Some Decking Questions - Noggins, Plugging, Finishing

[Damian30]

Hi,

I'm under way with my ground level cedar decking project but would be grateful of any help with the following questions:

1. Deck size is 3m x 3m, with joists at 45 deg. I have a little bit of timber left so would it be worth putting some noggins in?

2. The deck is to be attached to the wall and I was thinking about supporting the frame at 1.5 metre centres, with perhaps a support in the middle for the centre joist. I am using 6 x 2 timber. I will do a bounce test but I know some people suggest greater support - any recommendations (particularly do I need to add more support for some of the joists)?

3. I will probably be using around 250 stainless steel screws. I was wondering whether it would be worth cutting some plugs to hide the screw heads. Will be pretty time consuming but would it be worth it?

4. Finally, I would as much as possible like to keep the fairly new timber look to the deck. I have seen reference to products such as Seasonite and Textrol but are these any good for want I want or are there any other good products for cedar.

Any advice or information would be much appreciated.

Many thanks,

Damian

 

[Deluks]

1. Do you mean the deckboards at 45 degrees? No real point in putting joists at 45, will be far quicker to cut them straight.

2. Will be fine at 1.5, solid.

3. Use Square head screws, pricey, but they look great.

4. Don't know, ask again in the woodwork section. Cedar will grey over time so yes, something should be put on it.