Apart from our high quality, people choose eDecks because laying our decking is simple and can easily be installed at home. Before the installation can begin, however, there is one very important first step to get right. Preparing the ground for decking. You need a strong and sturdy base upon which to start installing your deck boards. How you prepare the ground will depend on the surface upon which it sits and whether you want ground-level or elevated decking. Here are some of our tips for preparing your ground space for garden decking installation.
Lay the groundwork
If you are working with grass or soil as opposed to a more solid surface, it doesn’t necessarily mean groundwork needs to take place, but some light work will be needed. Regardless of whether you’re having elevated or ground-level decking, be sure to clear all the debris from the area before installing decking. Anything that would live underneath the foundations whether it be flowers or weeds needs to be cleared.
Of course, if you consider yourself an adequate landscaper and you’d like to level the ground yourself, that is one way to ensure sturdy, balanced patio decking. Before starting any digging, it’s advisable to rent a cable avoidance tool (CAT) to check for pipes or cables in the area you’re leveling.
Whilst eDecks’ decking can be laid flush to the ground, we also recommend the use of our adjustable risers and deck raising kits as they can be laid onto uneven ground without having to perform strenuous groundwork.
Remember the membrane
If you’re building upon soil or grass instead of concrete, then it’s a good idea to install a membrane underneath your deck first. This helps to prevent weeds from springing but still allows water to permeate back into the ground.
Give any existing weeds a spray with weed killer before you put down the membrane. It can also be a good idea to place a layer of gravel above the membrane to really prevent them from growing after installing decking.
Pest control
Decking can be just as much of an attraction to pests as it can be for humans. If your decking is surrounded by lots of overgrown hedgerows and uncut grass, then this can be a real magnet for attracting wildlife. So, if you want to keep pests away then it can help to keep on top of garden maintenance.
Wooden decking can also fall foul to things like woodworm. However, if you seal your wood then it will not only sustain your decking in harsh weather, but it also protects from rot, decay, and fungi.
Cleaning your decking properly as well as cutting your boards in a way that forms a neat finish with no gaps for pests to sneak in can all help with pest control.
While there is plenty of work that goes into preparing your ground space for installing decking, taking the time and care to do so will really make all the difference to the result.
Looking for the best deals on decking?
Check out our amazing deals here on the eDecks website!
We also offer plenty of support and expert advice for most projects – and any products we sell online. Contact eDecks here for personalised advice for your project today.
At eDecks you can not only expect a good deal but also:
Superfast FREE delivery on orders over £150*
48 hour delivery on many products
Handy FREE installation guides (and even instructional videos!)
*Free delivery applies to most of the UK, but some areas may incur a charge, unfortunately – please check the eDecks website for more details.