This informal CPD article, ‘Five ways to create a future-proof deck ‘, was provided by Arbor Forest Products, one of the largest independent timber importing businesses in the UK, providing outstanding service and distribution to merchants.
Despite being outside of the traditional ‘decking season’, some installers are still seeing their books fill up at this time of year, thanks to the enduring popularity of decking as a way to transform an outdoor space.
This trend is showing no sign of slowing down, and it’s easy to understand why. Decking promotes spending more time outside, which has been proven to have a positive impact on wellbeing. It also offers a solution for extending living space, and this is one of the key reasons the installation of decking can add thousands onto the value of a property.
Of course, this return on investment only applies when a deck can stand the test of time – fortunately, there are several steps that can be taken throughout the process to help future-proof a decking area.
Sensitive design
One of the most important steps for ensuring a deck can be enjoyed for many years is the initial design. This is the first stage of any decking project - it helps to understand the requirements of the space at this point, which will assist in making decisions affecting the later stages such as materials and configurations.
Of course, it’s vital to check local building codes and regulations to ensure any breaches are avoided. Similarly, it’s important to ensure any decking plans are sensitive to the local architecture – for example, while a large, multi-level grey deck may look great in the garden of a new build property, it probably wouldn’t be in keeping with a traditional Victorian terraced home.
During this stage, it’s also important to think about what the deck will be exposed to throughout its life. Factors such as high footfall and ongoing exposure to more extreme elements, as is the case for coastal locations, will shape the requirements of the deck itself.
The timber vs composite question
Having plans for the design of a deck in mind can help answer the timber vs composite question, as it will give some ideas as to what is required of the deck. For example, if the space demands curved edges composite could be the best option, or if it’ll be a small deck with a low budget, the use of timber may be most appropriate.
While some people prefer the traditional appearance of timber as well as its lower price point, composite decking can offer greater value for money in the long term thanks to its longevity. Even with minimal maintenance, composite decking from leading brands offers exceptional durability and won’t rot, split, fade, or stain, and won’t need to be painted or oiled – unlike traditional timber alternatives.
Ultimately, whichever material is decided upon, quality is key and it’s important to always buy decking boards from trusted manufacturers and suppliers. If you opt for timber ensure it has been sustainably sourced – look out for accreditations such as Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) and Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC). When choosing composite decking be sure to select a manufacturer offering a warranty, and avoid hollowcore and uncapped boards as these are subject to both external and structural damage.