Category: Decking Advice

Know Your DIY: Timber Treatment

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timber treatment

To get the best out of your wood-based project, a great timber treatment is the key to longevity. Whilst wood will not rot if it is kept dry, protecting against the elements is best practice to ensure that your timber has a long life.

Not sure if you need a timber treatment? Read on to find out more!

What is a Timber Treatment?

Timber treatment is commonly mistaken for decorative coatings, however, a timber treatment is far more hardy and durable. A timber treatment is a mixture of preservatives applied to wood to protect against timber decay, including dry rot and woodworm.

In the often very damp climate of the UK, timber is typically at a high risk of attack from certain insects and beasties, as well as fungi, which can dramatically affect the lifespan of timber, and lead to dangerous, or in some cases potentially fatal accidents where structural timber has been used.

Why Would You Use Untreated Timber?

With such justifiable reasons for using treated timber, it may seem strange to opt to use untreated wood for your project. However, many DIY enthusiasts and professionals still prefer to use untreated timber for a number of reasons.

To begin with, untreated timber is typically cheaper and allows maximum control over the project from start to finish. Another reason that untreated timber may be preferred is due to the nature of harsh chemicals used to create treated timber, it may simply not be appropriate.

For instance, a project involving the creation of an indoor dining table, the purpose of the table would be to serve food – and in this instance, toxic chemicals would carry some risk to health, whilst the risk of structural collapse due to rot is very low to non-existent.

Choosing Between Untreated and Treated Timber

Applying a timber treatment typically requires heavy duty apparatus to apply the chemicals, so for the casual DIY-er, opting for a treated timber can prove to be much more cost efficient, compared to sourcing timber treatment professionals to process your untreated wood for an outdoor project.

The biggest advantage to choosing wood that has undergone a timber treatment is the far superior lifespan. That combined with the cheap price point can make treated timber a very attractive proposition.

If you’re still not sure whether to go for treated or untreated timber, we’d be delighted to help! Just give us a call on 0844 474 4444 to speak to our timber treatment experts now! Ready to get cracking? Check out our treated and untreated timber now!

Embracing Your Outdoor Space – Small Deck Ideas

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Are you challenged by a lack of space in your back garden? Bigger isn’t always better – and we have a whole bunch of small deck ideas to prove it! Ready to take your cluttered backyard to cosy? Read on to find out more!

Create the Illusion of Space

Making the most of your small deck begins with applying the well-known rules of decoration! Like with small indoor rooms, use a lighter wood for the floors and walls. Painting your decking a brighter colour will help to reflect light, creating the illusion of a brighter and spacious area.

Alternatively, if you’re feeling crafty, paint each board of your decking a different colour in lines to create elongating stripes. Not sold on the idea on the idea of painting each board? Make your decking area instantly bigger by hanging a mirror.

Make a Statement

Draw eyes into your deck with a statement piece of furniture. From bright throws and pillows, through to statement rattan sets and Perspex tables, styling your small deck into a Pinterest-worthy space will help to take away from a claustrophobic feel. Think cosy, instead of cramped and create a haven of cushions, crochet and centrepiece candles.

Vertical Impact

Challenged for space horizontally? Think outside the box and use a fence lattice to grow plants and flowers upwards on your decking. Not confident your green thumb will stretch to those height? Make your very own garden using only plant pots – a collection of brightly coloured flowers and shrubs are ideal for sprucing up a dull deck.

Light Up

Much like painting decking a light colour, installing deck lights can help to create the illusion of space. String up some outdoor fairy lights, or dress your deck to impress by installing decking floor lights.

Small Deck Ideas – Building Your Dream Deck

Have our small deck ideas given you the appetite to get cracking on your next project? A great deck shouldn’t break the bank! Snap up a bargain at eDecks now!

5 Ways to Make the Most of Your Garden Deck This Summer

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With summer in full swing, it’s the perfect time to take advantage of your outdoor oasis. Step away from the TV box sets and embrace the surprisingly glorious British summertime. There’s nothing better in summer than enjoying some quality time on your garden deck. Read on to discover five tips for getting the most out of your garden deck over the next few months.

Host a Summer Drinks Party

Admittedly, there’s a lack of opportunity to socialise outside in the UK. So when opportunity does come knocking, you have to take full advantage. Invite your family and friends to admire your garden and soak up the sunshine whilst cracking open a bottle of wine. Decking lights are a great way to ensure you can party until dusk, whilst showcasing your garden in the best light!

Unleash Your Green Fingers

You may not be the next Alan Titchmarsh but gardening can be a great activity for all the family. Summer is a great time to dig out those gardening gloves and have a go. Why not plant some blooms on and around your deck to add a splash of colour? The Rosa Planter would add a lovely touch to your decking this summer.

Get the Family Together for a BBQ

Summer is the perfect excuse to get the family together for a good old fashioned BBQ. After all, nothing beats the taste of burgers and sausages cooked outside! Some garden furniture is a great investment for your decking, lasting for years of family fun! The Ledbury 9 Piece Rattan Cube set looks great on a garden deck and is perfect for all the family.

Catch Some Rays on Your Garden Deck

Your garden deck is the perfect place to relax and work on your summer tan. Grab your sunglasses, a good book and an ice cream and enjoy the tranquillity of your own back garden. If the heat gets too much a parasol is a great option for enjoying the fresh air whilst keeping cool. The Genoa Cantilever Parasol looks great and is produced using weather resistant materials so you can leave it out all year.

Some Evening Stargazing

We’ve all seen these romantic scenarios on TV where people spend the evening cuddling under the stars. Who’s to say you can’t do it too? Your decking makes the perfect setting for a spot of evening stargazing from the comfort of your own garden. Switch on the decking lights, bring out your favourite cosy blankets, light some candles and play your favourite tunes -the perfect evening spent with friends or that special someone!

Are you itching to get planning your summer of outdoor fun? Pop over to eDecks now for all your DIY essentials to take your garden deck to the next level.

Great Outdoor Deck Ideas – The Summer Makeover!

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Barbeque season is almost upon us – which means less time binge-watching the latest show on Netflix and more time in the garden soaking up the glorious rays of sunshine! Returning to your deck after a break can be less than inspiring – especially if your decking hasn’t had an update in quite some time.

If this sounds familiar, then a summer makeover is definitely in order. Read on to explore some great outdoor deck ideas to take your garden space to the next level!

Spruce Up with a Stain

Is your decking looking a bit sorry for itself? A little worse for wear? Regardless of the type of wooden material your deck is made out of, the natural process of wear and tear can leave things looking a bit drab.

One of the quickest ways to revitalise your deck is to apply a decking stain! Remember, before going gung-ho and jumping straight into it, try a range of samples and find out what’s the most complimentary to the overall household exterior.

Remember, if you’re looking to add to some brand new pressure-treated decking, leaving the staining process for a few months. This will give the wood time to bed in and dry out properly, providing the best “canvas” possible for you to paint on!

Feeling anxious about staining your deck yourself? Check out our guide on how to apply decking stain like a pro!

Light Up

Do you plan to use your outdoor decking this summer for entertaining? Shine a little light on the situation and install some decking lights to take the party well into the night!

Take it up a notch and instead of settling for plain old outdoor fairy lights, trying fitting a more substantial solution such as wall lights. Feeling adventurous? Try laying down composite decking tiles with LED lights built in for maximum impact.

Create an Oasis

There’s nothing worse than a sparsely decorated deck. A common mistake to make is to furnish your outdoor space with a sun lounger or two and call it a day. Treat your outdoor decking as another “room” to your house and invest in big, bold potted plants to create a suburban oasis.

Tight on space? Why not try out a wall climbing plant? Installing a little trellis fencing can be discreet and blend into the overall look of the deck, whilst providing a frame for your wall-climbers to grow from.

From Rotten to Rattan!

Is your outdoor deck looking a bit too 80’s? It may be time to bite the bullet and accessorise your deck with a new Rattan furniture set. Choosing a classically-styled set such as the Ledbury 9 piece cube set can act as the perfect foundation to build upon over the years.

Once you’ve invested in your garden furniture staples, simply switch things up by adding new cushions and throws to stay on trend.

 

Putting your Outdoor Deck Ideas into Motion!

Are your creative juices flowing? Ready to put your outdoor deck ideas into motion? Head on over to eDecks now to begin compiling your supplies for your summer makeover now!

Know Your DIY: The Essential Guide to Types of Timber

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types of timber

Do you know your softwood timber from your hardwood? What exactly is the difference between treated and untreated planed timbers? For any newbie starting out on their first DIY project, getting your head around all the terminology associated with types of timber can be very confusing!

Thankfully, we’re on hand here at eDecks to give you the lowdown on everything you need to know about timber.

Getting to Grips with Types of Timber

The types of timber you choose will be largely dependent on the project itself, regardless of whether you’re erecting a fence or laying down some brand new decking. For those on a budget, softwood timber is the preference due to the cheap price point. However, all softwood timber should be pressure treated with a wood preservative, not only to extend the life of the material itself, but also to abide by UK government regulations.

Whilst harder to work with, and a bit more expensive, hardwood timber is a popular choice thanks to its durability and rich colour. For projects that require materials than can stand up against heavy use, hardwood timber is the recommended choice.

To Treat or Not To Treat?

Much like weighing up whether to use hardwood or softwood timber, the choice to opt for treated or untreated comes down to the individual project.

Untreated timber defines itself through the lack of preservatives and chemicals added, making it a fairly “natural” solution. In contrast, treated timber is doused with chemicals and preservatives to greatly extend the life of the material and protect against rot, wear and pesky creepy crawlies.

Choosing treated timber may seem like a no-brainer, but some DIY enthusiasts choose to opt for untreated timber due to the cheaper price point, as well as concerns about health and the hazardous preservatives (albeit considerably less toxic than previously manufactured) used to make treated wood.

In short, for activities that handle an outdoor purpose, or come frequently into contact with insects, treated timber is the recommended material. However, for projects with the end goal involving food or people, such as a desk or dining table, untreated timber may be better placed.

All Sawn Up!

Looking to wrap up a project sharpish, on the cheap? Don’t be lured in by lower prices – rough sawn timber is only for the hard-core DIY enthusiasts! But if you love crafting your project from start to finish, rough sawn timber may be perfect for you as it offers greater control. Rough sawn timber will need to be planed and dried before being used in a project. Expect the rough sawn timber to arrive slightly larger than finished timber as it will shrink down during the planning and drying process.

Timber Supplies at eDecks

At eDecks, we offer a vast range of types of timbers at wallet-friendly price points to suit projects of all levels. If you’re still not sure which timber to use for your project, simply get in touch with our friendly team on 0844 474 4444 and they’ll be more than happy to advise! Ready to get cracking? Head on over to our timber bestsellers to snap up a bargain now!

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