Garden Timber Decking Guide
by
Randy Cook
A timber deck can change the whole look of your beautiful garden, being both flexible and stylish. They can complement a backyard or be used as an outright alternate. Here are some of the points to consider on how you can use Timber Decking for your Garden to make it look more soothing and attractive.
Durability of Wooden Decking
Wooden decking should last for many years to come. They are made from durable timber and rot proof pressure preserved wood which is perfect for the job. If your decking has been built with the right practices and the correct materials then it will last for very long time if properly maintained. Good builders will offer a warranty up to 25 years with your new deck.
Softwood and Hardwood Difference
Softwood and hardwood – They are the terms used to identify certain species of wood rather than having anything to do with the actual hardness of the wood. On the other hand, evergreen trees produce softwood where as hardwood comes from broadleaved trees.
There are many species of tree within each of these types which can be used to make wonderful deck. The main feature of wood used for garden is its capability to resist fungal decay and other problems like direct sun light, rain water etc. Therefore decking is built with either softwood that has had pressure treatment to extend durability or a hardwood that is naturally durable.
For the most part decks are built from softwood that has been prepared with pressure. These timbers are more easily available and are easier to work with and ofcourse cheaper to buy. There are a range of hardwoods that can also be used spanning many attractive colours to match your personality and liking. However hardwood decking will be more expensive and require more skilled workers to work with.
Deck Boards Coating
Decking requires coating that is suitable for horizontal surfaces. Different moisture levels and footsteps all should be considered with the flat surface of a deck movement of the timber.
Products specifically made for decking penetrates the wood rather than just coating it. This makes the timber resistant to damage from feet and the different moisture levels that collect on a flat surface.
Timber deck for a summer house or a Jacuzzi
A deck can be built to support almost any weight you”d like to put on it. Jacuzzis are popular yet will weigh several tons once filled. Therefore it”s essential that the deck has been purposely build for this use and designed by a structural engineer. Decking for this kind of purpose will be built from suitable stress graded timber and will be much more stronger.
Timber Deck Safety
Decking need not be slippery in the wet. The lack of grip is caused by a coating of surface deposits that grow on the timber. Algae, mildew and fine mosses can all cause a deck surface to be slippery in the wet, and in fact this problem can happen with terrace slabs as well.
The best way to maintain the surface of your deck is with frequent brushing from a stiff broom. Also once a year you should power spray decking or use a suitable deck cleaning product. The best time to do this would be either in spring or autumn.
Timber Decking Maintenance
As discussed above good maintenance of your decking will involve fairly frequent brushing from a stiff broom. The whole deck will require a more thorough clean once a year and the best time to perform this is in autumn or spring. This once a year cleaning should be performed with a pressure spray or a specially designed deck cleaning product. Following these instructions will help the timber of your decking to look new in addition to preventing slippery surfaces when wet.
John is Timber expert since 1990. He has been suggesting latest
Timber Decking
solutions to his clients since the evolution of the new technology. You can visit
Timber Flooring
website for more information.
Article Source:
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