Some issues you may encounter

As house shapes differ and the line of your house can be broken with drain pipes, steps and other obstacles, it may not always be possible to get the exact fit you require. One idea is to back-fill the gaps with decorative stones and potted plants; equally bark chippings will give an attractive finish. (pic 1 and 2)

Remember that all the material used is protected for at least 15 years and is suitable for use in direct contact with the soil so you can place topsoil alongside the deck and create a small flowerbed.

Alternatively you can use a Narrow panel (37cm wide). (pic 3)
 
Pic. 1		  


Pic. 2

  
Pic. 3
Down-pipes and steps

Sometimes you will find that there is a down-pipe, step or other obstacle preventing you from placing the panel directly alongside the wall - yet you still want a flush finish. In this instance we have designed a simple set of brackets that support single deck boards to help you to get around these obstacles. You will need 2 brackets for each metre you wish to fill along with the appropriate 2 metre or 1 metre single board (12cm wide). Filler brackets come in packs of 2.


An example of a step in the way of the subframe
         
Use 2 brackets for every metre length you wish to fill.
It is then a simple matter to cut the single boards to fit, if this is necessary.

The levelling system
  
Your requirements here will vary depending on the slope of your garden. The maximum recommended height Vermont levelling blocks can be raised off the ground is 24cm (6 blocks high).

You will need to support the frame at each point where two or more subframes join and along the outer edges of the deck. As a guide you will require a pack of 10 Blocks and Wedges for every 6 square metres of deck. The total number you need will depend on how sloped your garden is.

Starting and Finishing

    
Starting: If laying your deck on grass it is recommended that you cover the grass with weed control fabric. This is only necessary over grass or soil.
 
   
Finishing: Use the Vermont single board as a fascia around your deck (available in 2 metre and 1 metre lengths). Trim a piece of weed control fabric around the base and screw the Vermont single boards around the fascia. Remember to calculate the length of the perimeter and include these single boards in your order. 40mm x 4mm galvanised wood screws are also required (one for every 50cm).