Bleed time

The deck is now finished, allow some time for the tenins in the boards to bleed before applying a decking oil.

Picture frame border

Once all the boards are screwed down and you have cut the edges straight the frame is measured, cut and screwed on. 

Extra protection

When building a low level deck installing weed mat under the sub floor is a good idea, once the boards are all screwed down you don't want weeds popping up through the gaps.

Extra durability is also created by coating the tops and end grain of all joists with a water barrier such as a modified bitumen, it will help to repel the water from sitting on the subfloor and causing rot.

Laying boards and cutting the edge to size.

Lay the boards out with 4mm spaces, 3" nails through an off cut block of wood makes a good spacer for this purpose.
Draw lines for the screws to keep the screw lines straight.

Once all your boards are screwed down clamp a straight edge in place and cut the edge to suit the border position.

subfloor overview

Stumps under bearers should be no more than 1500mm apart.

subfloor

Joists 140x 45mm - 450mm centres. Double joist around the edge with and 80mm space allows for 140mm picture frame border with the inside boards having a joist to end on. 80mm noggins inside this space at 450mm centres gives the border something to screw down to.

design stage