The hidden decking fastener = Easy Installation

The Hidden Decking Fastener has incredibly strong holding powers and is ideal for easy installation of garden decking. It can be used with many types of decking including: hardwood, composite and synthetic. The fastener enables installation of decking without the need for unsightly face screws. No pre drilling is required when using this clip making the installation of decking quick and easy.

The shape of the decking fastener enables it to grab both sides of the decking (as shown above). It holds the decking down like a miniature spring and keeps the deck boards tight. The clip works with deck boards that have either pre grooved or biscuit jointer slots.

Planning your decking (futher advice)

Step Three - Decking steps

The first step when planning out decking steps is to measure the distance between ground level and the decking height. You will then need to make a decision about the number of steps required to lead up to the decking and whether a rail is required. The rise of each step (vertical distance) should be no more than seven and a half inches (seven inches is a common height) which will avoid making the steps too steep. The width of the tread of each step should be at least ten inches. If you decide to use a smaller sized tread width for your decking steps, you risk making your decking steps dangerous. You will also need to consider how wide you need the steps to be. A common size for the width of decking steps is 3 foot.

Many companies selling deck boards also sell decking step packs. Some of these packs contain everything you need to make your decking steps, whereas others just contain the stair stringers which are the side panels of the steps and give you the height and depth of each step, you then just need to put a wooden board on each flat part for each step as shown below.

Planning your garden decking

First step - Deciding the shape and pattern of your decking.

Decking can be made to be any size and shape you wish, however the more complicated you make the shape and pattern of it, the more difficult it will be to build and it is likely to require more deck boards and other building materials. There are however simple changes that can be made to the shape of the decking, for example an angled corner or 45 degree decking pattern. To make your decking more attractive you could also add a pergola or trellis to one side.


Second step - Deciding on the height of your decking.

When building decking right outside your back door, you should make sure that the decking is no further than two inches away from the bottom of your back door. Steps should always be placed at the edge of the decking leading to the ground, especially if there is a big drop. Deck lights can be purchased to illuminate steps making them safer to use on darker nights. Decks can also be built on multiple levels which is useful if you have a sloping garden. You must remember however that if your decking is more than two foot off the ground then the deck posts should be braced to make the decking stronger and therefore prevent swaying.


See my next post for more things to consider when planning your garden decking.