Landscaping & External Works
What to consider when specifying composite decking
Composite decking can provide architects with a fantastic solution for exterior flooring projects. The technology used has developed exponentially over recent times that some manufacturers can now provide a recycled decking product that won’t rot, split, fade or stain and with guarantees that can extend to around 25 years. Marc Foster, manager at Arbor Forest Products Ltd offers advice on what to look for
only producing functional and ultra-low maintenance decking but products with fantastic aesthetics guaranteed to look that way for decades to come. As with timber decking there are various solutions available
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of their makeup (composite decking is usually a mix of plastic polymers and wood fibres). The EU Timber Regulation (EUTR) comes into effect in the UK from 3rd March 2013 and is a legal obligation for any company placing timber or timber products on the European market to conduct due dili- gence on these products to minimise the risk that they are from illegal sources. It is worthwhile checking with the manufacturer whether their product meets this requirement or is exempt from the regulation. Further details can be found at
www.ttf.co.uk.
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and many of these provide differing benefits. Here’s a check list of some queries that you may wish to consider when specifying composite decking:
% of recycled material Manufacturers offer products with varying levels of
recycled material. For example there is a product in the UK with 50 per cent recycled content and another that uses 95 per cent recycled material.
Timber content Many composite decking products include timber as part
s well as a long guarantee, composite decking should only ever need an occasional wash down and will never need oiling, painting or staining. Manufacturers are not
the length of the guarantee (usually differs between commer- cial and domestic residential applications) followed by what the guarantee covers. Most manufacturers will guarantee their product won’t rot or split; others will offer you further cover such as a guarantee their decking will never fade or stain.
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method – using a screw through the face of the board. Others offer concealed fixings for a seamless appearance and some can offer both options with the same product. One argument against concealed fixings is that if you needed access under the deck boards it was difficult and time consuming to remove them. However a number of the latest concealed fixings allow removal of individual deck boards relatively easily.
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Fixing method Some composites work with the traditional face-fix
Guarantee Generally there are two elements to consider here. Firstly
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