DIY ground screws are a fast, cost-effective and environmentally friendly way to create a strong and stable foundation for your decking. Installing DIY ground screws for decking is a simple process that can be done by anyone with basic DIY skills. By following the steps in this guide, you can create a strong and stable foundation for your garden room that will last for years to come.
It is important to build decking on a strong long lasting foundation system that can support the weight of the deck and its contents. Our 500mm galvanised steel ground screws are specifically designed for supporting decking and lightweight structures. If heavy items such as hot tubs or gym equipment are supported by the decking, extra load-bearing capacity can be achieved using our longer 750mm and 1000mm ground screws.
If you need any assistance please contact us at info@sipsgroundscrews.co.uk.
Once you have chosen the right number of ground screws for your decking using our Ground Screw Calculator, you can begin the installation process. Here are the steps involved. Please read our Installation Guide & FAQs for more information:
Installing Ground Screws For Decking
The first step in installing DIY ground screws is to mark the area of your decking. Use a tape measure to ensure the length and width of the area is correct. It is important to check the diagonals of the area to ensure you have not marked out a rhomboidal shape. You may prefer to build the timber frame first and simply use spray paint to mark the outline and ground screw positions.
Once you have marked the area of your decking, use the SDS drill to create pilot holes for the ground screws. Even in soft ground this is advisable because it will help loosen any tree roots and stones in the ground. The depth of the pilot hole should not exceed the depth that the ground screw is installed to.
Next, you will need to install the ground screws in the holes. It is best to find or at least estimate the height point of your site first. The heigh point is where the ground screw is installed to the greatest depth. Once this ground screw is installed you can use it as a datum and install the others, making them level with the datum. It is best to leave at least a 40mm gap between the top of the ground screw and ground level. This ensures airflow to the structure and reduces the exposure of the timber to moisture.
Use the ground screw installation tool to drive the ground screws into the ground until they are at the desired height. Keep the ground screws vertical by using our magnetic spirit level and checking at various intervals.
Once the ground screws are installed, you will need to level them. Use a level to make sure that the ground screws are all level with each other. If they are not, use a wrench to adjust them until they are level. Avoid installing ground screws too deep and having to bring them up.
Finally, you will need to attach your timber frame to the ground screws. Fix the joist bracket system together and onto the ground screws using carbon steel self tapping screws. Use wood screws to fix the timber frame to the ground screws.