Whats the best method to screw decking down to a concrete slab ?

[Raptor]

Whats the best method to screw decking down to a concrete slab ?

[Little John]

A screwdriver?

Are you building up from the slab or just putting the planks on to the slab I know it isn't the way it is done but I have seen someone who wanted the decking look just go buy the planks cut them to size and screw them in to his flagged patio LOL. He did try no more nails but moaned it was costing him a fortune.

It would be easier to build up either just the deck or posts and require less hard work, drill the holes in to the concrete for brackets to hold the structure in place. build the deck, put it in place and fasten your brackets to it then mark the holes for the brackets in the concrete and remove them again make the holes and put the brackets back this time securing them to both the deck and the concrete.

[muttleymacclad]

I've used thunder screws or thunder bolts in the past to fix timber to concrete. Work a treat.
http://www.eafixings.co.uk/category....FSYbEAodji0gWA
http://www.screwfix.com/app/sfd/cat/...31358&ts=67610
Pretty sure you can get them from DIY sheds or maybe screwfix
MML

[Mickey]

your best putting planks of timber in before you screw the decking into it
as you need drainage under the decking so that the rain water has some where to go and wont rot the decking
decking screws can be purchased at many DIY outlets

[stevie2001]

I`d agree with Mickey Mutant, Lay some decent pieces of Timber down first (similar to joists in your house).

Before you do anything make sure that any water will run off the concrete, you really don`t want standing water (Pools/Puddles) to sit & rot away the wood.

As to what to use, go for Tanalised (C16 I think or pressure treated) Timber for the Bearers/Joists, use normal Rawlplugs or http://www.screwfix.com/app/sfd/cat/...01217&ts=94095
Either use countersunk bolts or Conterbore the bearers.

Then once you`ve got the bearers down screw the Decking to it.

For screwing the decking down use Decking Screws as suggested above or look for A1 Stainless Screws, not too sure A1 is available for woodscrews (maybe a marine suppliers?) A1 is the tops & pretty much Rustless.

Don`t forget if theres a drain or something else underneath, make sure you make allowances for access when you start, its a bastard afterwards trying to find it....

[ereader]

shouldnt hav to screw anything dwn on a flat base, we call it a floating floor

[wonkyfox]

we call it a floating floor

Is that because when it rains it floats away??