| 41
FUTURESCAPE DECKING HUB
We hope to be working with Futurescape – one of the major UK construction shows, which is introducing a ‘decking hub’ this year prompted by the standards of poor workmanship that prevail in the industry. The aim is to share fundamental decking knowledge with landscapers and installers. This is music to the TDCA’s ears. We have experienced some of the most appalling examples of decking construction over the years – which is damaging to the reputation of timber decking. There is often a lack of understanding about how wood behaves in external environments; wrongly specified products used for applications; corners cut to save on costs – despite plenty of readily available advice, most of which we can provide free of charge. The TDCA was established to influence and promote good industry practice.
We’re here to raise the bar on all things decking and cladding. We have industry experience, a library of free resources and a growing member supplier list with independent third-party verification. The DeckMark accreditation scheme recognises manufacturers, suppliers and installers who work to the highest standards in their fields. Learn more here:
www.tdca.org.uk ■
Left: Decking and cladding installation: examples of poor workmanship
The ban on timber materials used on external walls of multi-storey residential structures due to fire regulations, has resulted in a rise in aluminium decking systems. Porcelain flooring is also an increasingly popular outdoor surface choice.
LEVELLING THE FIELD
Slower trading times provide the opportunity to refocus and reset. Several TDCA members are doing just that – rationalising their offerings and focusing on popular product lines and market trends. BSW Timber has six new dual sided decking profiles in preservative treated redwood (see pp38- 39), while Stamco Hoppings is offering a cylindrical hollow form composite board
(Duolight) to its Smartboard range that will appeal to the more frugal shopper. Accsys is set to launch its grey modified wood decking product, Accoya Color, in the UK after successful sales across Europe.
KEEPING AN EYE ON THE PRIZE At times like these, it’s easy to forget what a versatile, beautiful and nature-friendly product timber decking is. There are many wonderful large-scale commercial projects around the UK which can also inspire the residential designer. Decking can be seen on walkways, making the most of a view or giving a unique vantage point to a special feature or vista; marinas, piers, woodland holiday parks; visitor attractions; historic castles, safari parks, zoos, retail parks
and community spaces. Let’s celebrate such amazing structures to promote the outstanding qualities of this product – suppliers could help this by showing more case study material on their marketing platforms.
In these times of sustainable thinking, responsibly sourced timber ticks all the boxes. Modern forestry standards ensure wood is harvested and procured in a responsible, sustainable way, with new trees being planted to replenish stock. As they grow, trees absorb CO2
. By building with
timber, carbon from the atmosphere is being stored in the built environment. Timber is a low-carbon alternative to materials such as plastic, concrete and steel – let’s shout about it! ■
NATURAL WOOD TERRACE
In this tranquil village in Buckinghamshire, homeowners who had recently extended their home, wanted to create a transitional space between their home and their garden. They reached out to landscape designer, Karl Harrison and have created the perfect decking area using Accoya wood. To keep a natural feel, the Accoya deck boards have not been
coated. Instead, the natural blonde wood colour has been maintained and the boards have been heavily brushed to create texture and enhance the grain of the Accoya wood. By choosing not to coat the decking, overtime the wood will
weather to a silvery grey. To create a feeling of space and simplicity, wide deck boards
Above: Brushed Accoya decking
were chosen and secured with hidden fittings. Accoya was supplied for this project by approved distributor, James Latham Ltd. ■
www.ttjonline.com | March/April 2024 | TTJ
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73
