Whether in the front of your dome tent or in the backyard, a simple installation can expand your tent's outdoor space. Imagine your guests sipping coffee on the decking terrace with a breathtaking view. They'll be pleasantly surprised. To help you build a deck, here are the steps and tips for installing a modular decking system.
Learn About the Modular Decking System
What is a modular decking system? Why choose it to build? Before installing one, you need to learn about the modular decking system.
What is the Modular Decking System
The modular decking system is a prefabricated decking system. Its components include deck boards, railings, prefabricated deck panels, posts, joists and connectors. It is usually offered in kit form. The buyers need to assemble the parts smoothly to get the complete platform after receiving the kit. This modular design makes the decking system more portable and allows buyers the flexibility to expand the platform area as needed.
Is the Modular Deck System Easy to build?
The modular decking system is one of the easiest flooring systems to install. You don't need a contractor or a building permit to build it. You can set it up in your backyard next to your dome tent, or anywhere you want to.
With a few tools and the components provided in the kit, 1 or 2 people can easily install one. There's no cutting, nailing, or hole-drilling involved. With a modular design, the decking system consists of several sets of frameworks. After the first frame is finished, the rest can be installed in the same way. This makes the modular decking system easy to build and quick to start using.
How to Build a Modular Deck: Step by Step
After learning about modular decking systems, you must be excited to try installing one. The steps to build a modular decking are as follows.
Step1: Prepare Tools and Materials
Before doing anything, you need to make sure that all tools and materials are well prepared. Here is a checklist of tools and materials you may need.
The Checklist of Tools and Materials:
Tools | drill bits, hammers, impact drivers, wrenches |
Measure Instrument | levels, tape measures |
Protective Equipment | ear muffs, goggles, protective gloves |
Materials | deck screws, baton screws, decking panel, framing plates |
Step2: Clear out Space
Depending on the size of your deck, you'll need to measure a piece of land that is slightly larger than the total area of the deck. Then mark out this area to set up your modular deck system. Additionally, you need to clean up the setup area. Weeds, garbage and any obstacles should be removed. If the ground is uneven or loose, you need to secure it.
Step3: Set up the Framework
First, the support structures need to be fixed to the ground. Attach the deck base to the framing plates with an impact drill and secure them with baton screws. Then you need to join the frame sheets together with a drill bit. Once the first frame of the modular decking system is set up, you can quickly install the rest frame.
Notably, don't forget to wear ear muffs and goggles. There would be a loud noise and sparks flashing that may hurt your ears and eyes.
Step4: Make Sure Everything is Level
Use a spirit level to measure the levelness of your modular decking system. You need to make sure that all parts of your deck are level and stable. Otherwise, your deck will wobble when people stand on it. If you notice that it's not level, take action to level it.
If your deck frame is supported by braces, the height can be adjusted by raising or lowering the shims under the support points. And if the frame is supported by spiral support feet, you can change the length of the legs by rotating them.
Step5: Lay Your Deck Panels
With a set of frameworks and the base built, you can simply put the deck panels on the crossbeams. The deck is already solid whether you tighten it with screws or leave it alone. Placed with all the panels and then the modular deck system can be put into use. You can place furniture and decorations on it. It would be a perfect terrace or porch for your dome tent.
Tips for Installing Modular Decking
To build your perfect modular deck system, there are a few additional tips to consider.
Choose a Place Easy to Install Decking
Although the modular deck system is not terrain specific, it is suggested to choose flat and solid ground. It can be difficult to control the level of the frame on a sloping surface. And loose soil surfaces can also make your deck wobbly. In order not to get too tired of cleaning up the area, you need to choose a place with as few weeds as possible. In addition, you might consider building your deck in a location with less sunlight and wind to prevent aging.
Choose the Right Size
Survey the area around your dome tent and estimate the setup area. It is not a good idea to choose a deck that is too large, or it will look cramped. You can also determine its size based on its uses. Will it be used as a deck, porch, or entertainment area? The larger the activity area you need, the larger the deck you need.
The modular decking system from Shelter Dome can be expanded and disassembled due to its modular design. We can help you customize the size of your deck to fit your dome tent and provide you with professional advice.
Choose the Right Material
Heavy materials like steel are not recommended. It takes longer to install a heavy deck, especially in the hot summer. Also, mold-prone materials such as wood are not a good choice. They can't be set up in rainy areas and are prone to rot. Our modular decking systems with PP panels are lightweight and durable. They can be set up quickly with 1-2 people in any location.
Follow the Installation Guide
Although it is not difficult to install modular decking systems, following the guide will make it easier to get it right the first time. Especially if it's your first time building a deck, following the guide will save you a lot of time. We offer an easy-to-follow installation guide to get you set up in the fastest way. If you need, we can also provide remote instruction for you.
Conclusion
Having learned the steps and a few tips to install the modular decking system, you must be ready to set up one! It is believed that you can build a beautiful platform that suits your dome well to surprise your guests. If you need more information, please feel free to contact us.