DIY Guide: How to Easily Install Tongue and Groove Decking at Home

Step 4-Adding a Finishing Touch\nTo give the decking an even nicer finish, you can purchase fascia boards to hide the open ends of the planks. These boards should be fitted to the outer edges of the deck. If they are fitted correctly, they will hide uneven cuts at the end of the planks. They also add a neat finish to the decking.\nStep 5-Final Touches\nOnce everything is in place and the fascia boards are in place you should give the entire decking area a thorough sanding. This will smooth out any rough patches and will also help to prepare the wood for staining. After sanding, look down through the planks to check if any screws, nails or tacks are protruding. If they are, remove them with a sharp knife and then give the decking one final sand.\nStain and sealant can then be applied to preserve the look and life of the decking. Make sure that you use a quality sealer designed for use with exterior wood. Once applied, you should leave it to dry, usually at least 24 hours, before you walk on the decking. After that, you can sit back and admire the finished result of your hard work.

Installing a tongue and groove decking system is a relatively easy DIY task. If you have the right tools and materials and have some basic DIY knowledge and skills, you should be able to install the decking successfully. It’s important to remember that before beginning the installation you will need to prepare the wood. This includes treating it with a wood sealant and primer. Once the wood is thoroughly prepped and dried, you can then start assembling your tongue and groove decking.

Step 1-Measurements
Measure the space where you will be installing the decking. Make sure the measurements are accurate. If in doubt, err on the side of caution and leave a little extra room. This will make it easier to trim the lengths of the planks after installation. Make sure you have the correct quantity of planks for the area.

Step 2-Cutting the Planks
Using a saw, cut the planks to the required lengths. Make sure the cuts are accurate, as this will ensure a neat fit.

Step 3-Treating the Wood
Treat the wooden planks with a high quality exterior wood sealer. This will help to protect the wood from the elements and prolong its life. Leave the sealer to dry for at least 24 hours before you start the installation.

Step 4-Applying Primer
Using a wood primer, apply a protective coating to all sides of the planks. This includes the connecting areas. Pay particular attention to the inside of the grooves. Use a brush to ensure the primer is evenly spread. Then leave the primer to dry completely before you do any further installation.

Step 5-Fitting the Planks

Using either tacks, screws or nails, start to secure the planks to the framework. If the planks are tongue and groove they should fit neatly together. Start at one corner and work your way around the framework. If you encounter obstructions, you may need to make some adjustments to the planks to ensure a neat fit.

Step 6-Additional Finishing Touches
In order to give the decking an even neater finish, you could fit fascia boards to the outer edges. This will help to hide any uneven cuts at the edges of the planks. Leaving a final job, give the entire decking area a light sanding. This will help to smooth out any rough areas and get the wood ready for staining. Then check the planks closely to make sure that no protrusions such screws, nails or tacks remain visible before applying a finish.

Finally, apply a quality sealer designed for exterior wood. Leave it to dry for at least 24 hours before you walk on the decking. You can then sit back and admire the fruits of your labor. With the right preparation and care, your tongue and groove decking should bring you many years of pleasure.