This will Rot.

You left grass under it which will let weeds grow between your planks. The sleepers are in the dirt with no drainage, These will rot in no time. You will have problems with this in 3 years or less depending on the amount of rain you get. All dirt should have been removed and it should be set on gravel to have any chance at all of lasting. But it looks nice (for now).

Ed.The sleepers are H4. Designed as 'in-ground' treated wood so they shouldn't rot too quickly. . It's also on more of a slope than it looks. But you are right, a gravel base would have given it more longevity. Good tip.

Comments for This will Rot.

Average Rating starstarstarstarstar

Click here to add your own comments

Jun 08, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar

by: Michael

Perhaps apply bitumen sealant to the boards and then add another layer of boards over top.

Jun 05, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Deck boards on top of the sleepers
by: Andy

I constructed a floater as well. However, the sleepers wick the water right up to the deck floor boards and therefore whether I paint the deck boards or stain them, nothing will stick to the wood. What can I do to my deck boards to make paint or stain stick?

PLEASE HELP!

Jan 05, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Minor issues
by: Anonymous

My comment came off pretty snarky, sorry. It's good to DIY,but given all the DIY failures I've seen, I'm quick to point out short-comings. This is at least not dangerous. And the steps on spacing the deck boards were good. It just needs to be out of the mud and grass, and the joists need to be on edge. If I can help you with any structural stuff let me know.

Jan 05, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Great advice
by: Michael

2 Years on and it hasn't sagged. Pulled up some decking on the edge last week to add a bit of drainage..no rot yet. I agree more could be done to add longevity. Thanks for your advice.
Michael

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to DIY Projects.