decking questions

[wjwren]

I wanted slabs but mrs over ruled so it's decking.

What thickness of decking board is recommended.
Softwood ok or hardwood
Best way to connect joists together? decking is 5.9m x 3.5.
Do I need joist hangers? Watched few videos on youtube some use them some dont.
Lastly what do I preserve it with - stain or oil and what is the best.

thanks

[wjwren]

id love to put too expensive.

[wjwren]

ive heard owatrol are meant to be very good. Il have to see if I can get hold of 6 metre runs as the local place only did them up to 4.8, or il change the run direction.

[wjwren]

it will be going up against the house so what is the best way to attach it to the house?
thanks

[wjwren]

So are joist hangers worth it or not!

What size or spec screws are recommended for joists?

Edited by wjwren on Thursday 30th June 10:08

[wjwren]

How many screws for 20 sqm of decking - had quote off local merchant below. Surely I wont need 1200 screws?! Is 28mm thickness acceptable? Also 100mm on the joists or is 150mm recommended?
Comes to £480 inc the vat.
thanks

[wjwren]

It will be approx 6" off the floor

[wjwren]

sandman77 said:

What length are the joists? Anything over 3.5m and I would go with 150mm. It will stop the deck feeling springy.

3.6m joist length

[wjwren]

having ordered the wood for the decking the builders mechants have spec'd 2.4m length joists for the outer frame when the decking area is going to be 5.9m by 3.35m. They said if i want the boards running away from the house then to build 2 frames then bolt them together. il need to be joining the joists together to build the frame - is this wise??

[wjwren]

can i ask why you prefer left and right - im open to both. I thought running away from house may be better for draining water?

yes doing myself - well trying!

[wjwren]

also is this acceptable - couple of the boards arrived with cracks in.
Forgot to say what is the best way to join the joists together - carriage bolts?
thanks

[wjwren]

is there a rule of thumb for amount of pillars to hold the frame up? my ares is 6m x 3.5m

[wjwren]

best way to over come this please - cut the frame or chip the concrete out?