Chic all round: How to build your own wooden deck by the pond

Vacation at home instead of travelling? Home is the best place to relax, read or simply enjoy nature. The garden pond becomes particularly idyllic when it is extended by a stylish wooden deck. And the best thing about it? With a little craftsmanship, you can build your own outdoor terrace. In these instructions, Sari and Christian from the YouTube channel "Saris Garage" show you step by step how to build a round footbridge by the pond that is not only functional but also a real eye-catcher. So grab your tools and off you go - on the way to your new favorite spot in the garden!

A step-by-step guide:

Step 1 from 6: Determine the location and alignment of the wooden deck

Step 1: Determine the location and alignment of the wooden deck

First of all, you should determine the exact location or the right pond bank for your wooden terrace and make sure that there is enough space for your outdoor terrace. Depending on the space available, you first roughly determine the size of the deck and also the alignment. Then place the square beams evenly spaced at the desired location and determine the position of the post supports. Use a guide line and spirit level.

Step 2 from 6: Fastening the post bases in the ground

Step 2: Fastening the post bases in the ground

Once the number of posts and their position have been determined, you can start digging the holes for the beams. It makes sense to dig three holes for the middle posts, as these are longer; two holes are sufficient for the shorter posts on the sides. The holes should be approx. 50 cm deep and just as wide and should be moistened with water. Approx. 1.5 bags of rapid-hardening concrete are then used per hole and the post supports are positioned. It is important to check that all the beams are in the water with the help of an auxiliary staff and the spirit level. Finally, the concrete is thoroughly moistened again with a water hose. This construction is allowed to harden for 2-3 days.

Step 3 of 6: Adjust posts to the correct length

Step 3: Adjust posts to the correct length

A cross-cut and miter saw is used to cut the square posts to length. It is used to adjust all posts to the correct length. To give the deck its round shape, the other posts, starting with the middle post, are always slightly shorter. The posts on the sides can be sawn off at an angle to support the round shape. The posts are then screwed to the post supports.

Step 4 from 6: Boarding the deck

Now the outdoor terrace is getting its beautiful floor. Sari and Christian opted for larch decking boards because they are weather-resistant and dimensionally stable. The planks are fastened using wing screws, which has the advantage that no pre-drilling is required. Spacers can be used to ensure that the boards are evenly spaced. At Sari and Christian, the planks are 5 mm apart.

Step 5 from 6: The square must become round

Now patience and concentration are required: The decking boards are shaped into a round form. If you work sloppily now, you will be sitting on an egg instead of a circle later. The circle is first drawn on the planks with a self-made compass made from a batten and pencil and then carefully sawed out precisely with an electric handsaw. Once this step has been completed precisely, the corners and edges can be sanded down.

Step 6 from 6: Making the jetty weatherproof

When the square has become really round, the spraying fun begins! The wooden boards are sprayed with weatherproof paint and thus withstand rain, wind and weather better and longer. The paint spraying system is used W 600 FLEXiO 18V. After all, who wants to painstakingly paint plank after plank when it can be sprayed easily and precisely? If you still want to see a bit of wood grain despite the paint, remove some of the paint with a cloth immediately after spraying. Important: be sure to cover the surrounding area generously with foil so that no paint gets onto plants, stones or into the water.