Decking fixtures and fittings

Corrosion resistant fixings should be used when building a structure outdoors, such as decking. This will prevent rusting and the weakening of the decking over the years.

Screws are better than nails for fixing together your garden decking as they are more secure and enable boards to be lifted easily, if necessary for mainenance or repair. The screws should be at least 3 times the size of the thickness of the timber boards and positioned at least 25mm away from the edges of the decking, also countersunk below the decking surface to avoid creating a hazard. All fixing points near to the edge of the decking boards must be pre drilled in order to avoid splitting the boards.

Other fixtures and fittings includings bolts, joist hangers and deck clips should also be made of similar rust resistant metal to avoid corrosion.