Partners and Suppliers Sanjeev Shetty 22/07/2024

How to install decking

As the weather gets warmer, for many of us attention starts to turn to the garden.

Installing decking in your garden can create additional living space outdoors and is an attractive feature - with decking tiles now a popular option.

In this blog, NRLA partner TradePoint (B&Q) explains how to install decking yourself. Don't forget, that as an NRLA member, you are entitled to receive a free 10% TradePoint discount card. Order your card here

Getting started

The most important thing to do before you fit the decking is to clean the area where it is going to sit.

A good, forensic sweep of the surface area is vital, as is making sure that it is flat and level.

Know your area

It is important to measure the area where you intend to fit the decking tiles before calculating the square footage. Whatever the figure is, we would recommend buying an extra 10%

Getting rid of weeds

These little things can be a real problem if not sorted quickly and early. We recommend laying down some weed control fabric on your base if weeds look a problem.

Time to fit

Now your surface area is neat, clean, and level, grab your decking and start fitting. Given the toll this could take on your body, we advise wearing knee pad protection. 

Prepare for pipes

Life would be easier if your tiles fit without any inconvenience but there will be some pipes you will have to cut your material around. You will need a measuring tape, a profile gauge, a marker, be safe, use a jigsaw tool to cut your pieces and then sand down any rough edges.

The border

It is unlikely that you will have zero space between the decking and the wall, so it doesn't hurt to think about a border. Maybe some decorative stones that contrast with the colour of your decking.

Plenty of information there for you there. For the complete guide on how to install decking yourself, click below to watch the video.

Sanjeev Shetty

Sanjeev Shetty Content and Communications Officer

Sanj is a Content and Communications Officer for the NRLA, writing across the NRLA's communications channels. He has more than 25 years of writing experience, building a diverse portfolio of work which includes drafting speeches for London Mayor Sadiq Khan and scripts for TV presenter Dan Walker while working for the BBC.

See all articles by Sanjeev Shetty