How to build a garden boardwalk

This simple raised boardwalk is an ideal solution for a pathway that will otherwise get muddy in winter.

How to build a wooden boardwalk

You will need:

2 x 100mm x 100mm x 3000mm fence posts
10 x 1200mm fence palings
75mm exterior screws
Craft knife (to trim weed mat)
Large paintbrush
Mineral turps (for cleaning brush)
Paint stirrer and Pencil

Resene Woodsman Wood Oil Stain tinted to Resene Grey Green
Sandpaper
Saw
Screwdriver and Spirit level
Staple gun with galvanised staples
Tape measure
Weed mat

Top tip: If constructing a boardwalk on uneven ground, it may be necessary to level the soil first with a spade.

To get the look: Mark surrounded the boardwalk with a lime chip gravel.

Handy hint: This is an ideal solution for covering an unattractive concrete path – simply lay the fence posts along each edge.

Instructions

Step one
Lay the first fence post in position, ensure it’s level using the spirit level.

Step two
Lay the second fence post in position approximately 550mm apart from the first. Use the spirit level to check that it’s level and also level with the first fence post, as shown.

Step three
Measure and mark the fence palings at 550mm, 20 times.

Step four
Cut the 20 fence palings to size and smooth any rough edges with sandpaper.

Step five
Lay weed mat between the two fence palings and attach with galvanised staples. Trim the weed mat to size with the craft knife.

Step six
Fix the first piece of fence paling into position using two 75mm screws at each end.

Step seven
In the same way, fix the other pieces of fence paling into position, cutting the last remaining piece to fit.

Step eight
Carefully stir the Resene Woodsman Wood Oil Stain tinted to Resene Grey Green.

Step nine
Apply two coats of Resene Woodsman Wood Oil Stain tinted to Resene Grey Green to the boardwalk allowing 24 hours for each coat to dry. Wash the brush in mineral turps.

Words and photos by Mark Rayner

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Resene Paints Ltd – www.resene.co.nz