Category: decking

Decking is an attractive and useful upgrade to any garden, as well as helping you to avoid the upkeep of mowing the lawn. But with so many options out there, it can be difficult to choose the kind of decking which is best for yourself and your garden, so eDecks are here to help you decide between anti-slip decking and standard decking. The main types of decking materials that you will find will be softwood, hardwood, composite and anti-slip.

Softwood decking comes from fast growing trees such as pine, which is quickly replaceable. This then makes this decking material the cheapest option, but it is weaker than a hardwood or composite decking.

Things to know about Softwood Decking;

The cheapest decking material
Easy to install
Requires the most maintenance (cleaning and treating with oils is recommended for longevity)
Lasts up to 25 years when well maintained
Colour and finish is easily changed

Hardwood decking comes from slower growing trees such as oak, which can be far rarer and therefore are often the most expensive decking option. Hardwoods can pay off though – not only are they more aesthetically pleasing but they usually last longer than softwood and require much less maintenance.

Things to know about Hardwood Decking;

The most expensive material
Harder to work with (but eDecks provides plenty of guidance and support)
Requires much less maintenance than softwood
Can last for over 50 years
Can look the most impressive

If you live in a particularly wet part of the UK, or you’re planning on adding a high-risk slip area to your deck, such as a hot tub, you may want to consider how you will make your deck safer to use. Anti-slip decking is a perfect solution for this, or whether you have young children, or are simply unsteady on your feet.

If you know your deck is likely to face a great deal of water and heavy foot traffic, getting full anti-slip boards may be your safest option. Full anti-slip boards feature large inserts that cover the majority of the board with a rubbery material that is not only waterproof but more importantly – slip resistant. This means that you will still be able to walk across your decking safely, even when covered in large puddles of water.

These are the best decking boards you can get to avoid accidents and will have the best grip, so if you are looking for a very safe deck or if you are decking an area near a pool or hot tub, we would highly recommend using these boards. Anti-slip strips aren’t always to everyone’s taste aesthetically, but you can get them in a variety of different colours to suit your deck – there are even grass look decking boards if that is something you feel would fit your garden.

If your decking isn’t used as a splash deck, but will still be exposed to water, you could invest in some anti-slip decking with built-in anti-slip strips. These decking boards look very chic and the anti-slip strips are probably the least noticeable of any option – so if you’re wanting a good looking wooden deck, but with the extra safety of anti-slip features, these are the boards for you.

Made with thin anti-slip strips of material made of resin and aggregate, each line of anti-slip material can easily be mistaken for a shadowed groove instead of a safety feature. Because of the incredibly professional finish, these can be a popular but more expensive option, however, we would always recommend speaking to one of our friendly yet professional sales team before being put off by price as we always offer incredible decking on many types of decking. You can even buy samples of all decking options to ensure you pick the best product for you and your deck.

To conclude, anti-slip boards will last the same amount of time and need the same treatment as standard softwood decking boards and this goes for the hardwood option too. Hardwood decking and anti-slip hardwood decking will last the same amount of time as each other and will also require the same treatments. The only difference between Softwood, Hardwood and Anti-Slip Decking boards is the fact that they have the grit inserts running through the boards and will be a lot more comfortable under foot than your normal decking.

eDecks offers some of the best deals on Anti-Slip and Standard Decking around, including all of the installation supplies and tools you may need. Not only do we provide plenty of unbeatable deals but also:

Super-fast FREE delivery on orders over £100*

48 Hour Delivery on many products

Handy FREE installation guides and instructional videos

*Free delivery applies to most of the UK, but some areas may incur a charge. Please check the eDecks website for more details.

Decking: Comparing Hardwood Decking vs Softwood Decking

February 22, 2018

eDecks

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Decking is an excellent way to add a more aesthetically pleasing look to your garden; patio or low level decking can be the perfect solution to hide unattractive areas or to simply raise an area to be level with a conservatory or to add a patio-style area to your garden. The main two types available here at eDecks are Hardwood and Softwood Decking, and we have included some benefits of both, as well as a comparison so that you can discover which would work best for you.

Hardwood

Generally speaking, timber is split into two main types; hardwood and softwood. Hardwood is sourced from slow growing trees, which are often referred to as broadleaved trees and Softwood comes from faster growing, evergreen or coniferous trees. Apart from taking a longer time to be produced, by nature, hardwood is more difficult to process than softwood, which is one of the reasons why softwood is lower in price than hardwood decking.

Softwood

Durability is super important when choosing your ideal timber, and because decking is laid outside, you need to opt for the variety that will stand up to outdoor conditions all year round. If you are looking for more of a quick fix, short term solution, it may be that a budget option works just fine for you, however, if you are wanting more of a long-term investment, then investing in a better quality of wood will pay dividends.

Hardwood

As mentioned, hardwood decking is made from a number of different broadleaved trees, such as oak, ash and beech, and these trees are often grown in temperate climates where they tend to be deciduous, or tropical climates where they tend to be evergreen trees. The wood of these trees is slower in its growth, making it a harder, more durable timber.

Softwood

Softwood decking is made from coniferous, evergreen trees such as pine and spruce, and about 80% of the world’s timber is softwood. To use softwood decking, it must be suitably pressure treated with preservatives, to protect it from fungal and insect decay in addition to deterioration from the environment. Due to availability, cost effectiveness and ease of installation, around 90% of decks are made from softwood decking. Hardwood decking tends to be more expensive and requires more care, but is available in a range of attractive colours.

In a nutshell, softwood decking is;

Cheapest type of decking
Value for money
Has wood fibres which are tightly packed together and this structure gives the boards the strength and durability needed to last
Readily available
Pressure treated boards
Can be stained a different colour
Cut from coniferous trees which are quicker growing and therefore more economical
Come in a variety of designs

Whereas, hardwood decking;

Are FSC certified boards
Certain types have a unique invisible fastener system
Is the warmest, most natural material
Is like an indoor floor, outdoors
Tropical hardwoods are very durable
Needs a greater expertise in carpentry skills than softwood

eDecks offers some of the best deals on Hardwood and Softwood decking around, including all of the installation supplies and tools you may need. Our Hardwood starts at £6.02p per metre with Softwood starting at £2.52p per metre. Not only do we provide plenty of unbeatable deals but also:

Dusty hardwood balau from £4.51p metre and Softwood decking starting at £0.81p per metre!

Call for bulk deals and discount.

Super-fast FREE delivery on orders over £100*

*Free delivery applies to most of the UK, but some areas may incur a charge. Please check the eDecks website for more details.

Timber Treatments: Why It is Beneficial to Use

February 13, 2018

eDecks

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Here at eDecks we stock a wide range of timber treatments to ensure you can get your decking looking its very best as well as prolonging its life. With so many options to choose from, it can be a little overwhelming, so we have put together this guide to give you a little more information on which product can be used when and where.

Decking Oil
Ronseal’s traditional Decking Oil nourishes and protects the decking boards, leaving a lightly tinted finish. It becomes rainproof in just two hours and can be given a further coat in just six hours to stop water soaking in and damaging your deck. Decking Oil also protects your timber against the sun so that it doesn’t turn grey. In a nutshell, Ronseal Decking Oil will restore the wood’s natural oils, prevent colour fade, protects against scruffs and scratches and leaves a lovely, natural finish. There are four shades available including Natural, Natural Cedar, Natural Oak, and Natural Pine and a 5 Litre tin will cover up to 10 m² with two coats.

Decking Stain
Ronseal’s Decking Stain leaves a tough finish that protects your timber against the weather as well as general wear and tear. The Decking Stain dries in just 90 minutes so it will be ready for action in no time and it is super easy to apply onto softwood or hardwood decking with just a brush. For best results, it is recommended to firstly prepare your decking with the Ronseal High Performance Decking and Garden Cleaner. By using the Decking Stain, you will find that it stops wood from greying, is rainproof in just 90 minutes, resists cracking, blistering and peeling and only needs two coats to be at its potential. There are six colours available, including Rustic Pine, Rich Teak, Country Oak, Rich Mahogany, Mountain Green and Golden Cedar and a 2.5 Litre tin will cover 10 m² with two coats.

End Grain Preserver
An end grain preserver will protect the cut ends of your decking to keep the wood strong and is highly waterproof so will protect the timber from rot and decay. To further protect your decking from the elements, End Grain Preserver can be painted over with a decking stain or oil. It does take 24 hours to dry, but this then keeps your deck strong and protected from water damage. Coverage-wise, one litre of End Grain Preserver will cover up to 8 m².

Decking Restorer
If your current decking is looking a little weathered, you can use Ronseal’s Decking Restorer to save it and put life back into it without having the expense of buying new. The Decking Restorer is quick and easy to use and will fully restore your deck back it its original colour, resulting in bare natural wood which is ready to be protected. Decking Restorer works in just 15 minutes, helps your decking to last longer and brightens and cleans the wood. A one litre tin will cover 15 m² of timber.

Decking Stripper
Ronseal’s Decking Stripper works at stripping all stains and oils off of your wooden decking. It takes just one coat of the treatment and starts to work in just thirty minutes, leaving your decking looking like new, in preparation for a stain or oil. It is really easy to use, and helps wonders if you are wanting to give your deck a new lease of life. You will find that on average, a one litre tin covers 10 m² of decking.

Decking Protector
The Ronseal Decking Protector gives added protection to your decking against the rain and sun, which is going to add longevity of life to your deck as rain can lead to rot and the sun can turn your timber grey. It also makes your decking waterproof to stop any splitting and swelling, is scuff resistant and although it comes in two shades – Natural and Natural Oak, it has a nice translucent finish. With regards to coverage, one litre covers 6 m².

Decking Cleaner and Reviver
If your decking needs a spruce up, the Ronseal Decking Cleaner and Reviver prepares new wood and keeps old and new wood clean. It is beneficial to use before applying a stain or oil as it works as a primer and you will find that the stain or oil sticks to the timber better, giving a longer professional finish. The Decking Cleaner and Reviver helps to make your coating last longer, is fact acting and removes mould and algae.

Here at eDecks you can also find a variety of brushes, including Ronseal branded brushes to help you apply your chosen Timber Treatments, which start at just £2.99!

eDecks offers some of the best deals on Timber Treatments around, including all of the installation supplies and tools you may need. Not only do we provide plenty of unbeatable deals but also:

Super-fast delivery starts at just £7.19!

Weed Membrane: Advantages of Use

February 8, 2018

eDecks

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Weed control fabrics also known as sheets, covers or weed membrane are an excellent organic and environmentally-sound option for a variety of areas of your garden. It is a practical, easy and clean method weed control and can be very helpful in various situations and is an aid not a remedy. The reason behind it is that any kind of fabric or cover that suppresses weeds by covering them, also keeps fallen leaves and debris from being decomposed and added to the soil.

Weed control fabrics are one of the environmentally friendly alternatives to commercial herbicides. With weed control fabrics, the time limit is the beneficial point, with some fabrics known to last up to ten years. When using weed membrane, remember to remove it after a few years in order to ensure the soil keeps getting nutrition.

Weed membrane is one of the least harmful and most effective measures of protecting your area from weed growth. They can be used to control weeds in areas such as gravel driveways, vegetable gardens, allotments, decking and artificial grass.

Here at eDecks, we sell regular Weed Membrane, with two further options of Heavy Duty and Super Heavy Duty depending on your needs and requirements. It is fairly cheap to buy and simple to lay, and you can also order Weed Membrane Pegs and Pins from us to ensure your weed membrane is securely fitted.

When laying Weed Membrane, it is important to prepare the surface because once it is laid down, you won’t be able to get to it. If you are laying the fabric under decking or a pathway, then it is a matter of removing all plant life from the area and making sure that it is completely flat. A systematic weed-killer will do the job of killing off any existing weeds before you start.

If you are creating a planting area where you will be using weed membrane, then you will need to dig the area over well, ensuring you remove all weeds and dig in plenty of organic matter that will release nutrients into the soil. Again, you could use a weed killer rather than weeding by hand, as long as you leave plenty of time for it to take full effect. When digging the area over, remove and sticks and stones that could rip or tear the membrane, firm down the earth and then rake over the area to leave a smooth finish.

Weed membrane comes on a roll, so you will need to finalise the shape and size of the area it is covering before take a pair of sharp scissors to give a neat edging. Roll out the fabric and allow for an inch of overlap where two pieces of fabric will meet. With regards to the edges, cut the membrane to fit the area you are covering and then secure it in place using either landscape staples to pin it in place or decorative rocks and stones.

If you are applying the membrane around existing plants, cut a slit into the fabric from the closest edge and slide it into place around the stem of the plant. If you are adding plants after laying the fabric, set out the plants where you want them positioned, and then for each plant take a sharp knife and cut an X into the fabric, making it just large enough to fit the plant into. Tuck back the flaps and dig a hole using a hand trowel. Put your plant in as normal adding compost as and when required. With weed membrane, you will still need to weed occasionally, but you will be able to pull the weeds easily by hand as they won’t have a chance to get their roots in beyond the top layer.

eDecks offers some of the best deals on Weed Membrane around, including all of the installation supplies and tools you may need. Not only do we provide plenty of unbeatable deals but also:

Super-fast FREE delivery on orders over £100*

Handy FREE installation guides.

*Free delivery applies to most of the UK, but some areas may incur a charge. Please check the eDecks website for more details.

Decking Paint: The Benefits of Applying Them

February 6, 2018

eDecks

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Decking paint is a fairly new addition to traditional decking treatments such as decking oils and stains. Whereas decking oils and stains are about retaining the natural appearance of the wood grain, decking paints are designed to give a different kind of appearance. Decking paints are available in a wide range of colours and are ideal for older decking which has been neglected and makeover projects if a major decking restoration isn’t possible. They can also be used on new decking if you are wanting an alternative look to the standard decking finish. As well as decking, these kinds of paints can also be used on arbours, arches, pergolas, car ports and much, much more. So whether you are wanting a colourful garden, or something demurer, read on for our top tips on using decking paints.

Benefits of Using a Decking Paint

Resistant to foot traffic and weathering. Paint often fills gaps and cracks and gives a thicker finish, so it can often be useful for repairing wood that has already been damaged a little by the elements and bad weather. Some paints are made specifically for that purpose.
Available in a range of attractive colours. Painting allows you to use any colour you want and because paint is solid, you can completely cover an old colour which leaves your options wide open.
Quick and easy to apply as well as quick drying.
Gives long-lasting protection and colour. It can also often be easier to clean, especially if it is a good quality paint and is allowed to cure properly before put into use as it will then create a hard shell that dirt usually washes straight off.
Paint is more protective of wood and generally speaking, paint resists rot, mould, and sun damage better than other options.
A cheap way to resurrect old, worn decking.

As with all DIY projects, preparation is the key to success. Simply follow these steps to add some colour to your decking project.

Before painting, decked areas should be clean, dry, and free from surface dirt, grit and other surface contaminates.
Remove all garden furniture and other items from the decking so that the surface is clear.
Remove any old areas of decking stain or paint which have started to crack, peel or flake with a jet washer or decking stripper.
Any areas that are affected by mould, algae or fungi should be cleaned with a scraper, stiff broom or brush to remove all surface matter. It is worth treating these areas with a mould and mildew cleaner which will kill off any remaining spores in the wood and helps to prevent re-growth.
If required, use a wood preservative but one that doesn’t contain wax, oil or silicone.
Paint the decking boards with the decking paint working the full length of 2 to 3 boards at a time.
Allow the first coat to dry as per the container instructions.
Apply a second coat as directed by the manufacturer.

Please note that decking paint may not be suitable for decking which has been oiled or treated with a product that contains wax in the last 12 to 24 months.

eDecks offers some of the best deals on Decking Paint around, including all of the installation supplies and tools you may need. Not only do we provide plenty of unbeatable deals but also:

Delivery starts at just £7.19!

Anti-Slip Decking v Standard Decking

Decking: Comparing Hardwood Decking vs Softwood Decking

Timber Treatments: Why It is Beneficial to Use

Weed Membrane: Advantages of Use

Decking Paint: The Benefits of Applying Them

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