Build a freestanding deck

DIY - $645 (Have it done for $1445)

Skill - 3/5

Time - 1 day

 

 

Basic DIY skills are important for every homeowner,’ says Jake Tyson. ‘It’s a way to spread those hard earned dollars, allowing small renovations to go further than expected.’

 

Jake and Shannon joined forces and completed the build in a day. As resident handyman on Network Ten’s The Circle Jake helped his mate Shannan Ponton knock up a deck in his yard in Sydney’s Northern Beaches.

 

Before becoming one of Australia’s best-known personal trainers Shannan was a builder and carpenter but admits to being a bit out of practice.

 

He says, ‘I like the satisfaction of taking a step back and enjoying something that’s been built with my own hands.’

 

Jake teamed up with Shannan at his place to build a low 2400 x 1500mm deck positioned in front of the water tank and adjacent to the paved area for barbecuing and entertaining. The area was prone to becoming soggy with rain and hard to walk on.

 

TIP To ensure the deck ends up perfectly flat and level, plane off any high spots on the joists and bearers once the framework is assembled.