Hey, it’s Alex here from Greysand. Today, I’ll show you how to build a deck on the ground for an outdoor shower. I’ll start by doing all the necessary calculations to ensure everything fits perfectly. This technique guarantees straight boards, even spacing, and proper alignment throughout. No matter the size of your project, this method works wonders.
If there’s one tip to remember, it’s to set everything out at the beginning. Begin by installing every fifth board to maintain alignment. Forget your old deck setup methods, let me show you a better way.
Having worked as a carpenter for 20 years, I’ve seen numerous decking techniques. The method I’ll show you today is, without a doubt, the most efficient and delivers the best quality.
Step 1 - Prepare The Ground Area And Set Height
First, we’ll tear down the existing platform, which is really just an old table screwed to a frame on the ground. Demolition is especially fun since my 3-year-old son gets to join in. He loves using tools and smashing things!
Next, we need to determine the height for our new deck, aiming for just above the water tank slab. Once set, I’ll add small stones beneath the deck for enhanced drainage. The deck’s lower edge will align neatly with the door threshold.
Finally, I’ll pour concrete and apply leveling compound to channel water from the shower toward the laundry’s side drain.
Step 2 - Build and Install The Timber Deck Frame
Next, I’ll construct the timber frame. Since I’m building on a gently sloping concrete slab, I’ll scribe and rip the timbe joists to match the slope. I’m using H3 and H4 timbers, which are perfect for wet conditions and ground-level installation.
The process is straightforward: screw the deck joists together so they’re level and at the correct height.
Once the deck frame is ready, I’ll add a right-angle bracket in the center of the joists for extra support. This deck is part of a small split-level walkway leading to an outdoor shower platform.
Moving on to the lower section, I’ll attach two timber joists to the existing concrete walkway and another to the garden’s retaining edge. This setup will create a lovely timber walkway leading to the outdoor shower and toilet.
Step 3 -Set Out The Timber Decking
Once the timber framing is done, I’ll start setting up the decking. Preparation is crucial for timber decking. I take time to ensure everything is square, straight, and parallel. This preparation makes laying the decking both easy and enjoyable.
Although this project is small, I apply the same meticulous process used for larger decks. The method I’m demonstrating ensures the deck will have only full boards with even spacing throughout. It’s the most efficient and high-quality technique for installing timber decking.
Skipping the math setup before laying the decking often results in an oddly sized piece at the front or back.
First, I run a chalk line down the center of each joist. This ensures straight screw lines when fastening the decking. I’ll install every fifth board and align the screws with this line.
Next, I install the first and last boards of the deck frame. They must be square and parallel. After securing the front and back boards, I measure from the front of the first board to the front of the outer boards.
It’s crucial to measure the same side of each board. For this project, the width is 1275 mm. I then divide the width by the total of one full board plus the average space, which is 90 mm for the board and 5 mm for the space, totaling 95 mm. So, 1275 mm divided by 95 mm equals approximately 13.4 boards.
I aim for only full boards and even spacing, so I divide 1275 mm by 13, which equals 98.076 mm per section.
This setup allows for an 8 mm space between boards, slightly larger than typical but perfect for water drainage and airflow in a shower.
Each measurement of 98.076 mm accounts for a board plus its spacing.
Next, I install every fifth board straight and parallel. The measurements for positioning are:
- 98.076 mm x 5 = 490.3 mm
- 98.076 mm x 10 = 980.7 mm
This method positions the fifth and tenth boards perfectly straight and parallel.
For larger decks, I adjust the layout to fit the wider space. Using the chalk line I marked earlier ensures all screws align perfectly, even if the joists are slightly bowed.
Step 4 - Cut And Place Boards Into Place
Now that the math and setup are complete, cutting and placing the remaining decking boards becomes straightforward. I cut the boards to length and place into position. Then I use timber wedges to ensure even spacing, then mark, pre-drill, and screw each board securely. Starting from one side, I systematically work my way across the deck.
Repeat The Process On The Second Deck
Once the shower deck platform is complete, I’ll start on the second deck using the same process.This section might include a few extra joints as I’m nearly out of boards. I’ll add a face board to neatly transition between the two decks.
The final touch will be a face board easing the transition from the pebbles to the lower deck.
Now that the deck is finished, the final step is to apply oil to protect and preserve the timber.
It’s recommended to let the decking weather for a few weeks before oiling. This allows the tannins to escape, enabling the oil to penetrate deeply and protect from within.
That’s the end of the project on how to build a deck on the ground for an outdoor shower. hope this article has helped you with your project!