Instructions on how to deck the surface of a homemade barrel raft.
| Items Needed | Quantity |
| 2″x6″x12′ Pine Deck Boards | 44 |
| 3 1/2″ Exterior Deck Screws | 10 lbs (2 boxes) |
| 1/8″ Drill Bit | 1 |
| Heavy Duty Drill | 1 |
| Hammer | 1 |
| Circular Saw | 1 |
For surfacing the raft, 2″x6″x12′ pine deck boards were used. To cover the 21’x10′ frame, 44 deck boards were needed.
Laying the boards vertically, from either end the 12 foot boards end on a decking support. When staggering every other, a full 12′ and roughly 9′ deck boards is needed per column.
Space each board with a two 16D nails, this width will allow for expansion when wet and water to wash out.
Decking boards are never fully straight, they must be pushed (board) or pulled (nail). To accurately place the next column, measure from the starting side across your new laid sections, check for even measurements all the way down. 
The wood tends to split when securing the ends, drill 1/8″ pilot holes before screwing to prevent this. Drill pilot holes on an angle if necessary.
Measure and drill 1/8″ pilots if needed to screw through any frame bracing brackets.
Use a circular saw to remove the extra decking.
Step back and appreciate your new rafting or docking surface.
