Things You'll Need

Instructions

Prepare The Area

1

Level the area by digging out the space where the deck will be. The area should be slightly deeper than your landscape timbers (think of the height of your planks and the landscaping timbers). The area should be as long and wide as you want the finished deck.
2

Once the area is cleared and dug out, use a leveler to determine where you need leveling. You can place stakes in the ground all around the area, attaching string that connects to each one. Place each stake evenly in the ground. Attach the string to the same place on each stake. This should reveal what areas are uneven--and even show you in which direction it is uneven.
3

Add sand to the areas that are uneven until the entire space is flat and deep enough to accommodate the timbers you will lay. You will need to be sure that the completed deck space is flush with the outer grass, concrete or ground. This is because you want no tripping hazards as people step on and off of the deck.

Lay the Timbers

1

Lay the landscape timbers in a lengthwise fashion. Place them about a foot and a half to two feet apart. The timbers will cover the entire area of the deck and make up the outer edges of the deck as well.
2

Once all of the timbers have been laid, check again to be sure that they are all level and have enough space to accommodate the next step of laying the planks on top of the timbers.
3

Readjust the timbers as necessary. Double check that the size and shape of the deck is what you desire.

Lay the Planks

1

Check the length of your planks to be sure that they are the same as your deck area. Measure your area and cut your planks to be the same length if they are not.
2

Lay the planks over the timbers in the opposite direction from the timbers. They will need to be placed close together so that they create a uniform walking area with no gaps.
3

Nail each plank to the timbers. Nails will be placed at roughly each foot. They should be placed where each plank crosses the timbers.
4

Walk on your new deck to be sure that there are no loose planks.

Add The Finishing Touches

1

Cover the outer edges. Using an extra plank, nail to the outer edges to create a nice cover. Covering the edges will prevent a view of the underside of the deck and will look neater.
2

Add stain. Once your deck is complete, you can add stain of your choice. Staining your deck will not only make it look nicer, but it will help to weatherproof it as well.
3

Plant low growing shrubs or flowers at one or two ends of the deck. This will add color and variety to your new outdoor living area. Potted plants or flowers can also sit on top of your deck.