best keep safe Tony 👍

[@vitaliyg3516]

Thanks.

[@Wilkinson77]

Great video, very informative and helpful. Just one thing (sorry if I missed it) you mention that the timber for the frame is 1.75 x 50, what size did you use for the joists?

[@bazbaz3035]

Like the posi joist work bench

[@easyyards3154]

Hey Robin, top job as usual, with lots of great little tips. (Which I normally think of as I'm finishing 😉) I'm just about to use ground screw/piles myself for the first time and I was just wondering what your span centres are please? I'm looking to use 170x47 like you have and wondered if there is a difference between the spans away from the house which run at right angles to the rear of your property which ultimately determines the joist span and the piles that run parallel to the rear of the house and determine the span support for the bearer timbers? I hope that makes sense? I appreciate that a 170 (c24) can span 3722 (first floor) but how do you determine the spans of the bearer timbers that ultimately carry multiple joust ends? Thanks in advance for your help. Can't wait for your new framing square upgrade 👍🏻

[@mattstyles1547]

@Robin Clevett hi mate loved the vid, when is part 2 coming out?

[@sicpac66t]

Have seen since seriously expensive decks really rotten from sandwiching timbers together. I have learned to really pay attention to giving timbers every chance of lasting when outside

[@captainfantastic16]

Another great video. Just wondered did you install screw piles yourself?

[@ianleonlo]

what sort of distance do you centre your piles?? whenever ive done a deck job ive gone a bit overkill on posts and concrete i think... about 1.2m/4ft between each post. but ive never used piles, only timber 4x4 posts. the bane of deck jobs is the digging for me - i hate digging... but i still put in more than id like because i like a deck bouncing even less! nice work chap. i pride myself on my woodwork knowledge, but your videos always seem to school me on at least one thing i didnt know. keep it up 👍✌

[@paulthewitt]

Hi robin, love the videos you and skill builder channel do. No adverts on this though? - pop one in and try to monetise more, it’s how we give back to channels without ‘actually’ giving! Also - the chemfix, do you let it set, unscrew then screw the plate in? Ta

[@stephenpearce3880]

Great video Robin. Lots if useful stuff presented well. Only one question? Did you do the screw piles? If so, 🤔

[@ThomasMorleyceramics]

Where did you get the deck supports from. Cant seem to find any good steel ones and yours look well made and a good size. Are they bolted to concrete piles or set in.

[@billrimmer5596]

Who is your camera person? Beautiful work!!

[@robertwiley1324]

Hi robin. What attachment are you using to pilot drill and countersink the holes in your drill? Just doesn’t look like anything I’ve seen before?? Cheers keep up the great vids 👍

[@JACKATTACKED]

👍

[@jezza42]

Great video Robin, thanks for sharing. What was in the mastic type tube that you used to fix the bolts for the hangers please?

[@ukconstruction]

Hi Ian, that product is a chemical resin sometimes known as chemfix, there are different makes from memory that one was Fischer and fits a standard caulking gun, hope that helps mate, all the best Robin

[@derekmanning7760]

Can you explain more about the screw piles and how they inserted please. Great vids, keep them coming.

[@ukconstruction]

Have a look at the Garden room series we did on Skill Builder in episode 1 we feature them being installed

[@derekmanning7760]

@@ukconstruction thank you, I will.

[@brettchaplin5434]

This is great work and love the idea of the boards going over the alli sill to make the deck and flooring flush!! If you guys want to see another skilled tradie, check out a KZbinr called scott brown carpentry!!

[@ukconstruction]

Hi Brett, I like Scott Brown he is entertaining!!

[@tonymullen8751]

Yep Scott knows a thing or 2 about perfect dicks. Lol

[@diyengineer811]

Great video and great timing as I am just about to start a very similar project. One question - over on the left hand side where you were bolting the angled steel - why is the joist behind you notched above the cill?

[@ukconstruction]

Hi Mark, in the video I explain that I am taking the deck boards over the cill on the window to create a level deck for the pool behind the glass bifolds, the wall plate is lower (under the cill) but when I add the joists they will be set to the top of the cill like that double trimmer that you saw

[@diyengineer811]

@@ukconstruction Thanks Robin - turns out my wife is right and I don't listen properly.

[@dannymurphy1779]

Can't wait to see what decking screws you will be using! Are you a Spax fan Robin???

[@ukconstruction]

I am nearly finalised on my decking choice and will reveal shortly, I am a big fan of spax screws and fixings they rule!!!!

[@KingRichard93]

Hi Robin, I’m thinking of doing a composite deck for my house soon. Im curious though dis you consider using the composite joists for this deck? And if so what made you go with timber instead? Thanks!

[@derrycoleman4837]

Great video Robin, if it not too late, put flashband on top of the joists, a bit of extra work, but it will last forever. Are you using timber or composite decking?

[@ukconstruction]

Hi Derry, I will investigate that idea, maybe I will name check you in the video if I do it!! all the best Robin

[@mrdamianbriscoe]

Fantastic job as always mate , is there more build up on top of joists then to achieve flush finish with internal floor ?

[@ukconstruction]

Top of the class for the question!! The wall plate on the building is set lower than the rest of the frame so the joists run to the level of the top of the sill, I will talk about this in my next episode!!!

[@mrdamianbriscoe]

Robin Clevett thxs robin look forward to next phase mate

[@peterryan7827]

I just have to ask if the double centre joists are actually fixed to the flanges .or are we just relying in the weight,

[@jamessharr8095]

What's the best way to support you decking, by that I mean the foundation it sits on, I've seen on your video you use metal supports but so many people dig a concrete foundation. What's best?

[@samnichols]

Looks great mate! Just wondering what decking material you are going to use? Composite or real wood? About to do my decking and can't decide.

[@ukconstruction]

I am using a composite, I am doing my research at the moment and I think I have just the board!!! watch this space

[@justicecase19]

Hey Robin, top work and advice as per usual, you're the guvnor. I got some lovely composite decking from tp, think it was made in Norway. Bit pricey but pretty sure it'll out live me,and looks and feels great too. Take care mate

[@TimWardShropshire]

Thanks Robin

[@edwardburton-pead961]

Robin / Everyone - i'm building a pergola and was wondering what to use to fix the wall plate/wood to the house with ? It will be into bricks above some sliding bifolds. Will the sleeve anchors you use on here be a good solution ?

[@TheGazpar86]

Hi Robin what was the brand of your ear defenders ,can’t find the video where your mention them,

[@lhfloors]

Nice build Robin what planning concent do yo require for a garden build like that cheers

[@ukconstruction]

Hi leslie, this garden roof is under permitted development rules which in my case was that the ridge did not exceed 4m and the eve 2.5m and it was al least 4m away from any boundary, this rule applys if you are not in an AONB, green belt or conservation area hope that helps

[@lhfloors]

Robin Clevett yes thanks Robin I’ve been informed that the internal room space has to be under 30 sq mts your build looks bigger does this depend on council rules I am in mole alley and finding it hard to get answers many thanks I do have just under a acre of land and a build like that would be very useful cheers

[@ealingbadger]

@@lhfloors I thought the 30 sq. m. rule pertained to building regs - i.e. you will need to satisfy the authorities that it is built to certain standards which do not (formally at least) apply to smaller builds. Planning dictate ridge height etc. The two departments - planning & bulding regs - are usually quite separate and over 30 sq. m. you will need to deal with them both.

[@stevie545]

Go composite and save yourself the yearly maintenance.

[@Harry-dm8or]

Off topic however the circular saw you were using. My makita has been struggling I’ve been working with oak recently, would you recommend for hard woods/heavier timbers?

[@ukconstruction]

Hi Harry, have you seen my recent videos where I am working with green oak, I use about 3 different saws including 18v cordless maybe check them out?

[@arniemullin5949]

Hi Robin what make are you ear defenders

[@christaylor5291]

Hellberg

[@Oli_Hudson]

Hi Robin. Do the joists just sit on the screw piles or are they bolted or screwed?

[@ukconstruction]

I will bolt them with angle brackets, will include it in episode 2

[@ealingbadger]

@@ukconstruction Hi Robin - what brand are the screw piles that you are using and where did you get them please?

[@jamesmurray9481]

Hey Robin still waiting on the van tour 😁👍

[@ukconstruction]

I'm working on it

[@jamesmurray9481]

👍👍

[@GregsMowing]

@@ukconstruction shouldn't take long. here it is. full of hikoki boxes and peroni bottles 😆

[@shifty277]

@@ukconstruction NO ROBIN - Do not do it! There are way too many tradesman on youtube showing exactly what is in their van and what their van looks like. Within 12 months their van is broken into and they are fuming, regardless of the money spent on locks/sensors/alarms. Their is absolutely no demand worthwhile to show your van and it's contents. Let's put it this way - if 7,000 people (all strangers) cued up and asked can we have a look in your van and explain what tools are kept in there. You'd probably say no thanks on your bike. Avoid the temptation to do it. Many sparks, chippys, plumbers around the country are having their vans broken into (from the ones that admit to it happening on youtube) and have at some point "shown off" so to speak their van and layout etc. An intelligent thief (there probably aren't too many in the UK but why take your chances) could just scour youtube day and night search "van tour", "van layout" etc and if their business name is printed on the van or shown on the channel or their first and last name is known they can search companies house and if your home is you're registered address they know exactly where that lovely van is likely to be at night with nice video showing what tools are likely inside. That's just the start of it. Why tradesman around the country aren't able to resist the temptation showing tons of strangers their vans I don't know. It is the most soul destroying thing to happen to a tradesman regardless of if the break in was for 60 quids worth of gear and equipment or 20k's worth. Very lengthy comment there Robin, but I subscribe to a lot of UK tradesman's channels on the tube and it drives me mad when I see the naivety about showing off their storage chest on wheels worth thousands. Even if covered under insurance it is the emotional distress.... the sinking feeling you get in your stomach when you come out and see what's just happened to the motor. Just a comment out of care for the work yourself and SB do. Think about it.

[@ukconstruction]

@@shifty277 Hi Ryan, I totally get you and thanks for your wise comment, I have pondered this issue for a long time, I reckon that I would only do a van tour to maybe special vetted members or even at tool shows or private gatherings but even then someone may take a photo and that could end up on social media with all good intention and cause an issue, tool theft is a real problem and it makes me pretty sick, your sensible advice should be heeded by all on youtube and other websites, look after yourself mate

[@jonmott1150]

I have a question, sorry to go back to a video you made 3 years ago. I am building a deck using the ground screws, how have you fixed these to the timbers, I assume they're sitting on them but are they actually attached to the ground screws? Thanks, Jon PS love the videos being in the trade, every day is a school day.

[@ukconstruction]

Hi Jon, no worries about going back over older videos, I use a coach screw up through the top of the ground screw and also right angled brackets and coach screws and bolts

[@jonmott1150]

@@ukconstruction great thanks, also my areas is 64sqm and like the idea of 200mm wide composite. The nails you fired in to the hangers, we’re they zinc coated… decided to invest in one and the price of the nails varies considerably.