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.