I need directions on how to build a 4' x 8' outdoor wooden platform?

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What is the platform for?

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How To Build A Deck.

Glendeck - The Beauty of Decking at Every Level

Glennon Bros. are pioneers in the development of timber products since 1913. The first Irish sawmill to produce their own exposed timber flooring called Glenpine, Glennon Bros. are committed to creating quality products which fulfill and exceed the expectations of their customers. Now using state of the art technology in harmony with traditional craftsmanship, Glennon Bros. transform specially treated Irish timber into beautiful and long lasting decking, called Glendeck.
Glendeck greatly increases the use, pleasure, and satisfaction you get from your home, allowing you to enjoy more outdoor activities. Glendeck offers an attractive natural alternative to everyday paving slabs. Glendeck is presssure treated to the highest European standards to provide a decay free life well in excess of 25 years.
Decks and Lifestyle
There is something almost irresistible about a Glendeck. Those clean lines seem to draw you outside and into refreshingly new surroundings. It's a chance to put aside the day's cares and let yourself relax. Few home improvements can match Glendeck for usefulness, beauty and enhanced value to a home.
Decks have proved to be a popular and successful form of outdoor construction in the United States for many years. Decks are superior to traditional construction methods in covering rough, uneven or "difficult" sites.
A deck takes the home out into the garden, and becomes an extension to your living space in a unique way, that no other extension can provide. Glendeck is sturdy, easy to work with and durable.
The wonderful natural colour of wood blends in with the natural elements of a garden, its mood and seasons.
A Glendeck can be used like any other surface, and can be complimented by the tasteful addition of items of garden furniture and potted plants etc.
A Glendeck lifestyle has a certain confidence about it, one that is increasingly being appreciated by home owners everywhere.

Planning Your Deck
First we dream and then we plan! It is essential to make a plan that you can work from.
A Glendeck can be as individual and imaginative as the owners themselves. It can be constructed to any shape, or pattern, and can be built to include additional features such as handrails, steps and split levels.
Effective plans ensure that you save on both materials and effort. Please use this booklet to help you ensure that nothing is left out.
To ensure the safety of your outdoor project, it is advised to consult a qualified professional regarding proper construction techniques, materials and hardware. Should your plan involve construction above ground level, it may be necessary to seek planning permission. Make sure to check if in doubt.
Liaise with neighbours, and any other parties affected, to avoid any possible discord. Ensure that no services are affected by your construction.
Pathways.
When putting down a path, follow these simple guidelines.
Clear the working area, making sure that the ground slopes away from the house. A slope of 10mm per metre, is enough to prevent the accumulation of standing water. Cover the working area with a weed block and spread bark/gravel over the sheet. Construct a frame of treated timber, e. . 100mmx44mm (4"x2"). The number of pieces required will vary according to the with of the path. Make sure the slope is correct. Leave a space of 4mm between the boards to allow moisture to pass through and to speed the drying of the surface. Use galvanised or stainless steel screws to secure the decking to the supports. Predrilling the nail holes is essential to reduce the chances of splitting the timber. All cuts in the timber must be treated immediately with ENDCOAT"according to manufacturers instructions.
We recommend that a path not exceed a width of 900mm (3') using these guidelines. If a path wider than 900mm is required we would recommend placing an additional 100mmx44mm (4"x2") of treated timber in the centre of the path to provide additional support.
The Deck Structure.
A deck is simply a wooden platform or "floor" raised above the ground. This structure may be supported by posts, or attached to an existing structure using a wallplate. The platform is composed of a treated wooden supporting framework, with a timber surface.
Accessories can include handrails for safety (any area raised more than 500 mm above ground must have a handrail), seats, benches or other decorative elements. Steps may be needed for moving onto, off, or between decks. Steps can be a decorative feature in their own right. Build steps with a handrail for safety where appropriate.
Decks can be secured with a variety of fixings such as screws and bolts. For elevated decks, galvanised joist hangers are recommended to aid the integrity of the structure.
The following step-by-step guideline offers a basic overview of deck construction. Build the deck in stages, systematically, making sure that all materials and tools, etc. are on hand before commencing. It is preferable to have a "helper", as another pair of hands is useful for the more involved stages of construction.
Three Basic Rectangular Decks.

The Ground Level Deck.
A deck is simply a platform on the ground, laid onto a level surface, as shown below. If you are laying your deck on an existing level concrete area, the framing can be placed directly onto this surface. If you are laying your deck on a non concrete surface, e.g., grass or clay, lay the framing on 225mmx44mm (9"x2") treated timber bearers as illustrated on page 8.
The Deck Built on a Slope.
Where there is a sloping site, it can be modified, adding posts (legs), as shown opposite, to accommodate the slope of the garden (see page 12 for post installation details).
The Elevated Deck.
The deck can be raised completely off the ground using posts. We suggest the d eck be raised no more than 800mm (32 inches) above ground level.* This deck is comprised of a wooden platform, covered in timber decking, which will require a slightly stronger fame design. A safety handrail is required when the deck is raised 500mm (20 inches) or more above ground level.
Mark off the Deck Area.
Use 'level pegs', as shown below, to mark out the area, and set the position of the supporting posts (if needed). The strings will give you a better idea of both the appearance and dimensions of the finished deck.
Using String to Form Right Angles.
The easiest method of obtaining a Right Angle is to make a '3-4-5 triangle', which will give you a 90° angle at the corner. Simply measure off a piece of string into 3, 4 and 5 'unit' lengths with a felt tipped pen. Th e 'units' can be in feet (ie. 3 ft. 4 ft. and 5 ft.) or metres, though using feet gives a far more manageable sized triangle!
Prepare the Site.
A deck will usually shade the ground sufficiently to prevent most weed growth, but removing them before you begin makes life easier. After measuring and setting out the area, remove the soil to a depth of about 100mm - 150mm. Cover over with a membrane and then spread over with bark or gravel.
How to Build a Ground Level Deck.
If your garden is flat or you wish to cover an existing level patio, why not consider a ground level deck?
Ground level decks offer an uncomplicated alternative to traditional patios, and in most cases do not require additional posts, rails or steps.
How to Build a Ground Level Support Base
To build a Gound level support base, the 225mmx44mm (9"x2") should be approximately 200mm (8') longer than the desired width of your deck for stability. Make a mark at the centre of the 225mmx44mm (9"x2") at both ends. Once the centre mark has been made, measure in and make a mark 140mm (5 112") from each end. The distance between these two marks will determine the length required for the 150mmx44mm (6"x2"). Cut the 150mmx44mm (6"x2") to the required length and attach using galvanised screws every 300mm to the 225mmx44mm (9"x2"). This will allow room for the wall and face late boards. Repeat this process until you've assembled the required number of support bases

225mmX44mm(9" X 2")

Leveling the Slab (Ground level deck or portion of deck at ground level)
Level the area where the deck will be built, allowing a slight gradient away from the structure. Use a piece of timber of the appropriate length with a spirit level placed on top as a straight edge. See the below detail showing the preferred method of ground contact preparation.
Ground level decks require the minimum amount of fixing, setting the bearers onto treated timber as shown, and fixing with galvanised stainless steel screws eliminate the need to use joist hangers.



How to Build an Elevated Deck

There are several methods of installing a post. Choose the right one for your surface. For fixing into earth, you can simply dig a hole, and place a medium density solid concrete block horizontally in the hole and sit the 100mmx100mm (4x4) post onto it. Infill with concrete, and allow to set overnight.
Alternatively you may need to fix to a hard surface such as concrete. In this case you will require a fence post base fixing (as shown in diagrams opposite). Use the manufacturer's guidelines to secure these to your hard surface and insert posts.
The level of the decking can be set by using a string line across from the relevant level pegs. Allow a little extra post height, and don't cut off the post to the final height until you are sure they are correct.
Use the string line as your starting point and calculate UP for the height of the post above the deck (taking into consideration the height of the rails if you are using them). Calculate DOWN from the string line for the depth of post to the base of hole. Remember too, to allow for the thickness of the decking itself.











How to Build a Rectangular Deck Frame
A rectangular deck is the most simple form, giving a large and practical surface area, whilst still being the easiest to construct for DIY projects. The basic framing plans for ground level decks and elevated decks are shown below. For larger decks, sim l y add two or more frames side by side. The plans below show free standing decks, signed to stand away from your home. However, these can easily be attached to your property by means of a wall plate. Please do check with a qualified builder the appropriate method of fixing the wall plate to your type of property.
The Ground Level Deck.

The Deck Built On A Slope

Attach joists to Elevated Decks
On elevated decks the joists should be placed no more than 400mm (16 inches) between centres. joists are attached to the double end beams with galvanised joist hangers. Place a scrap piece of 150mmx44mm (6"x2") in the joist hanger to set the width of the joist hanger and then nail or screw the joist hanger on the inside of each double end beam every 400mm (16 inches). Place the joist inside of the hanger and nail or screw through the hanger into the joist as shown.
Nogs or spacers are used to keep the joists from twisting or buckling. Measure and square­cut 150mmx44mm (6"x2") nogs to fit snugly between the joists. Attach them between the joists in a staggered manner as shown.
Beam span should not exceed 1800mm (6') and joist span should not exceed 2400mm (8').*
Forming a Double Beam
Use a second piece of 150mmx44mm (6"x2") and attach it to the ends to which the joist hangers are attached. Drill and secure the timbers together with coach bolts to form a double beam. This will add strength to your deck where it carries a load and will act as a fascia to cover unsightly galvanised joist hangers that may have been visible.

How To Lay Decking
Laying the deck is a satisfying job. The most important part of the work, it is also the most visible feature and achieving a professional finish is important. Make every effort to lay the deck straight and the screws in line. Leave a gap of around 4mm. (around an eighth of are inch) between the boards. TIP: Use a screw as a spacer when laying the deck. Some movement may occur after the deck is laid. Attach each board with two 75mm (3 inch) galvanised screws.
f or a professional finish, the boards should be trimmed to the edges after completion. To get a really straight line, snap a chalk line at, or within 37 mm(1 112 inches) of the joist/beam, and trim with a circular saw (for straight edges). The best finish is achieved by cutting the boards flush to the edge, then adding a fascia board. Drill pilot holes, especially when screwing near the edge or end of a board. It's a good idea to drill pilot holes for your fasteners. Use galvanised or stainless steel screws, or bolts when working with Glendeck pressure treated wood. These types of fasteners are corrosion­resistant and will help prevent rust stains on your deck. Locate screws as drawing shows in the second channel. For best results, it is recommended to use screws as fasteners for all decking products.
You can further enhance the deck by choosing to lay the decking in one of the patterns illustrated below. Parquet, diagonal, or herringbone designs all add visual interest, and give a wider choice of finish, depending on the application and site. These patterns require little more material than a plain sort, and more attention to detail and finish will be required. There are unlimited possibilities for the imaginative homeowner.


How to Build Balustrades.
Balustrades (railings) enhance the deck as a whole, and are mandatory where the deck is elevated above 500mm (20 inches). The structure should obviously be very secure, and professionally executed. The 100mmx100mm (4"x4") posts can also be extended to combine both D rails and pergola structures. At the end of the day, imagination is the key.
The framework of the joists and posts protruding through the structure gives the necessary stability. The D Rail fixings should be both carefully thought out and professionally implemented with safety in mind. Check with the relevant authorities regarding methods of fixing, and/or any possible legislation over layout, etc.
A common post height above decking would be 110cm (42 inches). Check and follow all legal specifications for your particular application. Intermediate posts may need to be considered, for additional support, depending on the specific needs of your project. Never span more than 1.8 metres (6 feet) between posts. Check with your retailer for any local requirements.
End beams must be secured to the posts by two coach bolts. Ensure that the gap is not large enough for children to be allowed through it, recommended spacing between rails is less than 100mm (4 inches). Galvanised screws should be used for other fixings.
The space beneath decks can be screened, and used as additional storage for children's outdoor toys, barbecues,etc.
How to Build Steps.
Probably no aspect needs more forethought than construction of steps, as there are so many variables. The following notes are intended only as an outline guide to construction, not taking into account your own situation. Consult a qualified builder if create any flight of steps within your own garden.
Decide how wide the steps will be, a minimum of 1 metre (approx. 3 feet) will be needed, though wider formats will give a more impressive finish. You will need to add handrails in accordance with Local Authority guidelines.
We recommend that you use 150mmx44mm Glendeck to build steps. For ease of construction plan on a 150mm (6 inch) riser, and a 300mm (12 inch) tread, and a slight overhang (nose as shown. Treads can be made up of two 150mmx44mm Glendeck boards.