Making your garden decking stand out

Decking is perfect for many uses including hosting parties and dining in the summer sunshine (on days like today). It can become part of your lifestyle! Decking looks stylish within a well maintained garden and is fairly easy to look after, only requiring occasional treatments to the wooden deck boards and wooden base.

There are many ways in which you can personalise your garden decking and make it stand out, these include adding trellis, pergolas, steps and balustrades, you could also purchase some solar powered decking lights so that you can use your decking later into the evening. You could also split your decking up into different areas (if big enough) for example to have one part for sitting/dining and the other for various plants. If placing plant pots onto your decking you will need to make sure that they have adequate drainage and that they aren’t placed directly onto your decking as this may discolour it, this may require raising plant pots or containers using bricks or old wood etc.

Wooden garden furniture looks good on decking, although you need to make sure you buy something that fits properly onto the decking to save it getting in the way when moving around. Wooden furniture can also be treated to keep it looking like new.

Eco decking

Eco decking tiles are a fairly new product on the market made from 1.5cm thick Ipe timber. The benefits of eco decks are that they are easy, quick and cheap to install as the tiles just clip together on the modular Polypropylene base. This means that it only requires one person to install the decking, unlike other timber decking products.

Eco decking can be used where other types of decking may not be suitable, such as balconies and roof gardens. It can be built on a range of surfaces, it doesn’t require any digging before it can be laid, it’s adaptable and it drains well.

Benefits of Eco Decking

• Fairly cheap
• Easy to install
• Only 3cm thick (1.5cm thick decks and 1.5cm thick base)
• Ideal for patios, decking, balconies, hot tub surrounds etc.
• Slip resistant
• Splinter resistant
• Resists growth of mould and lichens

For more information please visit - www.ecodeckuk.com

An alternative to timber decking

DeckGrip

DeckGrip is a product of Marina Decking. It is very different to the more traditional timber decking as it is made from fibreglass. This type of decking is cost effective and lasts a lifetime as it doesn't wear in the same way that timber decking does, therefore there is no twisting, stretching, warping or swelling of the decks.

This fibre glass decking also has the following benefits:

• Slip resistant
• Easy to build
• Hardwearing

Click on the following link for more information - www.marinadecking.com/index.htm

Top wooden decking treatments

Cabot Decking Stain

• Suitable for all types of wood
  
• UV protection and water repellant
  
• Drys within 2 hours
• Can be used with Cabot’s decking applicator or a brush
  

http://www.cabots.com.au/exterior/deck_stain_garden.asp


Wolman DuraStain

• Prevents graying, water damage, resist peeling and blistering.
• Scuff resistant finish
• Mildew resistant coating
• Only requires one coat

http://www.wolman.com/product_detail.asp?ProductID=20


Olympic WaterGuard

• Suitable for all types of wood
  
• UV and waterproof protection
  
• Scuff resistant finish
• Mildew resistant coating

http://www.olympic.com/stain_products/exterior_stains/clears/index.htm

Preparation and planning required for garden decking

Questions that you should consider before buying garden decking:

What will the deck be used for? It needs to be large enough to accommodate garden furniture and to hold a desired number of people.

Where will the deck be located? To make the most of a view or sun trap, consider the position of the sun and wind direction.

Where are your utilities? Check the position of utilities such as gas, water and electricity pipes.

Do I need planning permission for a deck? Generally speaking planning permission is not required to build a deck, however, if you are considering building a raised deck that may overlook neighbours you should check with your local planning department and consult with your neighbours.

Building garden decking

Preparing the site:
Mark out the area with pegs and string to ensure right angles. Remove any turf and some of the top soil before applying a proprietary weed killer. Lay a weed suppressant membrane to prevent any further weed growth. Cover with either gravel or weigh down with slabs.

Construction the Base Frame:
Construct the decking base framework positioning joists at 500mm (19”) centres. Use a spirit level and the slabs to ensure a level surface is achieved. Insert staggered noggins to strengthen the base. If a pergola is to be included, install the uprights at this stage or install Deck posts at this stage, which can be either 6’ deck posts or 54” pre notched deck posts. Deck posts should be positioned no more that 2.4m apart. Once posts are installed, lay the decking.

Laying the Decking:
Deck boards should be laid at right angles to the joists. For decks larger than 3m, the boards will need to be staggered. Your chosen layout design for the deck boards may effect the position and quantity of supporting joists.

Creating the Deck Surround:
Deck surrounds can be made using either pre-formed deck panels and handrails or baluster and handrails. Two handrails will be needed for every span – one top and bottom. Drill holes in the bottom rail to allow drainage. If using balusters position at intervals not exceeding 100mm (4”).


Three of the top online suppliers of decking within the UK include:

• Timber Decking Company - www.timberdeckingco.co.uk

• Buy Decking Direct - www.buydeckingdirect.co.uk

• Quality Decking - www.qualitydecking.co.uk

Decking vs. patios

There are many differences between decking and patios, including the flexibility of decking over that of a patio. Patios tend to become riddled with weeds; they stay damp for hours after rain fall and tend to be cold even during warmer months. As decking is raised off the ground it allows for ventilation and therefore the decking boards tend to dry a lot quicker after rainfall, especially if the decking is placed in an area of the garden that catches the sunshine. Decking is therefore more useable, and tends to require less maintenance. Decking can be the perfect area for hosting a barbeque on a warm summers evening.

Useful decking questions & answers

How long is decking likely to last?
This is difficult to estimate as it depends on how well the deck boards are looked after. If looked after properly (treated using a specialist deck treatment) decking should last for around 25 years.

Is decking slippery?
Generally decking isn’t slippery if it's exposed to sunlight and treated properly.

Are grooved decking boards better than smooth?
The only difference between these two is that grooved decking is less slippery when wet.

What difference is there between hardwood and softwood decking?
There is very little difference when considering how long each will last. Hardwood is more expensive though.

How are weeds controlled underneath garden decking?
Weed control fabric can be placed underneath the decking as part of the base.

Is there any ventilation around the decking?
Yes, slight gaps are usually left between each deck board which helps air flow underneath and around the decking, and allows for drainage.

Advantages of garden decking

Whether relaxing, dining or entertaining, timber decking can provide a practical and versatile solution for larger and smaller gardens alike, extending the home into the garden to make the most of your available space.

Most garden fencing and timber suppliers offer a wide range of garden decking products for customised results to suit all lifestyle requirements. These include deck-bearers, deckboards, deck tiles and many more accessories. Pre-formed deck surrounds are available in timber Chippendale or Sunburst or decorative metal Valencia and Barcelona style panels.

Among the best online decking suppliers are:

Eco Decking Tiles

Timber Decking Company

Buy Decking Direct

Decking may at first appear a daunting project. However all you need is a saw, a hammer, a spirit level and a free weekend. Simple step-by-step instructions on planning and building a deck make creating a fantastic and functional setting for outdoor living simple, even if your DIY expertise is somewhat lacking!

Whatever your level of DIY skill, there are a range of deck kits available which come complete with everything you need to assemble a deck with minimum time and effort, including comprehensive instructions, making it an ideal weekend DIY project.

Decking Doctor Treatment

To keep your timber decking ship-shape, you will ideally need to treat it regularly using a specialist deck treatment. I recommend that you carry this out once a year for the first two to three years after you first install the deck, and then just once every other year. Follow these four simple steps:

• Remove all surface dirt, algae and grit. Before you start, use either a pressure washer or a stiff brush to clean off the debris - something like an old-fashioned scrubbing brush is ideal!

• Deep clean Specialist 'decking cleaners' are now available to help you remove all grease and dirt and prevent the re-growth of algae and fungus. Remove and soapy residues by washing throroughly with clean water - again, with a pressure washer if you have one.

• Apply stain or preservative When the decking is dry, a deck stain or preservative can be applied. If you have a hardwood deck you should also consider an annual treatment of revitalising decking oil.

• Seal and protect Finally, you need to seal the wood with a decking protector. This is a clear, water repellent coat that contains waxes to help prevent moisture damage, a preservative to keep the surface free from decay, and an algaecide to prevent mould growth.

Three of the top online suppliers of decking within the UK include:

• Timber Decking Company - www.timberdeckingco.co.uk

• Buy Decking Direct - www.buydeckingdirect.co.uk

• Quality Decking - www.qualitydecking.co.uk