How to construct a deck kit
*** Please note these instructions are for a 4.2 x 4.8m deck and to be taken as an indication only. Each deck kit
comes with its own specific guide upon delivery detailing correct components, measurements and instructions.***
Building a Southern Yellow Pine deck kit is a quick and easy way to add a beautiful outdoor living space to your
garden.
It is possible to construct this deck kit without cutting any of the joists or deck boards. Before starting, please
ensure you have enough space for the deck. If your space cannot accommodate this size of deck then the joists will
need to be cut accordingly.
Please read the instructions in full before starting and check that you have all the components.
Deck Components
30 x 4.2m Southern Yellow Pine Deck Boards - (25 x 140mm)
13 x 4.8m, 2 x 4.2m Treated C16/C24 Stress Graded Deck joists – (45 x 95mm)
2 x Pro Pak, 2 x Handy Pak R4 5.0 x 80mm GRK® Screws (810 Screws)
1 x Handy Pak R4 5.0 x 100m GRK® Screws (50 Screws)
64 Easyfix™ Joist Footings
1. Building the Frame
Construct the outer frame
Begin by taking two 4.8m joists and two
4.2m joists. Lay them out to form a
rectangular shape, with the 4.8m joists
inside the 4.2m.
Screw through the outside of the 4.8m
joist with two 5.0 x 100mm R4 screws into
each end of the 4.2m joists.
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Check the outer frame is square
To check the accuracy of the right angles,
measure the frame from each corner to
the diagonal opposite corner.
If the frame is square the measurement
across both diagonals will be equal.
If necessary, adjust the position of the
frame until square.
Install the joists
400mm
Mark the positions of the remaining joists
along both sides of the longer joists.
Joists should be spaced equally at approx.
400mm on-centre.
400mm
Fix all joists into position using two 5.0 x
100mm R4 screws at each end.
Levelling the frame
If the frame is sitting on top of an
existing concrete base or patio then we
recommend using EasyFix joist supports.
These heavy duty rubber pads simply clip
to the underside of joists and act as feet
by lifting the frame off the ground.
Easyfix shims (not supplied) can be also
inserted between the feet and the ground
to level the frame to precision.
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2. Laying the Deck Boards
The Southern Yellow Pine deck boards supplied are slightly longer than the frame. If necessary, you can cut the
deck boards to fit the frame, however we recommend simply overhanging the boards off each end to avoid any
cutting.
The exact width of the frame is 4890mm. By spacing the boards with a 7mm gap the area will be covered almost
exactly.
It is a good idea to lay the deck boards out first before fixing to ensure your boards cover the joists and avoid
finishing with a partial board (that would require ripping down the length) at the edge of the deck. You should
be able to space the deck boards 7mm apart to provide drainage, however may need to vary the spacing slightly
between the last 12 or so boards on the deck. Very small spacing changes will not be obvious to the eye and will
ensure your deck is perfectly covered.
Ensure that the best face of each board is facing upwards and use the best looking boards in the most prominent
areas.
Screwing the boards down
If the deck is going against a building,
position the first deck board against the
wall of the building. Take time to ensure
the board is perfectly straight.
Fix the board with two 5.0 x 80mm R4
screws into each joist.
Tip
Drill pilot holes into the ends of boards
before attaching to the outside joists. This
will prevent screws from splitting the deck
boards at the ends.
To ensure perfectly straight screw lines, it
is good practice to fix all boards to each
end joist and the middle first. Before
installing the rest of the screws, snap a
chalk line down the screw lines and mark
the exact position of each screw.
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