Sector Focus: Decking & Garden Products | 45
TREAT IT RIGHT
The correct treatment keeps decking and fencing fit for longer, says Paul Cave, sales director at Koppers
Timber fencing and decking remain popular choices for homeowners and developers alike, as they look to add functionality and durability to gardens.
Decking in particular has grown from a platform for garden furniture to multiple use in social space, while exotic wood types and horizontal lines have grown in popularity for fence styling. However, timber’s reputation – particularly with homeowners – is often put at risk by poor preparation. The many advantages can only be realised with proper maintenance of timber. This is where timber treatment comes in – cutting-edge products ensure that timber and decking keep looking the part and doing the job for years to come.
LOOKING THE PART Aesthetics are a major driver behind timber’s continued popularity in both decking and fencing, and consumers are learning to be bolder with their choices of colours and designs. Dark stains and finishes are set to be the colours of choice for consumers in 2024, largely due to the dramatic contrast they create with the surrounding natural environment. There’s a luxury feel to the richer, deeper colours, but they also help mask
natural wear and tear.
The risk of these bolder designs or choosing any fencing or decking primarily for its appearance, is that any change in that appearance is immediately visible and distracts from a carefully curated design. Fortunately, the latest timber treatments offer hassle-free maintenance and upkeep options for those who give their timber the required attention. Wood oils, cut-end treatments, and stains in various colours are all powerful and easy-to-apply safeguards against discolouration and weathering.
DOING THE JOB
Of course, it’s not just about looks; timber in fencing and decking needs to stand up to everything that the elements and garden activities can throw at it (sometimes literally!). Fencing and decking are not without a few risks, especially when it comes to prolonged exposure to both UV and wet weather, which can cause warping, cracking or rot. Fungi and pests such as wood boring beetles are also a threat to both types of timber and can cause aesthetic and structural problems. In the worst-case scenario, a failed fencing and decking system is a costly problem that could leave homes and properties vulnerable.
This is why preventative treatments such as end coat sealing are important, because the costs of not being proactive could be far higher.
End coat sealing protects freshly cut or
nicked surfaces, so they don’t become a potential way in for moisture, frost or pests. Treatments penetrate deep into wood fibres to create a robust protective barrier around the most vulnerable parts of a timber structure.
TIMING IT RIGHT To get the best from timber treatments, they need to be applied and refreshed at the right time. Application guidance issued by manufacturers is gospel, however, as a rule of thumb, timber should be stained or oiled immediately after construction/ installation, then re-treated at least once a year. The perfect treatment frequency will depend on a host of factors, including climate and wood type, but timing is always key.
Timber has proven its worth these past years and from several indications, will remain a popular fixture of UK gardens for a long time. The right treatment can ensure that timber decking and fencing are also equipped to go the distance. ■
Above: Timber should be stained or oiled immediately after construction/installation
www.ttjonline.com | March/April 2024 | TTJ
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