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What is the best treatment for decking boards?

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Are you considering embarking on a decking project? Perhaps you’ve recently installed a beautiful deck and are wondering how to best protect it from the elements. Choosing the right treatment for your decking boards is crucial in ensuring their longevity, durability, and overall appearance. With an array of options available, it can be overwhelming to determine which treatment is best suited for your specific needs. Fear not! In this comprehensive guide, we will explore various treatments for decking boards, their benefits, and how to make an informed decision that will keep your deck looking stunning for years to come.

Understanding Your Decking Material

Before diving into the world of treatments, it’s essential to understand the type of wood or composite material used in your decking boards. The material plays a significant role in determining the appropriate treatment method. Let’s take a closer look at some common decking materials:

1. Natural Wood

Natural wood such as cedar, redwood, or pressure-treated lumber is a popular choice for decking due to its aesthetic appeal and natural charm. Each type of wood has unique characteristics that affect its durability and susceptibility to weathering.

2. Composite Decking

Composite decking combines wood fibres with recycled plastic and additives to create a durable and low-maintenance alternative to natural wood. It offers excellent resistance against rotting, fading, and warping.

Understanding your specific decking material will help guide you toward the most suitable treatment options.

Oil-Based Treatments: Enhancing Beauty and Protection

Oil-based treatments are popular among homeowners seeking both protection and aesthetic enhancement for their decking boards. These treatments penetrate deep into the wood fibers, nourishing them from within while creating a protective barrier on the surface.

1. Clear Finishes

Clear finishes provide a natural look by preserving the original color of the wood while protecting it from moisture damage caused by rain or snowfall. These finishes are ideal for those who want to showcase the natural beauty of their decking boards.

2. Semi-Transparent Stains

Semi-transparent stains offer a touch of color while allowing the natural grain and texture of the wood to shine through. They provide moderate protection against UV rays, moisture, and mildew growth.

3. Solid Stains

Solid stains are an excellent choice for those looking to completely change the color of their decking boards while providing maximum protection against the elements. These stains create a uniform appearance by hiding the natural grain of the wood.

Water-Based Treatments: Environmentally Friendly Options

For environmentally conscious individuals, water-based treatments offer an excellent alternative to oil-based products. These treatments contain lower levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and emit fewer odors during application.

1. Water-Based Sealers

Water-based sealers provide a clear protective layer on the surface of your decking boards without altering their natural color. They offer good resistance against moisture and UV rays, preventing premature weathering.

2. Colored Water-Based Stains

If you’re looking to add some color to your deck while avoiding harsh chemicals, colored water-based stains are a fantastic option. These stains come in various shades and provide adequate protection against sun damage and moisture.

It’s essential to note that water-based treatments may require more frequent reapplication compared to oil-based alternatives due to their thinner protective layers.

Composite Decking Treatments: Maintenance Made Easy

Composite decking is designed to be low-maintenance, but that doesn’t mean it requires no care at all. While composite materials are resistant to rotting and fading, they can still benefit from occasional cleaning and maintenance.

1. Mild Detergent Wash

To keep your composite decking looking pristine, regular cleaning with a mild detergent solution is usually sufficient. Gently scrubbing away dirt or debris helps maintain its appearance and prevents the growth of mold or mildew.

2. Stain Removers

In case of stubborn stains on your composite decking, specialized stain removers can effectively eliminate them without damaging the surface. These products are designed to target specific types of stains, such as grease or wine.

Conclusion

Choosing the best treatment for your decking boards is crucial in preserving their beauty and extending their lifespan. By understanding your decking material and considering factors like protection, aesthetics, and environmental impact, you can make an informed decision. Whether you opt for an oil-based treatment to enhance the natural beauty of wood or a water-based alternative for eco-friendliness, regular maintenance ensures your deck remains a stunning outdoor oasis for years to come. So go ahead, select the treatment that suits your needs best, and enjoy your beautifully treated decking boards!

Do I Need Special Fixings for My Deck?

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When it comes to building a deck, there are many important factors to consider. From selecting the right materials to planning the layout, every decision plays a crucial role in the overall integrity and longevity of your outdoor structure. One often overlooked aspect is the choice of fixings used during construction. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore why special fixings are necessary for your deck and discuss the different options available to ensure a sturdy and durable end result.

The Importance of Corrosion Resistance

Outdoor structures like decks are constantly exposed to various weather conditions, including rain, snow, and humidity. Over time, these elements can cause regular metal fixings to corrode and weaken, compromising the structural integrity of your deck. That’s where special fixings come into play.

Stainless Steel Fixings: The Ultimate Choice

Stainless steel fixings are highly recommended for decking projects due to their exceptional resistance to corrosion. Unlike other metals, stainless steel does not react with oxygen in the air, making it rust-resistant even in harsh outdoor environments. This not only ensures that your deck remains aesthetically pleasing but also guarantees its long-term durability.

Galvanised or Coated Carbon Steel Fixings: A Viable Alternative

If stainless steel fixings are not readily available or fall outside your budget range, you have another option: hot-dipped galvanised or high-quality coated carbon steel fixings. These types of fixings undergo a protective treatment that significantly reduces their susceptibility to corrosion. While they may not offer the same level of rust resistance as stainless steel, they still provide adequate durability for most decking projects.

The Advantages of Screws over Nails

When it comes to fastening your deck boards, screws offer several advantages over nails. It’s important to choose screws that are specifically designed for outdoor use and made from corrosion-resistant materials such as stainless steel or galvanised steel. Here’s why screws are the preferred choice:

Secure Fastening

Unlike nails, screws provide a secure and reliable fastening method for your deck boards. Their threaded design allows them to grip the wood more effectively, reducing the risk of loose or squeaky boards over time. This ensures that your deck remains stable and safe for years to come.

Easy Removal for Maintenance

Another benefit of using screws is their ease of removal. When it comes time to perform maintenance on your deck, such as replacing a damaged board or accessing the space beneath the deck, screws can be easily removed without causing excessive damage. This accessibility is particularly important for long-term deck maintenance and repairs.

Choosing the Right Size and Type of Fixings

To ensure proper installation and optimal performance of your deck, it’s essential to choose fixings that are suitable in size and type for your specific project.

Screw Length

When selecting screws for your decking boards, a general rule of thumb is to choose ones that are 2.5 times the thickness of the boards you are using. This ensures that the screw penetrates deep enough into the joists or support beams, providing maximum stability.

Bolts and Joist Hangers

In addition to deck boards, other components of your deck may require special fixings as well. Bolts are commonly used for securing posts to footings or attaching beams to posts. Joist hangers play a crucial role in connecting joists to beams securely. Both bolts and joist hangers should be made from rust-resistant metals like stainless steel or galvanised steel to maintain structural integrity.

Concealed Deck Clips

For those seeking a seamless look with no visible fasteners on their decking surface, concealed deck clips are an excellent option. These innovative fixings allow you to install deck boards without any visible screws or nails on the surface, creating a clean and polished appearance while still maintaining the necessary strength and stability.

Conclusion

In conclusion, using special fixings for your deck is essential to ensure its long-term durability and structural integrity. Stainless steel fixings are the ultimate choice due to their exceptional resistance to corrosion. However, if stainless steel is not an option, hot-dipped galvanised or high-quality coated carbon steel fixings can provide satisfactory results. Additionally, screws offer advantages over nails in terms of secure fastening and ease of removal for maintenance purposes. By selecting the right size and type of fixings for your specific project, you can create a beautiful and long-lasting deck that will bring joy and relaxation to your outdoor space for years to come.

Should I use composite wood or hardwood for my deck?

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When it comes to building a deck, one of the most important decisions you’ll have to make is choosing the right material. Two popular options that often come up in this discussion are composite wood and hardwood. Each has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, making it a matter of personal preference. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the factors you should consider when making your decision, including budget, aesthetics, functionality, durability, maintenance, and environmental impact. By the end of this article, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge needed to choose between composite wood and hardwood for your dream deck.

Budget-Friendly Composite Wood

If you’re looking for a more cost-effective option without compromising on quality, then composite wood is worth considering. Made from a blend of recycled materials such as wood fibers and plastic, composite wood offers an attractive alternative to traditional hardwood decking at a lower price point. Here are some key points to consider:

1. Affordability

Composite wood typically comes at a lower upfront cost compared to hardwood. This can be especially appealing if you’re working within a tight budget but still want a high-quality deck.

2. Low Maintenance

One significant advantage of composite wood is its low maintenance requirements. Unlike hardwood that requires regular staining or sealing to maintain its appearance and protect it from the elements, composite wood only needs occasional cleaning with soap and water.

3. Durability

Composite wood is highly resistant to rotting, warping, and splintering due to its composition of synthetic materials. It also stands up well against moisture damage and insect infestation – common issues faced by decks made from natural hardwood.

While composite wood offers several benefits in terms of affordability and low maintenance, it’s important to note that there are some drawbacks as well.

composite decking boards

Considerations:

  • Composite woods may not have the same natural look and feel as hardwood.
  • Extreme heat can cause composite wood to become hot underfoot.
  • Over time, the color of composite wood may fade due to exposure to sunlight.

Timeless Beauty of Hardwood

If you have a higher budget and prioritize the classic appeal of natural materials, hardwood decking might be the perfect choice for you. Let’s explore the advantages that hardwood brings to the table:

1. Aesthetics

One of the most significant benefits of hardwood is its unmatched beauty and natural warmth. The rich colors, grain patterns, and textures create a timeless elegance that many homeowners desire for their outdoor spaces.

2. Longevity

Hardwood decks are known for their exceptional durability and longevity. With proper care and maintenance, they can last for decades, maintaining their strength and beauty over time.

3. Variety

Hardwood offers a wide range of species to choose from, each with its own unique characteristics. Whether you prefer the deep red hues of Mahogany or the golden tones of Teak, there’s a hardwood option that will perfectly complement your design vision.

While hardwood decking has numerous advantages, it’s crucial to consider some potential limitations as well.

Considerations:

  • Hardwood generally requires more frequent maintenance compared to composite wood.
  • It is more susceptible to scratches and dents than composite wood.
  • Price points for different hardwood species can vary significantly.

In conclusion…

Choosing between composite wood and hardwood for your deck ultimately depends on various factors such as your budget, desired aesthetic appeal, functionality requirements, durability expectations, maintenance capabilities, and environmental concerns. Both options offer distinct advantages; it’s about finding the balance that aligns with your preferences and needs. Whether you opt for the affordability and low maintenance of composite wood or the timeless beauty and longevity of hardwood, investing in a well-designed deck will undoubtedly enhance your outdoor living experience for years to come.

Christmas information

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We close down our sites at the end of the day on Wednesday the 22nd of December, our warehouses and delivery services will be closed down and our staff get time with their friends and family to reflect on the year. But don’t worry, we’ll be back on Tuesday the 4th of January at 7:30 am ready to help out with those new years resolution projects!

Placing an order with us

You can still order online on our website after the 22nd of December, but it won’t be scheduled for delivery until after we all return on the 4th of January. In the meantime, you can browse and get your wishlist ready! Summer will be here soon, so make sure you’re prepared.

Please also note that our customer services won’t be available on social media or through phone, but we will still have some posts going up for you to enjoy.

Keep up with our social media

Instagram: @edecks.co.uk

Twitter: @edecksdecking

Facebook: eDecksDecking

How To Keep Your Timber Fencing Looking Great!

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How Do I Look After My Fence Panels?

In today’s blog, we are going to be sharing some of our favourite hints and tips to help you care for your garden fence; by answering some of our most frequently asked questions, you can keep your fencing looking fantastic for many years to come!

Why Do My Fence Panels Rattle?

As we all know, the weather in the UK can be very unpredictable and can cause some issues during high winds. A rattling panel will usually occur when the slot for the fence panel is too wide, allowing the panel to move and vibrate, whilst this is not normally an issue, however, in high winds, this can cause the panels to rattle and occasionally lift from the posts, as the gap will allow air pressure to flow around and under the panel.

How Can I Stop My Panels Rattling?

We would recommend using Fence Panel Grips. Thankfully, these are very simple to install, all you need to do is slot this into the gap down the side of your concrete post and once the clip releases, it will expand and hold the panel securely in place. The recommended amount to use would be four clips per panel for maximum stability and durability.

Do Fence Panels Need Treating?

Yes, all fence panels new and old will need treating, panels will arrive from eDecks dip treated, however, they require some maintenance to make sure they last as long as possible. 

How Often Should I Treat My Fence Panels?

All new fence panels arrive from eDecks dip treated; if you aren’t planning on painting or staining your panels straight away, we recommend doing so after 2 to 3 years depending on the condition of the wooden panels and old panels need treating once a year. This helps to keep them healthy and protected against the elements. 

How Do I Treat My Fence Panels?

Here at eDecks, we recommend using a water-based fence stain on a garden fence is a great way of prolonging the life of fence panels and posts. Fencing stains like Ronseal Fence life one coat is perfect for use on fence panels as they help to protect the timber from cracking, splitting and warping our personal favourite is the Ronseal Fencing Treatment (various colours available) which offers great fencing protection! Once the panels have been cleaned, treated and allowed to dry, fence panels should then be treated with a wood preservative, this will help to prevent future growth of mould and algae. Fence panels that have become heavily soiled with biological growth may require a second treatment.

How Long Do Fence Panels Last?

The typical lifespan of a wooden fence panel is between 10 to 15 years depending on their location and how well they are cared for, the more effort spent trying to maintain, the longer we can expect them to last.

If all this seems like hard work, have you considered our range of composite fencing, not only is it virtually maintenance-free, it will also last for years and years, looking just as fresh as the day it was installed.

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