dECKING
Decking is a quick versatile and beautiful way to create exceptionally functional garden spaces. Decks can be built from a variety of materials with various colours textures and styles on the market.
A great attribute of decking is its ability to create platforms gathering spaces, steps and walk ways with ease. During decking construction there is a lot less excavation and fill than patios allowing a more economic solution for a garden surface. Decks can be built over unsightly areas and over uneven terrain making them extremely desirable in delivering quick cosmetic results. Raised decks can provide garden storage underneath by building cupboard doors to one side.
A great attribute of decking is its ability to create platforms gathering spaces, steps and walk ways with ease. During decking construction there is a lot less excavation and fill than patios allowing a more economic solution for a garden surface. Decks can be built over unsightly areas and over uneven terrain making them extremely desirable in delivering quick cosmetic results. Raised decks can provide garden storage underneath by building cupboard doors to one side.
In the market place today there are 3 main categories of decking:
Softwood Decking
One of the most common decks on the market today are soft wood boards which are common at most building supply stores today. Although these are the cheapest decks they are the least durable and long lasting. This type of decking should be stained every two years as it can subject to warping and degradation over time.
Hardwood Decking
Some of the most beautiful garden decks are hardwoods in my opinion. They are of course more expensive averaging about £50 per square metre to buy and harder to work and fix. Hard wood decks come in an array of beautiful colours and grains perfect for wow factor in a well landscaped garden. Balau with its red and yellow colours is particularly striking.
Balau Hardwood decking
Composite Decking
Composite decking is basically man made decking using recycled materials such as plastics and various resins. They are said to be some of the most durable and longest lasting of all the decking. Many people do find some of it quite bland in colour with a ‘plastic look’ but this comes down to personal taste. There are some very realistic plastic decks such as millboard decking which does look particularly beautiful. Millboard decking however is very expensive compared all other decks types. Overall I think all composite decking is very expensive for what it is but you do have the satisfaction of knowing it will not decompose like timber.
On the note of longevity and durability all of the above decking types are only as robust as the framework materials. The posts and joisting materials also need to be treated or external grade to last as long as the decking itself. It is useful to bare this in mind when installing a new deck.
Composite decking is basically man made decking using recycled materials such as plastics and various resins. They are said to be some of the most durable and longest lasting of all the decking. Many people do find some of it quite bland in colour with a ‘plastic look’ but this comes down to personal taste. There are some very realistic plastic decks such as millboard decking which does look particularly beautiful. Millboard decking however is very expensive compared all other decks types. Overall I think all composite decking is very expensive for what it is but you do have the satisfaction of knowing it will not decompose like timber.
On the note of longevity and durability all of the above decking types are only as robust as the framework materials. The posts and joisting materials also need to be treated or external grade to last as long as the decking itself. It is useful to bare this in mind when installing a new deck.
One of the reasons most decking fails is too much moisture. Usually moisture and rot sets in under the boards, framework and fixings weakening the structure. When planning a new deck this should be considered and if a drainage strategy should be implemented. The gardens of Harrow & Hillingdon vary in this risk but if your garden is boggy or free draining if the correct steps are taken an effective solution can be found for your garden.
Harrow & Hillingdon landscape gardeners have much experience in installing all types of garden decking. If you need help planning your new decking do no not hesitate to contact us for a consultation and quotation.