Construction Guide

This page provides a check list which will help you to consider the important issues arising from a treated timber project before you start work.

Design
Halfords publish information brochures for specific structures such as decks, pergolas and retaining walls. The brochures outline the construction principles involved. A wide range of design books dealing with outdoor projects is available from the Sydney Building Information Centre at 525, Elizabeth Street, Surry Hills.

Layout
When you have decided on the design, rough out your plan on graph paper. Halfords have a special chart for this purpose. You can find our Planner page here. This will help you to visualise the final result and enable Halfords to calculate the list of materials needed to do the job. As a final check, mark out the outlines of your project on the ground to get a feel for the change and the impact of the finished project on your space.

Planning Permission
Make sure that your project conforms to your local government regulations and that planning approval is received where necessary.

Services
Make sure post holes are not going to interfere with water and gas pipes or water supply and drains.

Handling & Storage
Timber can become distorted if not properly stored. Stack timber on level ground and lay on bearers set approximately one metre apart. Shield from rain and direct sunlight with a a rigid cover and allow for free air circulation around the stack.

Hardware
Use nails, screws or bolts and nuts which have been protected for exterior work. For example: hot dipped galvanised, Class 3 coatings or SA5 materials. After about six months check any bolts or coach screws and take up any looseness which may have arisen due to timber shrinkage. Halfords carry a full range of appropriate hardware and supply a complete cutomised set of nails, bolts and other fasteners to suit your project.

Tools required
Most projects can be built with the following equipment: - Spade, Crow Bar, String lines, Levels, Power Drill, 10 or12mm & 3mm drill bits, Hammer, Adjustable spanner

Safety
When the project is complete check carefully for any sharp edges, splinters or projecting metal. Carry out regular periodic checks to make sure bolts are tight and nails have not worked proud of the surface.

This website contains several projects and an information sheet on how to use treated pine (CCA) safely.