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This octagonal had the
added dimension of having to be built on a steep slope, and also having
to include an existing tree within the shape. The near part of the
octagon is near existing ground level and can also be fixed to a section
of deck that butts up to it, so support at this edge was not a problem.
The rectangular sub frame supports the remainder of the shape, but was
set back from the edge so as not to be visible in the finished project.
The aim was to have this section of the deck to be 'floating' visually.
  
After the octagonal deck section was
fixed to the subframe and other support points, the newels for the
balustrades were fixed. Before they were fixed, radial deckboards were
cut to shape and temporally positioned. The newels were then placed on
top of the temporary boards, and marks were made where the boards would
be cut to enable the newels to slide down to the sub deck for fixing.
Once the newels were fixed to the octagonal deck frame, minor
adjustments were made to the 'cut-outs' to ensure that the newels fitted
properly through the deck.
The decking laid on the octagonal deck
- allowing 50mm gap around the tree to allow for expansion for the first
two years. It was a sycamore tree, so quite quick growing, necessitating
enlarging the gap with a jig saw every couple of years or so. If this is
not done, then the upward and outward growth movements will eventually
lift and distort the deck.
The balustrades around the
octagon call for some careful cutting of the top and bottom rails with
accuracy of angle and length being even more important than on straight
runs. The balustrades linked the octagonal deck to the main deck
section, and as can be seen in the image below, the 'floating' effect
was achieved with no supports showing.
Plans for your first octagon
deck
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