how can I fill large gaps in outdoor decking

[JeT2]

 

Is there a temporary solution to fill or reduce gaps between decking that are too far apart. We plan to redo the deck at some stage but the wondering if there’s a temporary solution as outdoor chair legs go through the gaps - v annoying. 

 

[JacobZ]

Hi @JeT2,

I understand your frustration; that would be annoying when you are trying to relax on the deck.

My first thought was to install some small timbers between the decking boards, but if you were to put your whole weight on the chair, which was sitting on these narrow timbers, then there is a good chance they would snap under the weight.

There are only two options I can see that would be safe. The first is to lift and reattach the decking boards beneath the table with a much narrower gap. If you moved enough boards, you would open up a big enough gap to install another decking board somewhere on your deck so there wouldn't be a large gap elsewhere.

The second is to attach some plywood over the top of the deck for the chairs to sit on.

They aren't pretty solutions, but they would work until a time when you could redo the deck.

Allow me to tag @Noyade, @AlanM52 and @Dave-1 to see if they have any ideas.

Let me know what you think.

Jacob

[AlanM52]

Hi @JeT2,

I would use plywood as @JacobZ suggested.

Two sheets of this.

Will give good coverage and you won't have to count all the eating utensils after a BBQ 🙂

Cheers

[Dave-1]

Good Afternoon @JeT2 

I was heading down the same thought track as @JacobZ  and was comming up withthe same issues. Then thought, "Hang a tic" why not attach something to the feet of the seats instead? 

I am not sure how wide the feet are but maybe something like these

Surface Gard 25mm Black Round Rubber External Chair Tip - 4 Pack 

There are a large range of Chair Tips that may suit better. 

This way they feet become too large to slip through the holes.

Second idea 

Screw a piece of timber or metal across the front and rear bases of the feet. The legs are narrow so you may need to attach the timber / metal with small brackets like these (tho black) Carinya 20 x 20 x 15 x 1.4mm White Reinforcing Angle Bracket - 12 Pack 

This way the chairs weight is distributed across the bar so it will be less likely to slip into your slots (unless you turn the chair 90degrees )

Dave

[Noyade]

I'm deck-less with no deck experience - sorry, @JeT2. 

I have always thought of decks and car-keys or something valuable - and what happens if they drop through the gap.

But chair legs would be quite dangerous.

I'm with @JacobZ ....

"The first is to lift and reattach the decking boards beneath the table with a much narrower gap"