Off topic i know but need some advice

[DazzaSt]

Hi All,

I understand this is a paving forum but I'm hoping that with all the expertise around someone may be able to help.

I've decided against paving around my pool instead opting for decking which will hopefully be easier to install and less expensive. The thing is I need some decking advise in terms of what it needs to sit on on our clayey ground, etc. Any advice on design, fitting, etc. would be really appreciated.

If you look at my other post you'll see some pictures of the area.

http://ext.pavingexpert.com/cgi-bin....t=11533


Thanks
Daz

[lutonlagerlout]

we dont mention the "D" word in this forum daz :;):
LLL

PS others might just not me

[DazzaSt]

Oh sorry. I didn't know!

[DNgroundworks]

OH NO, NOT THE D WORD!!!

[DNgroundworks]

It wouldnt cost that much more to pave it? If at all if your doing the work yourself.

Put a nice curve on the edge blocks following on from the existing paving, sweeping the curve round the pool, clean up the old paving with a jet wash...it would look lovely.

And less slippy when wet

[DazzaSt]

The issue is down to money and time. I'd have to excavate 200mm, lay aggregate, tamp it down (would have to hire one), sand, cement, etc. etc. and then the lack of knowledge to do a good job! I'd prefer paving but from a quote I've had just can't afford it

[DNgroundworks]

Ah fairenough pal, sorry i cant help with the decking, never really done it, maybe DDD can help.

[lutonlagerlout]

I have ripped a lot of D***ing out
makes great firewood
LLL

joking aside its really not suitable for our wet climate

[Carberry]

How high off the ground are you wanting the decking?

[DazzaSt]

Only about 5 to 6 inches.

[Carberry]

Only about 5 to 6 inches.

I would use 4x4 posts, space them 6 feet apart. Put them 2 feet in to the ground, make the hole 1 foot in diameter. Put a bit of tamped down type 1 in bottom of each hole if the clay is bad.
6x2 for the frame. Joists at 400mm centers. Use any offcuts from the joists as noggins, might need to buy an extra couple of lengths for noggins.

The other option is to use slabs to support it, that can be a bit more complicated for DIY though depending on the dimensions of the decking.

[higgness]

Have a look at website Richard Burbidge, it dearer than others but the method the give you is great, for a poor DIYer my deck is nearly 10 years old and still looks good. Take the advice from the Burbige site, but buy where ever you like. Always, always, treat cuts, always.

[seanandruby]

fecking!? Can make some shutter boxes to make plinths and concrete them in, flags all the way here to.

[DazzaSt]

Thanks for all the replies. The thing is I understand the basic principles of decking but I need to find out the best method for supporting the base. Flag stones seem quite a simple method. Then the major problem is the shape of the pool. I simply don't know what would look nice, is practical and hopefully easy. I realise I would need to either hire or buy a mitre saw.

[lutonlagerlout]

daz just lay some slabs around the pool
decking will be a hazard
LLL