Decking – Softwood or Hardwood?

The names hardwood and softwood are terms which are used to describe the species of a wood. Hardwoods come from broad leaved trees and softwood is from evergreen trees. The terms do not relate at all to how hard the wood actually is.

There are many types of wood that would be suitable for decking. The main factor that is important for consideration when using wood outdoors is that it can resist fungal decay.

Most deck boards are made from pressure treated softwoods as this is more readily available, easy to work with and cost effective. Hardwood decking is more expensive however comes in a range of colours.

Useful decking construction tips

To ensure your decking provides you with many years of service, you should consider the following tips:

1. Fixtures and Fittings - Make sure all screws are weather resistant and that you use galvanised nails and bolts. These types of fixings will ensure that your decking is kept free from discolouration from rust.

2. Drilling Pilot Holes - It is useful to drill pilot holes for your fasteners especially if drilling near the edge of your deck boards.

3. Spacing Decking Boards - Timber decking boards need to be spaced evenly about 3-5mm apart. This will ensure there is room for any natural movement of the timber as it takes on, or loses moisture.

4. End Coat Preservative - Use an end coat preservative on all saw cuts and drill holes.

Selecting a deck board pattern

There are various ways and directions that decking boards can be laid. The only consideration that you need to take into account when making the decision as to which way to lay the boards, is that of drainage. The Checkboard decking pattern tends to hinder drainage and is therefore likely to require more maintenance than other decking designs. The most common deck board patterns include:

Parallel 90 or 45 Degree Decking



Chevron Decking

Checkaboard Decking

Framed Diagonal Decking

Please visit my previous blog post for advice about building garden decking.

Garden Decking Safety

For decking which is raised off the ground, a barrier or rail of some form should be placed around the edge of the decking for safety purposes particularly if it is to be used by children or the elderly. Balustrades or parapets can both act as a safety barrier. The height of the parapet depends on how high the decking is from ground level.

• For decking that is up to 600mm off the ground a parapet of height - 900mm should be constructed.
• For all decking above 600mm a parapet of height - 1100mm should be constructed.
  

For fairly low level decking, lattice panels, planters or a decorative rail can also be used.

Choosing between grooved or smooth decking boards

Before purchasing garden decking you need to decide whether you want to get smooth or grooved garden decking boards. The main difference between these two types of decking board is that grooved decking boards are said to be less slippery than the plain smooth timber boards, especially when wet. Although it is not essential to have grooved decking boards for the main decking area, it is recommended that grooved boards are used for decking steps, making them less slippery and therefore less dangerous.

Smooth Decking Boards

Grooved Decking Boards

If you want to try something different to the normal 'timber' decking boards, there is a decking product currently on the market called Deck Grip which is made from fibre glass and is slip resistant.