LANDSCAPING & EXTERNAL WORKS Top decking choices
Stefan Holmes of Millboard Decking discusses the main considerations for choosing between materials when it comes to specifying decking
W
hile timber was once the default option when it came to choosing decking material, that is now far
from the case. Today, alternatives are available that will often provide better value and a closer fit with the client’s needs. Choosing between timber and an alternative comes down to three main considerations, ease of ownership, cost of ownership; and enjoyment of ownership. The amount of time and effort required to maintain a deck is important for many clients. One reason why alternative materials were developed in the first place is that, left to its own devices, timber decking exposed to the elements is liable to split, warp and rot. This can be prevented through chemical treatments, both before and after installation. Pre-treated timber overcomes some of the problems, but even so requires regular care with application of protective oils or varnishes, and sometimes may require sanding down or replacement of damaged surfaces.
Whether a timber deck receives the care it needs will be down to a residential client’s inclination to carry out the work themselves or pay somebody to do it. Unfortunately, in many cases, neither option is chosen, and the decking deteriorates quickly. Modern composite materials usually require minimal maintenance. For entirely wood-free versions in particular there is nothing for algae to live on, so in most cases no chemical applications should be necessary, just a straightforward wash with standard detergents. In this regard, non- wood alternatives win hands down. This is also true when it comes to the subframes beneath deck surfaces. These are much harder to get to, so if made of wood, they are going to be hard to maintain – especially if the wrong grade of timber is selected. Decking problems are often due to subframes deteriorating, rather than the deck’s surface. Non-wood alternatives, including aluminium and plastic systems, are likely to last longer, and are much the best option in ground contact, and around water.
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The cost of ownership Wood tends to be cheaper than its alternatives so far as initial cost goes. However, once the whole cost of the deck and its subframe, plus any work or treatments over its lifetime are taken into account, alternative materials come out very favourably. Most clients expect their deck to be a once-only purchase, and with both timber and composites, initial cost- cutting can quickly turn out to be a false economy. Just as higher-grade timber will last longer, so too will the best composites outlast their budget competitors.
Enjoyment
Enjoyment is made up of a number of factors, and different factors will be more
ADF APRIL 2021
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Choosing between timber and an alternative comes down to three main considerations, ease of ownership; cost of
ownership; and enjoyment of ownership
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