edwood decking

Do you love the outdoors and barbecues? A snazzy deck can help you cook in style. But before you break out the hammers and nails, you have a few decisions to make.

First order of business? Choosing a decking material that suits your desired aesthetic, lifestyle and budget.

To help you decide, here’s a comparison between two popular decking materials: composite and wood.

Composite decking

Back in the day, wood decking was the yardstick against which all other decking materials were judged. Given this preference, early composite decks were made with grains and textures intended to mimic the look of natural wood.

But composite decking has evolved drastically over the years, and many can no longer tell the apples from the oranges. Once paling in comparison to wood, composite decking is now a serious contender for your decking space. Not just a wood alternative, composite decking is preferred by many homeowners for its good looks, durability, and easy-care nature.

 

Here are a few good reasons to choose composite decking:

·         Many styles convincingly mimic the look of natural wood

·         Virtually maintenance-free (no yearly staining or weatherproofing)

·         100 percent recyclable and environmentally friendly

·         Resistant to rot, mildew, insects, and moisture

·         Won’t warp, chip, or split

·         Easy to install with the “fastener free deck clip” system

 

Wood decking

While wood alternatives have come a long way over the years, some homeowners still feel that Mother Nature still knows best. A natural wood deck is a thing of wonder, an awe-inspiring feature that exudes a timeless beauty and warmth. there’s something truly special about the rustic warmth of natural wood. With the right maintenance and care, your natural wood deck will look beautiful for years to come.

Regardless of which species you choose, remember that natural wood can be vulnerable to moisture, the sun’s rays, and warping, drying, and cracking. Before you invest in a wood deck, make sure you’re prepared  for the necessary annual upkeep. For some homeowners, the beautiful look and feel of natural wood is well worth the extra care.

Here are a few good reasons to choose wood decking:

·         In all its rich, natural glory, a wood deck is a thing of beauty

·         Naturally UV-resistant choices are available, like red cedar

·         Can offer structural strength and resale value to your property

·         Can be good for wet climates (redwood and cedar have natural water-repellent properties)

·         Most varieties are naturally resistant to insects and decay

·         Can be more economical in dry climates where you might get away with a softwood, like pine

·         Exotic woods can be more than 3X as hard as traditional woods, for added durability.

 

To keep your wood deck looking beautiful for years to come,

Gettin’ decked out

Ready to roll up your sleeves? Here are a few first steps to consider:

Redwood decking is a popular way of rejuvenating your garden, structures can vary specifically to your chosen location, a variety of decking accessories- spindles, newels, joists, anti-slip timber decking steps, nails and handrails-  and an array of maintenance treatments are also stocked in our shop – Osmo anti-slip timber decking oil, Ronseal decking oil and weed control fabrics-  to help ensure your timber decking is personal and will last for many years. 

Reasons to buy timber decking

  • The decking can increase resale value your property
  • Can be good for wet climates- redwood has a naturally water repellent properties so will resist shrinking or being bowed out of shape
  •  A raised timber deck is a great way to make the most of space that can otherwise go unused such as slopes and uneven areas, creating a level space for entertaining
  • While there are many wood substitutes, nothing can completely mimic the natural grain, texture and aesthetically pleasing display of timber decking.
  • It has some natural ability to deter pests such as termites
  • Relatively easy to lay, as a softer wood its less likely to damage tools.

 

  • Hardwood Decking can be made from woods that you will have heard of, such as Oak, Cedar  but there are other species such as Balau, and no doubt others as we need to source woods from more sustainable plantations.
  • Hardwoods are denser, heavier, and more expensive, but they are much more durable. If they are good quality they are much less susceptible to rot or insect attack. However they will still go grey if not oiled regularly.

What you will need-

Joists, fence posts, decking boards, handrails, spindles, newel posts. All of which can be provided by Quay Timber at an excellent price. 

 

Basic Decking – Looking After Your Decking

To Keep your deck in great condition for years to come it need a little annual maintenance:

·    Check for splinters, protruding nails, rot and mould. Do not allow the wood to become black or green before you treat it, otherwise it can stain the wood permanently. The moulds become embedded in the wood fibres and not even pressure washing will remove them.

·    Treat the deck in Spring and Autumn with two coats of  a clear stain. This will prevent moulds and fungi from colonising the wood, preventing rot. It will also and protect against insect attack.

·    Check any exposed end grain timber for signs of rot where wood has been cut, as this is the most vulnerable part of timber that has been factory treated. Also check for rot on any timbers that are in contact with the ground, especially if they are sitting in an area that is damp, or where water gathers. You can find products to treat vulnerable areas with rot here

You should exclude children and pets from areas that you are treating with chemicals. You should also make sure you do not allow these chemicals to come into contact with garden foliage or your garden pond if you have one. If you require any further assistance please contact us 01912240494 we will be happy to help.